Mike Hagerty
Feb 92 min
This will be an unusual review of the Acura Integra Type S. Most of them are direct comparisons with the Honda Civic Type R, with which it shares a platform and hardware.
My review probably would be that too, but the Civic Type R I was scheduled to drive in January of 2023 got diverted just before my turn and was never rescheduled.
While the Civic Type R would have provided valuable context, there's abundant reason to think that Acura is targeting a slightly different driver with the Integra Type S. An enthusiast, to be sure. Just maybe a bit more mature enthusiast.
Under the hood is the same 320-horsepower 2.0-liter direct injection VTEC Turbo four-cyliner engine, but the throttle mapping is different in the Integra Type S---more torque at half throttle than in the Civic Type R. With a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, the Integra Type S hits 60 miles per hour in a standing start in 5.2 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimate is 24 mpg combined city/highway.
Part of the package---Integrated dynamics system, front Brembo brake calipers, and a lightweight single mass flywheel.
The Type S is also treated to a more complaint suspension tune---with the Type S' most aggressive suspension setting (Sport+) comparable to the Type R's "Sport", and the Acura's "Sport" on par with the Civic's "Comfort" mode.
According to Acura, the aim is to make the Integra Type S a street-focused car, where the Civic Type S is more track-focused.
Other changes---lighter alloy wheels for the Integra Type S and a unique Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tire...with a distinct tread pattern and compound.
And where the Civic Type R strips out sound-deadening material, the Type S leaves it in---the same that you'll find in the base Integra and the Integra A-Spec I reviewed in November of 2022. Acura says despite that choice and additional feature content only in the Integra (heated front seats, power driver seat, 16-speaker ELS 3D Studio Audio, head-up display and more), the Integra Type S is only 31 pounds heavier than the Civic Type R.
The base price of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S is $51,995. Standard at that price are the things we've already discussed, plus a comprehensive active safety suite, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated Ultrasuede sport seats, a nine-inch color touchscreen with multiview rear camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, pushbutton ignition, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo area cover, sport pedals, triple-outlet sport exhaust, front and rear parking sensors, jewel-eye LED headlights, heated power door mirrors with turn indicators, tire sealant and inflator kit, rear decklid spoiler, rain-sensing wipers, keyless access with smart entry and welcome lights.
Our test vehicle only had three extra-cost options---the Platinum White Pearl paint ($600), a carbon fiber tailgate spoiler ($950) and the premium carpet floor mat set ($240), so the bottom line on the window sticker reads $53,785.
That's probably about three grand more than a Civic Type R, but even without having driven one, I'm gonna guess over the life of ownership, I'd consider that three grand well spent for an easier-to-live-with, more mature, but no less capable sport sedan.