Get Behind the Wheel of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S: Pinnacle of Performance

What does the 2024 Acura Integra Type S bring to the table? This impressive luxury performance car has been turning heads with its impressive style and drive.

The regular Integra is an already impressive machine with lots of cool features and qualities, but the new Type S takes things to a whole new level. The latest iteration of the Integra is based on the Honda Civic. If you know the Civic, you’ll remember that the Type R is the high-performance variant. The new Integra Type S adds all the performance qualities of the Honda Civic Type R, turning the mild-mannered Integra into a high-performance luxury sports car.

The Type S is not a Type R twin

For those thinking Acura slapped its name on the already impressive Civic Type R, we’re here to tell you there are some differences between the two cars. While both use the same mechanical package: a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the Acura offers unique styling and features that differentiate the two cars. The Type S is different from the regular Integra with its more aggressive styling, including adding 3.0 inches of width to the track thanks to the fender flares added to the car.

Another way the 2024 Acura Integra Type S is different from the Civic Type R is in the power department. The Type S produces 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is five more horsepower than the Honda. The luxury personality fitted to this Acura sports car also brings a slightly softer suspension for a smoother ride and a cabin filled with impressive upgrades including high-end materials and style. The Integra Type S has heated, power front seats, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate controls. All of these features are not part of the Honda performance car.

Is the Integra Type S worth the price bump?

MotorTrend put the Type S in the running for the Car of the Year Award, but it fell short in a few different ways. The first place this car stumbled is value, making consumers wonder if the $51,995 price tag is actually worth it. Compared to its platform mate, the Integra Type R is slower and doesn’t have as much grip. Considering the Civic Type R is less expensive than the Integra Type S, there isn’t a lot of value baked into this Acura sports car.

Those reviewing this car for the award also felt the car has too many Honda parts and not enough Acura influence. When it comes to the performance bits, the Integra Type S wears the same items as the Civic Type R, making some observers state that this car doesn’t have enough Acura to it. There should be more differentiation between the two cars, something that would have helped many vehicles in the 1980s and 1990s when most automakers simply changed badges across brands while using the same vehicle.

More noise, but a great audio system

Even if Acura chooses not to give the Integra Type S different performance items than the Civic Type R, the luxury brand could have done something about the road noise. The Type S is loud on the freeway and has the tire sounds you don’t want to hear during normal driving. Thankfully, that ELS audio system is incredible and can drown out those outside noises. The audio system is one of those features that will quickly make it to the favorites list as you enjoy hearing your favorite tunes on the stereo.

In addition to the need for better insulation and sound-deadening technology, the Type S could have come with improvements to the cargo cover. This feature was problematic on the regular Integra and continues to be a troublesome item in this high-performance model.

Is the Acura Integra Type S worth your attention?

Although the Type S is basically the same as the Civic Type R, it’s an incredible performance car and can be worth your time and energy to drive it wherever you want to go. This Acura has some items that make you smile more than you might in the Honda. The shifter has a leather-wrapped knob, the cabin is roomy and practical, making it less boxy than the Civic, and the Integra sounds better. Of course, you also have more horsepower, which is an important part of how good this car can be.

If the decision comes down to style and power, the Acura Integra Type S beats the Honda Civic Type R, but you’ll pay for the additional goodies that make the Acura just a little bit better than the Honda.