The Acura Integra Type S emerges as a sophisticated and exhilarating evolution of the lauded Honda Civic Type R, carving its own niche as a top-tier daily driving performance vehicle. While sharing a lineage with the track-focused Civic, the Integra Type S elevates the experience with a blend of refinement, comfort, and raw power, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking both thrills and everyday usability.
Image: Sleek and aggressive styling of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, showcasing its performance-oriented design.
While the Civic Type R is undeniably a performance icon, its inherent stiffness and track-ready nature may not suit all drivers. The Integra Type S answers the call for a more mature and adaptable performance sedan. It retains the engaging driving dynamics that enthusiasts crave while layering in a more premium and comfortable experience. Sporting wider fenders, aggressive styling cues, and the signature triple exhaust outlets, the Type S confidently distinguishes itself from the standard Integra models. Having previously tested the base Integra, the desire for enhanced performance was evident. The Integra Type S not only fulfills this desire but surpasses expectations, establishing itself as a standout in the realm of everyday performance cars, potentially even an all-time great.
The question inevitably arises: Does a front-wheel-drive car, essentially a Honda, warrant a price tag exceeding $50,000? The answer is a resounding yes, especially when experiencing the sheer driving pleasure and overall package the Integra Type S delivers. Key enhancements over the Civic Type R include a more refined and subtly aggressive exterior design devoid of excessive wings, a significantly more upscale and quieter cabin, and a suspension system engineered for daily comfort without sacrificing performance prowess. It’s worth remembering a time when the legendary BMW M3 occupied a similar price bracket, and the Integra Type S shares surprising parallels in size, power output, and driver-focused experience, even boasting a smoother-shifting six-speed manual transmission than many BMWs of the past. While not a direct M3 substitute, the Integra Type S admirably embodies the spirit of a performance sedan at that coveted price point.
Image: Dynamic side view of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, emphasizing its aerodynamic lines and performance tires.
The brilliance of the Integra Type S lies in its versatility. It excels in diverse driving scenarios, from mundane highway commutes to exhilarating backroad adventures. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generates a potent 320 horsepower, delivering a forceful surge of power across the rev range. This engine thrives on spirited driving and maintains its vigor even at higher RPMs, accompanied by a satisfying engine note. While turbo lag is perceptible at lower speeds, it arguably enhances the driving experience, creating anticipation for the exhilarating burst of power that follows. The Integra Type S 0-60 mph time is officially recorded at 5.2 seconds. While not record-breaking, this figure belies the car’s perceived speed on public roads. The readily available and exploitable power, combined with the exceptional six-speed manual transmission, creates an incredibly engaging driving experience. The transmission features perfectly spaced ratios and a fluid, precise gear-shifting action, making the Integra Type S a truly involving machine. Its ease of smooth driving is a testament to the engineering team’s expertise in creating a car that simply performs flawlessly.
While inherent to its front-wheel-drive configuration, torque steer and wheelspin are present, primarily in lower gears at low speeds. However, these characteristics add a layer of driver engagement, demanding a nuanced throttle input and rewarding driver skill in managing the power delivery. Understeer is remarkably well-controlled, with the Integra exhibiting impressive grip and composure in corners. The 265-width Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires at each corner play a crucial role, as does the Integra’s ability to confidently plant its front end and pull through corners with remarkable tenacity. The need for measured throttle application when exiting corners only enhances driver involvement and satisfaction. A sophisticated limited-slip differential further enhances traction and handling, working seamlessly with driver inputs to optimize performance.
Image: Driver-centric interior of the Acura Integra Type S, highlighting the sporty seats, manual shifter, and premium materials.
On winding roads, the Integra Type S demonstrates exceptional point-to-point speed, outperforming many more exotic cars in real-world conditions. Its accessible performance allows drivers to fully exploit its capabilities, potentially embarrassing owners of supercars like GT3s or 458s who cannot fully utilize their vehicles’ potential on public roads. The handling remains remarkably neutral, instilling confidence through corners. Crucially, the Integra Type S offers a more compliant ride than the Civic Type R, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections without sacrificing handling prowess, resulting in a more comfortable driving experience for daily use. While the seats prioritize comfort over extreme lateral support, they remain supportive enough for spirited driving outside of a dedicated track environment. The brake pedal provides consistent and reassuring stopping power. Driver customization is well-addressed with individual settings for throttle response, steering feel, and suspension firmness. Personal preference leaned towards the most aggressive throttle setting, medium steering, and softer suspension settings for optimal road driving. The steering feel, while adjustable, could be further refined, as even in different modes, it occasionally felt slightly artificial or delayed off-center.
Reflecting its Acura lineage, the Integra Type S boasts a significantly more premium interior compared to its Honda counterpart. Soft-touch materials are abundant, and the faux-suede seat inserts enhance the cabin’s upscale ambiance. The moment you step inside and interact with the interior, the elevated refinement over the Civic Type R is immediately apparent. Notably, the enhanced sound deadening in the Integra Type S transforms it into a refined highway cruiser and a comfortable long-distance companion. While a road trip in a Civic Type R might be met with reservations, the Integra Type S welcomes extended journeys with its more comfortable seats, relaxed suspension, and reduced noise levels, making it a far more livable daily driver. Despite these added comfort features, Acura states the Type S is only marginally heavier than the Type R. Remarkably, fuel economy remains impressive, averaging 26 MPG during the test week, further enhancing its daily usability.
Image: Elegant Platinum White Pearl exterior of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, highlighting its sophisticated styling.
There is very little to fault in the Integra Type S. As previously noted in earlier Integra reviews, a high-performance variant was essential, and arguably, the Type S should be the definitive Integra offering. The legendary DC2 Integra Type R holds a revered status for good reason, and the new Type S admirably captures that spirit and nostalgic appeal. Even with its turbocharged engine, departing from the high-revving nature of its predecessor, the Integra Type S stands as one of the most engaging and analogue performance vehicles available today, a true driver’s car. The primary drawback is its price point; it is undeniably a significant investment. Even the Civic Type R, while more affordable, still represents a premium compared to value-oriented competitors like the Hyundai Elantra N.
Ultimately, the Integra Type S delivers an overwhelmingly positive ownership experience. Each drive is a joy, from admiring its muscular stance and Integra-embossed front bumper to experiencing the precise gear shifts and the turbocharged engine’s energetic power delivery. Even highway cruising is a comfortable and refined experience, knowing the underlying performance potential. If the price point is justifiable, the Acura Integra Type S is a truly exceptional sports sedan and one of the best currently on the market.
2024 Acura Integra Type S Review: Performance and Practicality Redefined
As-tested price: $52,595
Pros: Exceptional driving dynamics, refined interior, comfortable ride, potent engine, engaging manual transmission.
Cons: Premium price.
