Acura Integra Type S: The Grown-Up Civic Type R
- Marc Gonzalez
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Acura’s parent company, Honda, revised the legendary Honda Civic, thus laying the ground for a great compact sedan for both brands. The previous compact model from the Japanese luxury automaker wasn’t exciting, especially in its final years. Acura took the opportunity and concocted the fifth generation of the Integra nameplate, a versatile compact luxury sedan. We drove the Type S, which is the latest performance-oriented model, sharing its components with the mythical Honda Civic Type R. Let’s jump into it. Our test model has an MSRP of $58,600 and was built at the Marysville, OH, plant.
The fifth-generation Acura Integra replaced the aging Acura ILX in 2022; the previous model never really took off and averaged 14 thousand units sold yearly. The Integra garnered much more interest due to its styling, especially the Type S. Its wide, muscular stance is highlighted by flared fenders, a sculpted hood, and a gloss black Diamond Pentagon grille. Signature Chicane LED headlights and sharp character lines flow into a rear diffuser and a bold triple-exhaust setup, reinforcing its performance intent. Standout details include vibrant red Brembo brakes peeking behind the 19-inch alloy wheels, while gloss black accents on the mirrors, spoiler, and window trim add contrast. The Integra model name is prominently engraved on both the front and rear bumpers, like older generations, while Type S badges are prominent on the sides and the trunk, leaving no doubt about its pedigree. While the decision to make it a four-door doesn’t please the hardcore enthusiasts, this latest Acura Integra Type S delivers a striking balance of athleticism and refinement.
The Integra Type S envelops front occupants in a cockpit designed for both performance and sophistication. The heated Ultrasuede/leather sport seats with aggressive red bolsters and stitching combine grip and comfort. In contrast, the flat-bottom, heated steering wheel and three aluminum pedals keep the driver engaged. The many Type S badges and the presence of red accents on the door panels and center console are reminders that this is no typical Acura model. Unsurprisingly, the tech significantly improved since the last generation: a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster that shifts layouts based on drive mode, prioritizing the tachometer in Sport+. The drive mode change also reflects on the 9-inch center touchscreen, which runs Acura’s latest Google-based infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The 12-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system is pretty good for a vehicle of this calibre. The physical climate control knobs make for quick and efficient adjustments.
This vehicle isn’t just a rebadged Honda Civic Type R: the Integra offers a more refined experience. Its seats are more comfortable than the Civic’s bucket seats, and the traditional design provides slightly better legroom for rear passengers (though headroom remains tight). The striking black-and-red front seats contrast sharply with the all-red rear bench, with only the black cupholder breaking the bold colour scheme. Unlike a typical five-seater, the Integra Type S is a four-seater, matching the Civic with only four seat belts. The ISOFIX anchors are neatly tucked under a flap for easy access and stand out in a vibrant red. Meanwhile, the rear anchors are cleverly placed in the cargo area, which might seem odd for a sedan. But here’s the trick: the Integra is a five-door hatchback disguised as a four-door sedan! Speaking of cargo space, it’s impressive for its class, with an official capacity of 688 litres, outpacing rivals like the Cadillac CT4, Genesis G70 and Audi A3. The Integra Type S masterfully blends hatchback practicality, upscale comfort, and thrilling performance.
What truly excites enthusiasts about the legendary Integra’s return is under the hood. The Acura Integra Type S packs a potent 2.0L turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, churning out an impressive 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Power goes exclusively to the front wheels, which are equipped with Brembo brakes to rein in this spirited machine. A triple-center exhaust with an active valve amplifies the signature pops and growls expected from a high-performance car. Like the Civic Type R, the Integra Type R excels in high-speed cornering, thanks to its dual-axis strut front suspension, adaptive damper system, and Agile Handling Assist. Today’s Type R isn’t just a VTEC beast; it’s a precision-tuned track weapon with cutting-edge tech enhancing its agility.
On the road, the fifth-gen Integra more than delivers on its promises. Being one of the few affordable luxury cars still offering a manual transmission is a major draw, but the driving experience itself is exceptional. The sharp electric steering and finely tuned suspension minimize body roll, while the six-speed manual is precise and satisfying. The turbocharged 2.0L engine feels perfectly matched to the chassis, and Acura’s sport exhaust adds a dose of excitement. However, the boost in horsepower (+5 hp) doesn’t make a drastic real-world difference compared to the related Civic Type R. What truly stands out is the Integra’s balance. In Comfort mode, it’s noticeably more comfortable than the Type R, settling into a relaxed yet engaging demeanour that makes it an ideal daily driver. Fuel efficiency? Let’s be real; this is a weekend warrior built for fun, not frugality.
When the latest Honda Civic Type R debuted, enthusiasts knew it was only a matter of time before Acura unveiled its high-performance take. The wait paid off: the Integra Type S is not only sharp-looking and sporty but, crucially, it comes with three pedals, a rarity in today’s performance car market. Sure, its near $60,000 price tag might seem steep for a compact hatchback, but one drive is all it takes to justify the cost. In an era dominated by SUVs and EVs, it’s thrilling to see a car like this still holding its own.
Disclaimer: Acura has lent us these vehicles for a one-week press loan. We have no affiliation with Acura Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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