2024 Acura Integra Type S Review: 320 HP Thrills Unleashed

2024 acura integra type s

Price: $51,800

8.4 /10

Rating

Pros

  • Powerful 320hp turbocharged engine
  • Engaging six-speed manual transmission
  • Practical hatchback cargo versatility

Cons

  • Premium fuel requirement, lower mpg
  • No automatic transmission option
  • Higher base price vs rival
2024 Acura Integra Features & Specs
Type: Type S
Base MSRP $51,800 (Excludes Destination Fee)
Combined MPG 24 MPG
Cost to Drive $201/month
Engine Type Gas
Seating 4 seats
Cargo Capacity 24.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Warranty 4 years / 50,000 miles
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Overview: 2024 Acura Integra Type S

Reviving the Integra nameplate with unapologetic swagger, the 2024 Acura Type S isn’t just a premium performance upgrade over its Honda Civic cousin—it’s a daily-drivable Swiss Army knife for enthusiasts who crave analog dynamics without ditching refined comfort. Think of it as the upscale lovechild of a Civic Type R and a Mercedes-Benz CLA, blending widened fender flares, a large rear wing, and three exhaust pipes into a small sedan that looks like it’s doing 100 mph parked. Under the hood? Packing 320 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission, it’s a high-performance riot that’ll out-grin the Toyota GR86 on a backroad while still hauling groceries in its roomy cabin. Sure, at $52,595, it’s pricier than the Audi A3 or BMW 2 Series, but Acura fixed last year’s complaint about sound deadening, delivering improved interior quietness and balanced suspension that’s sporty without beating you up. Positioned to compete with the Toyota GR Supra Manual for analog purists, it fills the gap between budget thrillers and luxury sedans—a solid choice if you want driving credentials without sacrificing practical flair. Expert teams praised its brake feel and tire grip during test drives, though we’ll judge its head-to-head chops against the Audi Gran siblings once the full report drops. Until then, shopping for a car that’s both playful and practical? Put this on your radar.

What's New in the 2024 Acura Integra Type S?

Stepping aggressively into its fifth generation, the 2024 Integra Type S ditches the Civic Type R’s boy-racer vibe for stylish, upscale maturity—picture faux-suede seats hugging you like a tailored suit, a quieter cabin drowning out the world, and curves so aggressive they’d make a ’90s tuner blush. Acura tuned the same 320 hp turbocharged engine to play nice with daily drives but kept the six-speed manual—a butter-smooth throwback that purists will adore. They even introduced heavier steering and retained the R’s chassis wizardry, though it’s now 31 pounds heavier (blame the comfort upgrades, not the midnight snacks). Think of it as Honda’s Civic finally graduating college: still wild at heart, just dressed sharper and ready to outclass the 2023 model’s plasticky sins.

Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice

Entering the realm of Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S shakes up its segment with a look that’s far from expensive yet unleashes sheer power. This model is equipped with cutting-edge performance tech that makes it rival even a BMW M340i or a spirited S3. The pricing starts at a level priced to deliver value without feeling small. It offers a well-constructed package that will flip your expectations. Each trim comes with a bit of extra flair, outclassing typical sedans with wide-ranging options. Even Audi enthusiasts will appreciate its decent interior and more refined ride. I find it fair and good, packing thousand reasons for drivers seeking a cheaper alternative. There’s a lot to love at $52,595, from side features to the ultimate thrill at the end.

Base

$31,800

Type S

$51,800

Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics

Kicking off with a turbocharged roar, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S proves it’s more than just a pretty face—it’s a driver’s dream machine. The 320 hp/310 lb-ft engine rockets this front-wheel-drive dynamo from 0–60 MPH in 5.2 seconds (or 5.7 if you’re bogging in 1st), paired with a 6-speed manual that feels as satisfying as nailing a perfect high score in an arcade game. Launching off the line, the limited-slip differential and 265-width Michelin tires grip like they’re glued to the road, while the steering delivers feedback so sharp, it’s like the car is reading your thoughts. Sure, the front-wheel layout might hint at understeer in tight corners, but the agile chassis and grippy rubber laugh it off, pulling 1.05g on the skidpad like it’s a warm-up lap. Stacked against German rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R, the Integra swaps AWD launch distance for pure driving thrills—think Mustang-chasing speed without the V8-powered thirst. This car isn’t just for sale; it’s a rare blast from the past, proving manual gears and low lag still rule the road, with handling so sharp it leaves cars twice its price in the dust. Forget rolling starts—this sprint thrives on 2nd-gear heroics and short shifts that leave rivals scrambling, while stopping power ensures every test ends with confidence.

Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range

Gulp! Let’s address the elephant in the gas tank: the 2024 Acura Integra Type S isn’t sipping fuel like a Prius at a yoga retreat. With an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway), it’s par for the course in the performance segment—think premium fuel requirement and a grin-inducing right foot. During my real-world test on a mixed route, it hovered near 22 mpg, which, let’s be honest, feels like feeding a thirsty Labrador at a water park. But hey, Acura didn’t build this car to hypermile; it’s a Type S, not a spreadsheet warrior. The downside? You’ll visit pumps more than a ’90s Integra haunt meets. Still, for a turbocharged thrill machine, that’s impressive restraint—like a German rival’s dietitian whispering in its ear.

Premium Interior and Comfort

Slide into the premium feel of the Integra Type S’s cabin, and you’ll swear Honda’s luxury Acura badge finally learned to tango with subtle swagger. The interior mixes softer-touch materials and faux-suede accents like a tailored tracksuit—well-furnished but ready for track use. Front seats? Bolstered like a linebacker’s hug, yet comfier seats than the Audi S3’s plank-like perches. Climate controls ditch fuss with big knobs even your grandma could crank mid-gearshift, while the straightforward layout keeps eyes on the highway, not hunting menus. Sound deadening? Excellent for a performance car, muting engine noise to a distant buzz—quieter than rivals unless you’re redlining toward town’s low-rent karaoke bar. Visibility’s crisp, suspension balances composure on lower road ripples, and while it lacks seat ventilation (RIP, sweaty backs), the driver’s treated to a civil, consummate cruiser vibe. It’s no luxury car throne, but for a sports sedan with aggressive bones, this relaxing car nails comfort without losing its proximity to fun.

2024 Acura Integra Type S Interior Dashboard with High-Tech Features

Cargo Space and Practicality

Surprise! The 2024 Acura Integra Type S isn’t just a small performance car—it’s a hatchback hero with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo area (expandable via 60/40 split seats) that makes the Audi S3’s trunk look like a glove compartment and exposes the 3 Series’ utility struggles. Behind the front seats, rear legroom fits adults without requiring a chiropractor, while cubbies, a deep center console, and wide door bins turn the cabin into a Tetris master’s playground. Need to haul gear? The seats fold down flat, creating a storage space deep enough for a drum set or a rear-facing seat (yes, car seat installation here is shockingly sane). Sure, the petite trunk lip might impact loading bulky boxes, but the armrest hides a serious added bonus: a hidden compartment for… ahem “spirited driving” snacks. Acura’s positioning nails it—this car lends itself to grocery runs and track days, proving plenty practical without dulling its competition-baiting edge.

Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech

Plug into the Integra Type S’s tech suite, and its 9-inch infotainment screen greets you like a friendly robot butler—wireless connectivity included at the get-go, no fumbling for cables. Acura’s ELS Studio 3D 16-speaker audio system pumps rich sound that’ll make your Spotify playlist feel like a live orchestra, stomping the rivals’ tinny setups. While earlier Acuras lacked polish, this test car consistently nailed smartphone integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sync smoother than a TikTok dance trend. The wireless phone charging pad? No heating dramas here—it just works, unlike some cough MDX cough. Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping system ace highway slogs, though the latter nudges like an overeager backseat driver. Features like these come standard, a strong point over the TLX’s optional extras. Sure, it shares Civic roots, but Acura’s equipped it with better job tuning—no reminder of econobox DNA. Downsides? The interface found in testing still needs a power boost to match German slickness. But hey, for a sports sedan rocking this much smart tech, it’s like Honda finally gave its luxury cousin the cheat codes.

Safety and Driving Support

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S doesn’t just hug corners—it hugs you with AcuraWatch, a comprehensively equipped safety net sharper than a pit crew’s reflexes. The Collision Mitigation Braking System sniffs out impending collision scenarios like a bloodhound, alerts with urgency, then applies braking if you’re daydreaming about apexes. Lane Keeping Assist System gently herds you back centered, while the Rear Seat Reminder (parenthood’s unsung hero) ensures nobody’s left in the rear seat—even your forgotten latte. Rated 5 out of 5 stars by the (NHTSA) National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, this vehicle balances guardian-angel tech with driver-first grit.

Key features:

Collision Mitigation Braking System: Prevents collisions before panic.

Lane Keeping Assist: Minor steering corrections keep wanderlust in check.

Rear Seat Reminder: Never abandon groceries—or toddlers—post adrenaline rush.

Acura Warranty and Maintenance Plan

Lock in peace of mind—the 2024 Acura Integra Type S doesn’t just hustle on asphalt; it babysits your bank account. Acura’s four-year/50,000-mile warranty stomps the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe’s limited warranty, tossing in roadside assistance like confetti. Buyers score complimentary scheduled maintenance for 24,000 miles (aka two years of scheduled maintenance), while the six years/70,000-mile powertrain warranty outlasts most competitors’ coffee-and-doughnut coverage. Bonus? No nickel-and-diming for luxury car perks—this coverage packs an extra year of coddling.

