The Acura Integra is more than just a nameplate; it’s a timeline of how performance, design, and car culture have evolved over four decades. From its roots in the late 1980s to its modern revival, the Integra has consistently balanced sportiness, practicality, and everyday usability. This in-depth guide explores every generation, highlighting specs, innovations, and how the Integra transformed from an old-school favorite into a modern sport compact for 2026.
First-Generation Acura Integra (1986-1989)
The Integra debuted alongside Acura itself, helping define what a compact luxury performance car could be. Key specs:
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Engine: 1.6L DOHC inline-4
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Power: Up to 118 hp
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Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
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Body styles: 3-door and 5-door hatchback
The first-generation Integra stood out in a market mostly made up of cheap cars thanks to its pop-up headlights, light chassis, and engine that loved to rev. It was a rare combination of polish and fun to drive, so both new drivers and car fans liked it. It also helped Acura become known in North America by mixing Honda engineering with a more high-end look and feel.
Second-Generation Acura Integra (1990-1993)
The second generation refined everything that made the original successful while pushing performance further. Key specs:
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Engine: 1.8L B-series inline-4
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Power: Up to 140 hp (160 hp in GS-R)
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Suspension: Double wishbone (front and rear)
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Notable Feature: Introduction of VTEC (GS-R)
This generation saw the introduction of VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), an innovation that enabled engines to produce both efficiency and great power. The GS-R variant was extremely popular, offering a high-revving driving experience unique in its class. Handling was also greatly enhanced, making the Integra one of the most appealing front-wheel-drive vehicles of its time.
Third-Generation Acura Integra (1994-2001)
Often considered the golden age of the Integra, this generation elevated the car into legendary status. Key specs:
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Engine: 1.8L VTEC inline-4
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Power: 170 hp (GS-R), 195 hp (Type R)
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Body styles: Coupe, sedan, hatchback
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Performance Variant: Type R
The launch of the Integra Type R changed the lineup. It had a high-revving, hand-assembled engine, lighter weight, and track-specific suspension adjustments. This type became one of the most prestigious front-wheel-drive performance vehicles ever produced. It dominated motorsports and gained a massive following in tuner culture, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Fourth-Generation Acura Integra RSX (2002-2006)
In 2002, Acura replaced the Integra name with the RSX in North America, signaling a shift toward a more modern identity. Key specs:
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Engine: 2.0L K-series i-VTEC inline-4
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Power: Up to 200 hp (Type S)
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Transmission: 5-speed automatic / 6-speed manual
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Body style: 3-door hatchback
The RSX introduced the K-series engine, which gained widespread acclaim for its strength and tuning ability. The Type S variant provided superior performance and a more refined driving experience than previous iterations. Despite the absence of the Integra name, the RSX maintained its core values of lightweight performance, responsive handling, and everyday usability.
Fifth Generation Acura Integra (2023-Present)
After nearly two decades, Acura revived the Integra name, bringing it into the modern era. Key specs:
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Engine: 1.5L turbocharged inline-4
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Power: Around 200 hp
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Transmission: CVT or 6-speed manual
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Body style: 5-door liftback
The new Integra combines practicality and performance. Its liftback design increases adaptability, while the turbocharged engine strikes a mix between efficiency and power. Acura also debuted the Type S model, repositioning the Integra as a credible contender in the sport compact sector. This variant emphasizes performance, with a more powerful engine and improved driving dynamics.
What’s New in the 2026 Acura Integra?
The 2026 Acura Integra focuses on refinement rather than a full redesign, bringing meaningful upgrades in technology, styling, and usability. Key highlights include:
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A larger standard 9-inch touchscreen replacing the older base display
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Faster infotainment processing and improved connectivity
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New exterior colors and subtle styling tweaks
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Enhanced interior materials and ambient lighting (especially on A-Spec trims)
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Minor aerodynamic and visual updates for a sportier look
These updates make the 2026 Integra feel more modern and competitive without changing its core identity.
