The 2026 Acura Integra represents a careful evolution rather than a dramatic reinvention. Three years after Acura revived the iconic Integra nameplate following a 20-year absence, the model has firmly established itself as the best-selling premium entry-level luxury sedan in its class. For 2026, Acura delivers its first refresh—subtle on the surface, but still meaningful where it matters most. In an era dominated by SUVs, crossovers, and electrification, the Integra continues to stand apart. It remains the only car in its segment to offer a six-speed manual transmission, delivering a level of engagement that rivals simply cannot match. But does the 2026 update do enough to keep the Integra competitive against newer rivals from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz? Let’s take a deep dive.
Table of contents
- What’s New for the 2026 Acura Integra?
- Powertrain and Performance
- Fuel Economy
- Acceleration and Driving Feel
- Exterior Design: Subtle but Purposeful
- Interior: Familiar, Functional, and Comfortable
- What’s Missing
- Infotainment and Technology
- Rear Seat and Cargo Space: A Practical Advantage
- Driving Experience: Where the Integra Shines
- Safety and Driver Assistance
- Pricing and Value
- Final Verdict: Is the 2026 Acura Integra Worth It?
- FAQs About 2026 Acura Integra
What’s New for the 2026 Acura Integra?
Acura’s approach for 2026 is conservative. Rather than redesigning the car, the brand focused on refinement and incremental improvements.
Key Updates for 2026
✅ Larger 9-inch infotainment display now standard
✅ Revised front and rear styling details
✅ New Double Apex Blue Pearl exterior color
✅ Updated wheel designs for A-Spec models
✅ Minor interior trim enhancements
While the changes are light, Acura clearly prioritized preserving what already works—driving dynamics, practicality, and value.
Powertrain and Performance
Engine Options
The 2026 Acura Integra continues to offer two turbocharged gasoline engines:
1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4
✅ 200 horsepower
✅ 192 lb-ft of torque
✅ Front-wheel drive
✅ Available CVT or 6-speed manual
✅ Mechanical limited-slip differential (manual only)
Integra Type S (separate model)
✅ 2.0L turbocharged engine from Civic Type R
✅ 320 horsepower
✅ Manual transmission only
⚠️ There are no hybrid or electrified options, which may disappoint some buyers, but purists will appreciate Acura’s commitment to traditional performance.
Fuel Economy
Despite its performance focus, the Integra remains efficient:
✅ Manual transmission:
26 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined
✅ CVT:
Up to 32 mpg combined
With a 12.5-gallon fuel tank, real-world range reaches 370–450 miles, making it an excellent daily driver.
For more information about the Integra’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Acceleration and Driving Feel
Acura does not officially quote a 0–60 mph time, but real-world testing puts the manual model at approximately:
✅ 0–60 mph: ~7.4 seconds
That’s slower than rivals like the Audi A3 or BMW 228i, but numbers don’t tell the full story.
Why the Integra Feels Special
✅ Best-in-class manual transmission
✅ Light curb weight (just over 3,000 lbs)
✅ Excellent steering feedback
✅ Balanced chassis with adaptive dampers
✅ Rev-matching technology that works flawlessly
🚗 This is not a drag racer—it’s a driver’s car.
Exterior Design: Subtle but Purposeful
The 2026 Acura Integra maintains its sleek sportback silhouette, blending sedan elegance with hatchback practicality.
Notable Exterior Features
✅ Diamond pentagon grille with updated accents
✅ Full LED headlights with chicane-style DRLs
✅ New color-matched grille inserts (select colors)
✅ 18-inch gloss black A-Spec wheels
✅ Dual exhaust outlets and subtle rear spoiler
The design has aged well, and while some may find the updates minimal, the Integra still looks sporty, upscale, and modern.
Interior: Familiar, Functional, and Comfortable
Step inside the Integra, and you’ll notice Acura focused more on usability than flash.
Interior Highlights
✅ 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster
✅ New 9-inch infotainment screen
✅ Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
✅ Heated front seats
✅ Head-up display (Technology Package)
✅ ELS Studio 3D premium sound system
New interior color options, including Orchid leather with blue accents, add freshness and pair beautifully with the Double Apex Blue exterior.
What’s Missing
⚠️ Despite its premium positioning, some luxury features are still absent:
❌ No ventilated seats
❌ No heated steering wheel
❌ No rear air vents
❌ No 360-degree camera
❌ No Google built-in infotainment
These omissions remind you that the Integra is still closely related to the Honda Civic.
Infotainment and Technology
The upgraded 9-inch display is a welcome improvement, replacing the outdated 7-inch unit found in earlier base models. However, Acura’s infotainment software still trails rivals.
Pros
✅ Physical volume knob
✅ Wireless smartphone integration
✅ SiriusXM satellite radio
✅ Simple and responsive interface
Cons
❌ No built-in navigation
❌ Camera quality feels outdated
❌ Lacks Google Assistant features
It gets the job done—but doesn’t impress.
Rear Seat and Cargo Space: A Practical Advantage
One of the Integra’s biggest strengths is space.
Rear Seat
✅ Approximately 37 inches of legroom
✅ Comfortable for adults
⚠️ Headroom is limited due to sloping roofline
Cargo Capacity
✅ 24.2 cubic feet with seats up
✅ Nearly 50 cubic feet with seats folded
This makes the Integra significantly more practical than rivals like the Audi A3 or BMW 2 Series Grand Coupe.
Driving Experience: Where the Integra Shines
Behind the wheel, the 2026 Acura Integra feels alive.
Driving Impressions
✅ Precise steering with real feedback
✅ Excellent chassis balance
✅ Limited-slip differential improves corner exit
✅ Smooth, forgiving clutch
✅ One of the best manual shifters on the market
While road noise is higher than some competitors, the tradeoff is authentic driver engagement—something increasingly rare.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Integra comes standard with Acura’s safety suite:
✅ Adaptive cruise control
✅ Lane-keeping assist
✅ Automatic emergency braking
✅ Blind-spot monitoring
✅ Rear cross-traffic alert
It may not be class-leading, but it’s comprehensive and reliable.
visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Pricing and Value
2026 Acura Integra Pricing
✅ Base price: $33,400
✅ A-Spec package: +$2,500
✅ Technology package: +$3,500
A fully loaded A-Spec with Technology package comes in around $41,000, still:
💰 ~$6,000 less than an Audi A3
💰 ~$10,000 less than a BMW 228i
That makes the Integra one of the best values in the segment.
💡 Important Pricing Note
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information in the United States, we strongly recommend visiting the official Acura website. Acura regularly updates MSRP, trims, incentives, and availability by region, ensuring you get the latest and most reliable pricing details directly from the source.
Final Verdict: Is the 2026 Acura Integra Worth It?
The 2026 Acura Integra doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t try to be the fastest, the most luxurious, or the most high-tech. Instead, it focuses on what made the Integra name legendary: balance, engagement, and everyday usability.
Choose the Integra If You Want:
✅ A true manual transmission
✅ Practical hatchback versatility
✅ Strong fuel economy
✅ Engaging driving dynamics
✅ Premium badge at a reasonable price
Look Elsewhere If You Need:
❌ All-wheel drive
❌ Cutting-edge infotainment
❌ Maximum straight-line speed
❌ Ultimate luxury refinement
In a market full of soulless performance numbers, the 2026 Acura Integra remains a refreshing reminder that driving enjoyment still matters.
