2023 Acura Integra Elite A-Spec, Photos, Video, Review

By: Joshua Lee
August 24, 2022

After 16 years, Acura has decided to bring the Integra name back into their lineup. For those who were infatuated with the third generation DC2 Integra Type R, fans are expecting a vehicle that is worth the revival. When Acura teased the next generation Integra back in August 2021, we were expecting a fantastic comeback of a two-door coupe. What was thought to be a coupe turned into a five-door hatchback and left most of us wondering what makes this nostalgic to its predecessors?

We are here to find out as Honda Canada gave us the opportunity to test their 2023 Acura Integra Elite A-Spec. Back then, the Integra was available in a three-door coupe or a four-door sedan. This fifth generation (the Acura RSX is counted as the fourth) Integra is the best of both worlds with its sloping roofline and practical liftback hatch. With the A-Spec package, the Integra gets gloss black exterior trim, 18” Shark Grey wheels, a rear spoiler, and A-Spec badging. Powering the Integra is a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four engine that is found in the Civic Si Sedan, making 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The Integra comes standard with a CVT that is smooth and mimics shifts when you use the paddle shifters, but you can opt for the six-speed manual as the CVT lacks personality and excitement when the accelerator is pushed down. Four different drive modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual) help set up the car while the adaptive dampers provide a comfortable ride and responsive handling. We love the steering feel of the Integra as it provides great feedback and is fun in corners.

It’s no surprise that the 2023 Acura Integra is a more premium looking version of the Civic. Both cars are on the same platform, but the Integra is 6.8” longer, 1.1” wider, and 0.2” lower than the Civic Hatchback. The Integra keeps up with Acura’s current design language with its frameless Diamond Pentagon grille, four-element Jewel Eye LED headlights with embedded Chicane daytime running lights, and LED fog lights. We love how Acura has stamped the Integra name on the front and rear bumpers, reminding us of the third-generation model.

The Integra’s interior is essentially the same as the Civic. What’s surprising is that the Civic looks more premium with its full width honeycomb style air vents, whereas the Integra gets two center diamond patterned ones. While they are similar, the Integra’s 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with Ultrasuede inserts provides a great driving position and we love how fantastic the ELS Studio 3D sound system is; both features not found on the Civic. The Elite A-Spec comes with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a back-up camera which is displayed on its 9” center touch screen. There’s good legroom and heated seats in the back but due to its coupe-like roofline, headroom is quite limited. Safety features are packed in the Integra and are very easy to use. Acura’s adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist worked very well with animations on the 10.2” driver’s display. There is 688L of cargo room and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split, but be careful when loading things in as the Integra has a high loading lip.

The Integra starts at $34,350, A-Spec at $37,050, and the Elite A-Spec at $42,550. Our Integra came out to $43,050 with its optional $500 Performance Red Pearl paint job. Keep in mind that the six-speed manual is only available in its top trim, Elite A-Spec, but it is a no-cost option and gives you a limited slip differential which the CVT doesn’t.

The Integra is quite fuel efficient doing 8.1/6.5/7.4L/100km city/highway/combined and our CVT tester did extremely well of 7.1L/100km for the week.

This begs the question; is the Integra reminiscent of the DC2 Type R? No, and for completely different reasons. The new Integra isn’t meant to be a Type R successor; it’s meant to replace Acura’s entry level compact, the ILX, which has been overshadowed by more appealing competitors. The Integra is designed to attract new customers who are looking for an entry level luxury sedan. What Acura offers is a very attractive looking hatchback, nicely equipped with tech, reasonable performance for everyday drivers, and outstanding fit and finish that you expect from Honda/Acura. Who knows, maybe a Type-S version will come out and offer the performance we would want it to be.