2025 Acura Integra Type S Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
With a powerful turbo-four engine, hatchback body, and four doors, this Integra might be our favorite Type S yet. It joins a long history of Type S vehicles including the TLX, RSX, and others, and shares bones with Honda’s hottest FWD sport compact. Similarly athletic luxury subcompact competitors include the Audi S3, Cadillac CT4-V, and Mercedes-AMG CLA35.
Acura also offers a less-spicy version of its compact hatchback—read about the Integra lineup here.
What’s New
Acura dusted off the Integra name for its 2023 compact hatchback and added the buff Type S variant for 2024. This year, the model is a carryover.
What We Think
The Integra is among our favorite premium subcompact cars and part of the reason why is the fantastic Type S variant. As a driver’s car, it goes harder than rivals, yet it’s more approachable and easier to drive every day. It delivers gobs of power and incredible grip, enabling shocking corner speeds, but the chassis is forgiving and playful. We’re not huge fans of the car’s over-damped clutch, but we get why it’s there (namely to protect the driveline).
To those worried the Type S is just another Civic Type R, we’d say the Acura is appreciably quieter on road and comes with more upscale standard features. There’s also greater range to dial in the vehicle’s performance settings. We get why some would think it’s not luxury enough, but that said, this is an FWD vehicle with few peers[LK1] .
Performance and MPGs
In Type S specification, the Integra receives a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also gets a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential (basically the same setup in the Civic Type R). Like the standard model, the S is FWD.
Sprints to 60 mph take as little as 5.2 seconds, 2.4 seconds quicker than the Integra with the 1.5-liter turbo. It’s also almost 2.0 seconds quicker than the Honda Civic Si. Fuel economy is expected to be 21/28 mpg city/highway.
Is the Integra Type S the Most Powerful Type S?
Consider the Integra Type S just the first step. While the model designation ensures sportiness, the Integra is only the tip of the iceberg. Both the TLX sedan and MDX SUV come in S versions, each with a turbo V-6 that develops 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. And then there’s the new all-electric ZDX Type S SUV, said to make a ridiculous 499 hp. It sets a new bar for the trim level.
Safety Features
As the top Integra, most of the lineup’s available driver assist and active safety features are standard on the Type S. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic headlights with automatic high-beams, traffic sign recognition, a rear seat reminder, and auto brake hold are also standard.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
For now, the Integra is the only model in the class that’s a hatchback and not a sedan. It offers a generous 24.3 cubic feet of standard capacity behind the rear seats and more if you fold the standard 60/40 split seat back. There’s seating for four, and legroom compares favorably to the Audi S3.
Legroom (front/rear)
- 2025 Acura Integra Type S: 42.3/37.4 inches
- 2024 Audi S3: 41.2/35.2 inches
Technology
Every 2025 Integra Type S features a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, 16-speaker premium audio, and welcome lights. A 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charger, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A 10.2-inch gauge cluster display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and USB ports are also included.
How Much Is the 2025 Integra Type S?
Dealerships will have the 2025 Integra Type S later in 2024. Pricing for the non–Type S models has increased $600 for this year, and we expect the same for the top trim, though possibly by slightly more. Look for pricing to start around $54,000.