2026 Acura Integra Performance
The 2026 Integra continues to deliver a balance of daily drivability and sporty performance. Engine options:
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1.5L VTEC Turbo Inline-4
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200 horsepower
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Smooth torque delivery and responsive acceleration
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2.0L Turbo (Type S)
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320 horsepower
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310 lb-ft of torque
Transmission options include a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a 6-speed manual with rev-matching. Also, performance features include a helical-limited-slip differential (manual models), adaptive drive modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual), and dual-axis front suspension (Type S) for improved handling. The Type S variant stands out as the most powerful Integra ever, offering track-level performance while maintaining everyday usability.
2026 Acura Integra Efficiency
Fuel efficiency remains one of the Integra’s strongest advantages in the sport compact segment. Estimated MPG:
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For CVT Models: 29 MPG city / 37 MPG highway / 32 MPG combined
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For Manual Transmission: 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway / 30 MPG combined
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For Type S: 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 24 MPG combined
This makes the Integra one of the few cars that successfully blends performance with strong fuel economy, especially in non-Type S trims.
2026 Acura Integra Interior Design and Tech
The interior of the 2026 Integra emphasizes driver-focused design with modern technology. Interior features:
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10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster
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Standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Available ELS Studio 3D premium audio system
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Heated seats and power-adjustable front seats
Design elements include Ambient lighting (expanded in A-Spec trims), Microsuede and leather upholstery options, Sport pedals, and contrast stitching. The liftback design also adds practicality, with folding rear seats and increased cargo space for everyday use
2026 Acura Integra Exterior Design
The 2026 Integra receives subtle but noticeable design enhancements. Exterior highlights:
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Updated Diamond Pentagon grille (with optional color-matching)
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New paint options, including Double Apex Blue Pearl and Urban Gray Pearl
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Revised A-Spec body kit with gloss black accents
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18-inch alloy wheels (A-Spec trims)
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Signature LED lighting with “Chicane” design
The liftback silhouette remains a defining feature, combining sporty styling with practical functionality.
2026 Acura Integra Trims and Pricing
The 2026 Integra lineup offers multiple trims to suit different budgets and driving preferences. Estimated pricing:
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Base Model: Starting around $34,595
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A-Spec: Around $37,145
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A-Spec with Technology Package: Around $40,395
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Type S: Starting around $54,595
Each trim adds more features, performance upgrades, and styling enhancements, with the Type S positioned as the high-performance flagship.
How to Improve Your Acura Integra Performance with Pedal Commander®?
If you have a 5th Gen Acura Integra (2023+) and want to improve its performance, all you need to do is install Pedal Commander®. As the most practical and versatile throttle controller on the market, Pedal Commander® unlocks your vehicle's full potential. How? Let’s look at what Pedal Commander® does:
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Instant Throttle Response: Pedal Commander® offers lightning-quick acceleration by eliminating throttle lag from your accelerator pedal.
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Effortless Installation: Pedal Commander® boasts an effortless plug-and-play setup in minutes without needing technical expertise for immediate benefits.
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Customizable Settings: Pedal Commander® allows you to fine-tune your vehicle's response to match your preferred driving style with its four adjustable modes: ECO, CITY, SPORT, and SPORT+.
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Fuel Efficiency: Pedal Commander® Eco mode reduces throttle sensitivity for better fuel economy during long road trips or stop-and-go traffic, perfect for daily road use.
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Versatile Compatibility: Pedal Commander® is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide array of vehicle makes and models, electric or internal combustion, for an exceptional driving upgrade.
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Anti-Theft Feature: When activated, Pedal Commander®’s anti-theft feature renders your vehicle’s throttle system completely unresponsive, ensuring no one can steal your car. Enjoy this feature for the first 14 days, then easily subscribe through the Pedal Commander® mobile app and choose from two subscription plans: $0.99 per month or $9.99 per year!
