The arrival of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S marks the return of a trim name fondly remembered by enthusiasts for its lively performance and relatively affordable price tag. The good news is the new Type S delivers the requisite performance of its namesake and then some; the bad news is the same can’t be said of its affordability.
Related: 2024 Acura Integra Type S Review: S Is for Snazzy, Snarky and Spendy
Like its Honda Civic Type R counterpart, the Integra Type S is Acura’s most performance-focused sedan, with sharp handling and quick acceleration to go along with its aggressive looks. But in line with the brand’s positioning as the more upscale product line (Acura is Honda’s luxury arm), the Type S gets added features and a slightly more mature look and feel than the Type R.
That’s not to say the Type S is not without a certain amount of raucousness, as Cars.com Senior Research Editor Damon Bell found after spending a significant bit of time behind the wheel. Tap the link above to read Bell’s expert review; for a quicker rundown, read on for six things we like about the 2024 Acura Integra Type S and four we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Plenty of Power
With a 320-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s essentially the same as the one in the Civic Type R but with 5 hp extra, the Type S gets a big energy boost compared to the 200-hp turbo four in the base Integra. While delivery is smooth throughout the range, peak power comes at above 6,500 rpm and is accompanied by an intoxicating soundtrack.
2. Sweet Stick
In this age of rapidly disappearing manual transmissions, Acura has chosen to stick with offering a six-speed manual in the Type S. More commendable is that the manual transmission is one of the best in the business, with short throws and a precise, mechanical feel. It’s paired with a clutch that’s smooth and progressive, yet light enough to not be an annoyance in traffic. (Buyers who prefer not to do their own shifting are out of luck; an automatic is not available.)
3. Entertaining Exhaust System
A Type S-exclusive exhaust system includes an active exhaust valve to customize the soundtrack and three notably large 4.33-inch exhaust tips out back. The noise level and sound quality varies depending on which of the four drive modes is chosen, all of which tweak engine response, steering boost and suspension firmness in addition to the exhaust valve’s contribution. Choosing the most aggressive Sport+ setting results in an entertaining snap, crackle and pop whether accelerating or decelerating, and even the mild Comfort setting can get rorty under throttle.
4. Athletic Handling
An adaptive suspension combined with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S low-profile performance tires and thicker stabilizer bars help give the Type S crisp, athletic handling that make it a kick to drive in the twisties.The Type S’ slightly more compliant suspension tuning helps make daily driving a bit more civilized than with the Civic Type R. However, the suspension is on the firm side even when the mildest Comfort setting is chosen, and cranking it up to Sport or Sport+ firms things up further.
5. Practical Performance
A hatchback body style makes the Integra a more practical choice than some competing sports sedans, as opening the hatch reveals a spacious and nicely finished cargo area. In addition, the split rear seatbacks fold for additional room, and a handy cargo net helps keep items in place.
6. Accommodating Interior
The Type S’ front seats have firmer bolster padding than in lesser Integra trims, yet they aren’t as extreme as the track-ready seats in the Civic Type R. You also get an upgraded audio system, heated seats and 12-way power adjustments (including a lumbar adjustment), things that are not available in its Honda cousin. Other features include a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
More From Cars.com:
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- Acura Unleashes 320-HP Beast With 2024 Integra Type S
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- 2023 Acura Integra Review: The Honda Civic Si for Grown-Ups
Things We Don’t Like
1. Noise
As much as we like the rowdy exhaust note of the Type S, the overall noise level is higher than you might expect in an upscale sports sedan. The regular Integra isn’t one of the quieter choices in the category, but the added power and high performance tires make the Type S louder still. Wind and road noise are constant companions, too, especially at highway speeds.
2. Torque Steer
Unlike some upscale competitors including Audi, BMW and Genesis, Acura does not offer any version of the Integra with all-wheel drive. In the case of the Type S, that means routing all 320 hp through the front wheels only. The result is a tendency for some torque steer when you really get on the gas in spite of a standard limited-slip differential.
3. Second-Class Second Row
Backseat passengers have to put up with some conspicuous omissions in the Type S, the kinds of little things that keep Acura from being on par with other upscale brands. This is most obvious in the rear seats, where materials quality and detailing literally takes a backseat to accommodations up front. The second row lacks amenities that might be taken for granted at this price range, too, such as rear air vents or a USB port.
4. Pricey Performer
Stepping up to the Type S requires a hefty price premium over the base Integra, which starts at less than $33,000 (including destination). The base price for a Type S is $51,995, and our test car came to $53,785 with options. That’s not only a huge increase over the base trim, but it’s notably more than the roughly $45,000 base price of a Civic Type R.
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