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.
