Cargazing
By Derek Price
After a week with Acura’s hottest Integra, one thing becomes crystal clear: the Type S badge carries serious weight.
This $54,395 sport compact delivers an intoxicating blend of performance and practicality that justifies its premium positioning.
At the heart of this high-performance variant lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The motor pairs exclusively with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, creating an engaging driver’s car that excels on both road and track.
The clutch and shifter action is precise and perfectly weighted, making every gear change a rewarding experience.
While based on the same basic architecture as the Honda Civic Type R, the Integra Type S charts its own course with more sophisticated styling and a broader performance envelope.
The adaptive damping system offers some level of comfort when cruising while maintaining impressive body control during spirited driving. It’s a more mature take on the sport compact formula.
The 2025 Integra Type S maintains a subtle performance presence with its trunk-lid spoiler and wider stance, avoiding the shouty styling of some competitors.
The practical side of the equation is equally compelling. The five-door liftback design provides 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, rivaling some small SUVs. Rear passengers enjoy a generous 37.4 inches of legroom.
The cabin features standard niceties such as a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration and a premium 16-speaker ELS audio system.
There are some compromises. At highway speeds, road noise is more pronounced than expected in a luxury-branded vehicle. The interior materials and design, while nice, don’t quite match the car’s premium pricing. And despite the sophisticated powertrain, some buyers may wish for an all-wheel-drive option, particularly in snowy climates or to eke out slightly better cornering performance on the track.
Premium touches such as microsuede seat inserts and aluminum trim elevate the Type S cabin, though some materials feel more sporty than luxurious.
But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a thoroughly impressive performance car.
The Integra Type S successfully bridges the gap between hardcore sport compacts and luxury vehicles, offering stellar driving dynamics without boy-racer styling.
Its combination of performance, practicality and refinement makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a more grown-up alternative to traditional hot hatches.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2025 Acura Integra Type S ($52,600). Options: Premium paint ($600). Price as tested (including $1,195 destination charge): $54,395
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 107.7 in.
Length: 186 in.
Width: 74.8 in.
Height: 55.4 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder (320 hp, 310 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
MPG: 21 city, 28 highway
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 10
Price: 7
Handling: 10
Ride: 4
Comfort: 5
Quality: 9
Overall: 10
WHY BUY IT?
The Integra Type S delivers track-ready performance and everyday practicality in a sophisticated package. It’s a mature performance car that doesn’t sacrifice driving excitement.