2026 Acura Integra: New Grille, Identical Grins

When Acura revived the Integra nameplate in 2023, the corporate introduced again greater than a beloved mannequin. It helped to bolster a flagging section, that being a momentum-loving, light-weight (ish), manually shifted sports activities sedan.

Base Trim Engine

1.5-liter turbocharged Inline-4

Base Trim Transmission

CVT Computerized

Base Trim Drivetrain

Entrance-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

200 hp@6,000 rpm

Base Trim Torque

192 lb.-ft.@1,800 – 5,000 rpm

Make

Acura

Mannequin

Integra

Section

Subcompact Luxurious Sedan

Execs & Cons

• Distinctive dealing with and steering for the section
• One of many nice handbook transmissions of the trendy period
• A surprisingly sensible inside, with beneficiant area for individuals and a helpful hatch

• The Civic Si is cheaper and virtually pretty much as good
• The Sort S is quicker, extra highly effective, and extra emotional
• Engine and exhaust expertise are fairly woeful for a sports activities sedan

For the 2026 freshening of the automotive, Acura has correctly left the Integra A-Spec’s finest traits alone and centered on general refinement. There’s a brand new look, some new hues, and – as I noticed climbing the switchbacks alongside the Southern Californian coast – the exact same smile-inducing driving expertise.

Associated

2026 Acura Integra Inside And Exterior Image Gallery

The 2026 Integra provides partaking efficiency, superior tech, and versatile design, persevering with its management within the premium sport compact section.

So What’s New About The New 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec?

The reality is that Acura is following a tried-and-true components for the midcycle replace of a well-liked mannequin. The outside of the automotive has been up to date with a brand new nostril, new physique equipment, and a few new colours, whereas the inside will get extra customary expertise and some revised colorways.

Right here’s the breakdown:

• Three new exterior coloration choices: Double Apex Blue Pearl, City Grey Pearl, and Photo voltaic Silver Metallic.
• Double Apex Blue and Efficiency Purple automobiles get a color-matched grille as customary.
• That grille design has been revised, together with a brand new physique equipment for A-Spec fashions and a brand new 18-inch wheel.
• Orchid (white) interiors now get blue stitching and inserts, whereas Ebony (black) will get the identical accents in yellow.
• Each Integra now comes customary with a 9-inch touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wi-fi charging.

Acura

I’m not a designer, nor am I employed for my eager sense of trend, however I’m largely onboard with the visible updates right here. I dig the very dynamic, intricately laced strains of the entrance grille, although I discover the body-color-matched variations considerably overwrought. Fortunately, the black grille can all the time be had as an choice.

The inside nonetheless appears tidy, and I actually love how a lot room this cabin provides for guys as massive as I’m (6-foot-5 and 240 kilos). I’m undecided I’d’ve observed the brand new stitching had it not been identified to me, however general, that is nonetheless a lovely place to spend the day driving.

Including display actual property is prone to be standard, although I’ve heard many a reader and fellow journalist complain about this sort of placement: type of stacked on prime of the middle sprint. In my expertise, the display didn’t impede my view of the highway – it appears principally stage with the highest of the instrument cluster – although shorter drivers could disagree. Actually, the addition of wi-fi performance is all upside.

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Contained in the Acura Integra A-Spec: Three Excessive-Tech Options You Did not Know About

The Integra (and Honda Civic Si and Sort R) get some fairly fancy sports activities automotive tech. This is the way it works.

So You’re Telling Me It’s Simply A Nicer Model Of The Identical Driver-Centered Automotive?

Acura

Yep, that’s proper. Climbing from the coast to the highlands round Rancho Palos Verdes, south of Los Angeles, one is shortly reminded of the Integra’s innate dealing with skills. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder could not sound like a lot, however the comparatively low curb weight and excellent steadiness can flip curvy roads into slalom programs (my type of driving).

