2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 Honda Civic

The 2023 Acura Integra was a testament to Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into the brand's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a more modern five-door liftback design reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. The car's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its distinct identity with features like honeycomb grilles and high-quality HVAC controls. The Elite A-Spec trim level added microsuede inserts for a premium feel, although the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si continued the tradition of stealth-mode styling, offering a sportier version of the Civic sedan without the overt flashiness of the Type R. It featured LED headlights, a gloss-black lip spoiler, and discreet "Si" badges, with vivid paint options for those who wanted to stand out. Inside, the Civic Si was more expressive, with red seat and door panel inserts and a metal mesh strip hiding the dashboard air vents. The cabin was equipped with gloss black surfaces, polished metal detailing, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Civic Si's interior was both functional and stylish, with metal pedal covers and an aluminum shift knob adding to its sporty appeal.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a significant shift with its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology, enhancing the driving experience. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a variable-ratio electric power-steering system that adjusted based on wheel movement. The car's wide track and long wheelbase contributed to its stability, although it was only available with front-wheel drive. The Integra offered three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si shared the same powertrain as the Integra, with a high-output version of the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine. It also produced 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission featuring a downshift rev-matching feature. The Civic Si's drivetrain included a single-mass lightweight flywheel and a helical limited-slip differential, enhancing its performance. The car's suspension and steering system were designed for sporty driving, with larger brakes and thicker stabilizer bars. However, during testing, the Civic Si's braking system showed signs of overheating, which was a concern. Despite this, the Civic Si offered a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisty roads.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided practicality with 688 litres of cargo space, although the high lift-over height could be challenging for some. The interior was comfortable, with a logical dashboard layout and ample storage options. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si balanced performance with practicality, offering sport-bolstered front seats and a roomy back seat. The interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and a power sunroof. While the Civic Si's low stance made entry and exit slightly challenging, the back seat provided generous legroom. Cargo space was 408 litres, with the ability to stow full-size suitcases on their sides. The 60/40-split folding back seat added versatility, although the trunk lacked a handle for closing.

The 2023 Acura Integra came equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 16 speakers. The technology package made the Integra a standout in its segment, offering a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for volume and tuning. The Civic Si's technology was straightforward yet satisfying, providing a good balance of features for everyday use.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) across all trim levels. Features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Integra received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si also came with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features. However, some of these systems, like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, were found to be less intuitive during testing. Despite this, the Civic Si earned high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.