2024 Acura Integra Type S Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The 2024 Integra Type S is like no Acura before it. Significantly more powerful and wider than other Integras, past and present, the range-topping hatchback begins a new performance chapter for the luxury brand. Competitors include the Audi S3 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe .
What's New
Considering the last Integra had a Type R variant, it wasn't much of a stretch to think Acura would produce a hotted-up version of the new Integra, too. But with the Honda Civic currently utilizing the R designation, Acura pivoted to Type S branding, which also has a long performance history in the U.S. Thus the Integra Type S was born, a new model for 2024.
What We Think
For all intents and purposes, the 2024 Integra Type S and current Honda Civic Type R perform identically, as you might expect, given all the shared mechanicals. But it doesn't mean they are the same cars. Apart from a slight increase in output, the S is more generously equipped and features a more upscale interior with perforated faux-leather front seats, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a dark titanium-finish shift knob. We love how it's so much wider than the standard Integra, and with its larger ducting and vents and model-specific diffuser, we'd argue the Type S looks even sportier than the Type R without having to resort to a boy-racer rear wing.
If the Type S has any weak link, it's that it's tuned to thwart hard launches to protect the drivetrain. A beefier clutch and optimized ECU on the Acura should improve performance. As for those who think the S and R are too alike, the evidence beyond the metrics suggests otherwise. So does the price. At around $52,000, the Integra Type S is quite a bit more expensive than its Honda sibling.
In either car, getting to row our own gears in a hatchback made us feel like kids again. This is the Integra we've been waiting for.
Performance and MPGs
Acura's previous Type S hot hatch was the early-2000s RSX, which featured a 201-hp 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, six-speed manual transmission, and FWD. The 2024 Integra Type S updates the formula with forced induction and a rev-matching gearbox.
The 2024 Integra Type S has a K-series turbo-four developing a mighty 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, 5 more horsepower and lb-ft than the current Civic Type R it gets the powertrain from. Where does the boost in power come from? That's mainly from differences in engine tunes and exhausts. The Type S also pinches the R's standard rev-matching six-speed manual, limited-slip differential, performance-tuned adaptive suspension, Brembo front brakes, and summer tires. It even has a riff on the Civic's triple-outlet exhaust finisher. And it, too, is FWD.
Fuel economy trails other 2024 Integra models because they come with less powerful and smaller 1.5-liter engines. Acura estimates the Type S will return ratings of 21/28 mpg city/highway, making it not nearly as efficient as the base model, which gets 30/37 mpg. It's also not as good as the 2024 Audi S3's 23/32 mpg rating, but the S3 also uses a mild hybrid powertrain that's not as powerful as the Acura's.
How Quick Is the Integra Type S?
Quicker than the 2023 Civic Type R, but only just. Launches to 60 mph happen in as swiftly as 5.2 seconds in MotorTrend testing, and the quarter mile can be completed in 13.8 seconds at 105.1 mph. That's a tenth of a second quicker in each test and 0.9 mph faster in the drag race.
The new S wallops the old-school non-turbo Acura hatchbacks. A 2002 RSX Type S we tested hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and finished the quarter in 15.1 seconds at 94.7 mph. We also have data for a U.S.-spec 1997 Integra Type R, which ran to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and matched the RSX's 15.1 seconds in the quarter mile but at a slower 93.8 mph.
The 2.0-liter turbo-four 2022 Audi S3 is quicker even though it makes less power. Sprints to 60 mph happen in 4.6 seconds and on through to the quarter mile in 13.2 seconds at 105.2 mph, but the S3 is neither a hatchback nor FWD.
Type S: The Widebody Integra
The 2024 Integra Type S' wide track gives away its road-hugging intentions. The car is 2.8 inches wider than the standard Integra, with a 64.0-inch front track and 63.5-inch rear track—3.5 inches wider in front and 1.9 inches wider at the rear. It's also shod in a 265-width tire, which is quite a bit meatier than the A-Spec models with 235-width rubber. That's partly how the car exceeds a full g (1.02 g, to be exact) in our lateral acceleration skid-pad test.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
As it's the only hatchback in a segment full of sedans, the 2024 Integra has a distinct cargo advantage. The Acura boasts 24.3 cubic feet of space and the hatch opening makes things easier to load. Passenger room compares favorably to the 2023 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, which is a sedan.
Legroom (front/rear)
- 2024 Acura Integra Type S: 42.3/37.4 inches
- 2023 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: 41.4/34.4 inches
Technology
All 2024 Integra Type S models come standard with the lineup's upgraded 9.0-inch touchscreen and 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio. Also included are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, and power driver's seat. Puddle lights and parking sensors are standard, too.