Steering response is speedy and properly weighted (particularly with the driving mode set to Sport), so on switchback climbs up and down steep grades, the Acura actually begs to be pushed onerous. The emotions of precision and smoothness in fast transitions of path are widespread to Honda-family efficiency merchandise, whereas utterly distinctive amongst the aggressive set.

Acura

Now, you’ll be able to definitely argue that the 320-horsepower Integra Sort S is the driving force’s automotive within the Acura lineup, however the A-Spec with the 6MT shouldn’t be ignored. The aforementioned steering and dealing with chops let the ‘Teg shine as a type of trendy “momentum automotive,” not less than, even when missing the extra visceral thrills of some straight-line rockets. And the limited-slip diff ensures that, even on 235-section tires, grip out of corners is sort of good.

Exterior Dimensions

Half and parcel to that concept are the automotive’s very efficient brakes. Regardless of modest 12.3-inch discs up entrance (11.1-inch rear), with single-piston calipers, I discovered the brakes to be actually sharp and straightforward to modulate.

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The 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec 6MT: Is It Nonetheless The Finest Scorching Hatch Regardless of The Worth Hike?

Opposite to standard perception, there are a good variety of enjoyable, quick sports activities automobiles nonetheless in the marketplace. However value is more and more an element.

Is The A-Spec The Candy Spot Or Blind Spot Of Honda And Acura’s Portfolio?

Inside Dimensions

For those who take a look at the Honda Civic Si and the Acura Integra Sort S as the 2 poles on a continuum of this platform’s efficiency, the A-Spec lands proper within the center.

You need to bounce from the bottom Integra ($33,000) to the “A-Spec w/Know-how 6MT” trim ($38,000) to get a handbook transmission, however it’s about the perfect 5 grand you’ll be able to spend on new automotive choices. Removed from novel at this level, the six-speed nonetheless brings gentle, constructive motion, brief throws, and top-of-the-line shift knobs in enterprise. Plus, with a feather-light clutch pedal, the do-it-yourself gear changer isn’t punishing in high-traffic driving.

After all, that elegant handbook could be had in the identical two automobiles that hang-out the Integra A-Spec: the faster Sort S and the cheaper Civic Si.

The Honda provides the identical powertrain in a barely much less posh bundle (admittedly with no heated seat choice for this northern boy), for about $6k lower than the handbook Integra. I choose the Acura’s hatchback kind and exterior styling to that of the Si, but when I had been on a strict finances, the added price could be onerous to justify.

And, if my finances had been extra beneficiant, the 320-horsepower Sort S could be awfully tempting, too. In the end, whereas I like the purity of the A-Spec 6MT, I would love the Sort S slightly bit extra.

Which One Ought to Most Individuals Purchase (And Which Different Vehicles Ought to They Contemplate)?

Acura

Efficiency Specs

There are, after all, loads of patrons who’ll admire Acura’s no-nonsense luxurious vibes, in a sporty-feeling automotive, with none handwringing in any respect about probably the most optimum efficiency discount.

To wit, there are 4 trim ranges of Integra beneath the range-topping Sort S: base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with the tech again in each CVT and 6MT flavors. I’ve discovered the automotive far much less compelling with the CVT geared up, in earlier experiences, and don’t anticipate that to alter for the ‘26 mannequin 12 months replace.

So, whereas the last word A-Spec to me could be painted in Double Apex Blue, with the black grille, a stick shift, and the brand new white/blue inside colorway, your mileage could differ.

At round $41k as-tested, there are compelling luxurious rivals to the Integra; the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 spring instantly to thoughts. And whereas each could have a bonus in a number of areas (particularly torque), they’re far much less partaking general in locations just like the hills and canyon roads present in SoCal. One may also kick across the thought of a rear-drive, extra highly effective BMW 228 Gran Coupe, however provided that they’re pleased with an automated transmission.

The Integra relaunch has been profitable, not less than partly, as a result of the corporate understands that there’s nonetheless a passionate neighborhood keen to spend money on a sensible automotive that connects emotionally. With this revised A-Spec, that’s a neighborhood that may proceed to be well-served.