2024 Acura Integra Type S

We were very happy when we heard that Acura was bringing back the Integra, and even happier after we drove it. We really feel that their new effort fully lived up to the Integra reputation. Well, the good news just keeps on coming, as Acura has just released the new Integra Type S. Could we possibly be any happier? Well, let’s hit the road and find out.

After a hiatus of more than 20-years, the Acura Integra returned for 2023. And like ungrateful kids, we quickly began nagging for a heightened performance Type S variant. Well, Acura has no problem keeping us spoiled, and has indeed delivered this Acura Integra Type S for 2024.

The simple approach would be to say the Type S is just a comfier version of the Honda Civic Type R that we tested just a few weeks ago, but the reality is far more complex. A better way to get into it would be that this Type S has everything we love about the standard Integra, just a ton more of it.

Though even Honda doesn’t try to hide its kinship to the Type R, featuring a similar 3-tip exhaust setup, but Acura’s is arguably even more aggressive looking than Honda’s version. Add in a carbon fiber decklid spoiler, and the rear is where the Type S’s credentials are most prominently displayed as the face appears more intelligent than aggressive. The stance is noticeably wider, with extended fender flares over 19-inch wheels wrapped with 265/30 summer performance tires; ride height is lowered by about an inch. Too bad they couldn’t have trotted out some red Acura badges, but they did at least attempt to pay some homage to 1997’s Type R with some red on the engine topper.

That cover is hiding a 2.0-liter I4 turbo delivering 320-horsepower, 5 more than the current Civic Type R and 120 over other Integras. Impressive enough, but the 118 additional lb-ft. of torque is definitely what we appreciate more. Rated at 310 lb-ft., this engine does love to rev, and just when you think torque is tapering off, there’s a little more on tap. Forget an automatic transmission as the Type S is strictly 6-speed manual, and throttle response feels a little less hyper here compared to the Civic Type R.

One thing that remains consistent with high performance Acuras, is despite how agile they can be, they’re very forgiving of bad driving habits. And after spending extended time in both the Civic Type R and this Integra Type S, most of us prefer the more polished performance of the Type S.

Inside, there are plenty of screens and all the tech you expect, but they seem to be playing supporting roles, not the main attraction. And again, subtlety to the extreme is the approach here with just some unique materials and colors to set it apart from the already sporty Integra. There’s an added Sport+ Drive mode, but there’s plenty of performance in all other modes too, plus a smooth family car feeling when you want it. So, we were geared up for a slightly different experience at our Mason Dixon test track.

And it was definitely a handful off the line, trying to transfer all of that torque to the pavement through wheels that wanted to hop like crazy. It wasn’t until we were in 2nd gear that we could really start laying some power down. We hit 60 in 5.5-seconds, which is a few tenths slower than what we got in the Type R. And power delivery stayed strong the whole way down the track; while it was a mostly quiet trip, the exhaust note that Acura does allow to seep into the cabin sounded fantastic. Our best ¼-mile time was 13.8-seconds at 104 miles-per-hour.

As expected, the Type S felt right at home in our handling course; instantaneous response to steering inputs, and a well-balanced chassis that delivered high levels of grip through the twisties, plus great feedback through the wheel to easily stay on top of it all. And Brembo brakes brought us to quick stops, only 107-feet from 60.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 21-City, 28-Highway, and 24-Combined; we averaged a good 26.6 miles-per-gallon of Premium. That’s an average Energy Impact Score, using 12.4-barrels of oil yearly, with CO2 emissions of 6.1-tons.

Type S pricing comes in at $51,995, about a 14-grand walk from the Integra A Spec Technology. Steep, but well worth it for a car this special.

The original Integra arrived at a time when amazingly capable front-wheel drive cars just didn’t exist, then Acura took it to a new level with the Type R. The 2024 Acura Integra Type S may have a couple more doors than that game-changing Integra, but definitely continues to push the boundaries for what a luxury-minded front-wheel drive car can master.