Key features:

Four-year/50k-mile bumper-to-bungee coverage outshines German rivals.

✅ Six-year/70k-mile powertrain warranty laughs at “planned obsolescence”.

✅ Complimentary maintenance for 24k miles coddles your wallet.

Acura Integra models

Let’s cut through the brochure jargon! The 2024 Acura Integra lineup isn’t playing games—trim levels stack like a tuner’s dream. Base models rock a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (think 200 horsepower, 192 lb-ft of torque), paired with a CVT or the grin-inducing standard six-speed manual transmission. Step up to the A-Spec, and you’re swapping flip phones for smartphones: snazzier styling, an optional A-Spec with Technology package, and sticky front wheels that hug corners like a ’90s Civic Si on steroids. But the Type S? Oh, baby—this four-door hatchback flexes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (320 hp, 310 lb-ft), a performance-focused powertrain that snubs the automatic isn’t offered norm. It’s all six-speed manual transmission here, raw and unapologetic, like a vinyl record in a Spotify world. Editors’ breakdown? Simple: daily the continuously variable transmission for commutes, but save the significant features—and your soul—for the Type S.

Car Trim Features
See Models and Features

Comparison with Competitors

Acura Integra vs. Audi A3

The Audi A3 nails small luxury car vibes with sleek style and premium luxury appointments, but the Acura Integra Type S distinguishes itself with a larger engine (320 hp!) and a powerful personality that outshines its larger siblings. While the Audi sedan feels polished, the Integra counters with a larger rear seat, hatchback practicality for unmatched cargo capacity, and technology that prioritizes drivers over gimmicks. For the money, the Acura offers a convincing blend of performance and value, proving luxury doesn’t have to mean sacrificing soul.

Acura Integra vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

While the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class flaunts its in-car technology like a sci-fi showroom, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S roars back with high-performance thrills that won’t demand a trust fund. Think of the CLA’s entry-level turbo-four as a polished librarian—competent, but the Type S’s 320-hp turbocharged engine? That’s a hot hatchback on a double espresso, shredding backroads like it’s late for a Fast & Furious cameo. Sure, the brand prestige of Mercedes-Benz turns heads, but Acura’s comparably equipped Integra delivers special sauce—adaptive dampers, a snickety-shift manual, and less expensive swagger—without skimping on daily-driver civility. Want all-wheel drive? Mercedes has the upper hand, but if raw, analog feel matters, the Integra’s your backroad therapist.

Acura Integra vs. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Squaring the Acura Integra Type S against the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is like pitting a tuner-built rocket against a tailored German suit. The Integra flexes its powerful, turbocharged standard engine (no upsells needed!) and a bigger trunk that swallows gear like a hungry hippo, while the BMW leans on its German brand prestige and available all-wheel drive for quattro-heads. Sure, the 2 Series Gran Coupe feels equipped to charm with posh finishes, but the Acura laughs with a larger back seat (actual humans fit!) and slightly more affordable price tag that won’t vaporize your crypto stash. Though the front-wheel-drive-based Integra can’t match the BMW’s corner-carving über alles vibe, it offers a practical, grin-inducing entry point to performance—proving storied thrills don’t need a compact luxury tax.

FAQs

What makes the 2024 Acura Integra Type S different from the standard Integra?

The main features of 2024 Acura Integra Type S have a strong 2.0L VTEC turbocharged engine, creating 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. With a sport-tuned suspension, wide-body aggressive styling, Brembo brakes, and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, this vehicle has it all. Performance upgrades include reduced body roll, enhanced aerodynamics, and generally better driving dynamics—making it a sports sedan, built with a track twist.

Does the 2024 Integra Type S come with an automatic transmission?

Designed for those who crave a more freak flag-flying driving experience, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. A rev-matching feature combines precision shifting with a limited-slip differential for traction control on those corners.

What are the key performance upgrades in the Type S model?

Type S Integra specific performance adjustments include a dual-axis front suspension aimed specifically at reducing torque steer, widened front and rear tracks, adaptive dampers, and a high-flow exhaust system. Its interior has sport bucket seats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and a customizable digital gauge cluster, making for a premium and race-inspired cockpit experience.

How much does the 2024 Acura Integra Type S cost?

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S has a starting price of about $50,000 MSRP but that number will vary with dealer markups, optional performance packages and destination fees. The value proposition is there, thanks to its extraordinary performance, the premium features, and engineering that is track designed and ready, making it an instant competitor against cars like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R.

Performance
Efficiency/Range
Tech/Innovation
Value

9.0 / 10

8.0 / 10

7.5 / 10

8.0 / 10

8.4 /10

Rating

Gallery:

Images sourced from Acura Newsroom.

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