The Acura Integra or Honda Civic? Which Is Better in 2024

For drivers seeking a sporty, practical, and relatively affordable vehicle, two excellent options rise to the top: the Acura Integra and the Honda Civic. As close cousins sharing an underlying platform and powertrain, these fan-favorite compacts possess more similarities than differences. However, several key factors distinguish the premium Integra from its mainstream Civic stablemate and help determine which better fits your needs and budget.

This comprehensive comparison examines the core specifications, pricing, performance capabilities, interior accommodations, tech features, and overall ownership experience offered by the 2024 Integra and 2024 Civic. With over 25 years of industry expertise evaluating new vehicles, our team provides trusted insights to help you decide if the sportier, more luxurious Integra justifies its higher cost or if the value-packed Civic still reigns supreme.

Making Sense of Model Offerings

When weighing your options, the first step involves understanding what specific variants exist within each model family.

Acura Integra Trims

The front-wheel drive Integra comes in three primary configurations:

• Integra - Starting at $31,895 MSRP, this base trim carries a potent 200-horsepower turbocharged engine, a 5-speed manual or available continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a generous list of upscale features.
• Integra Technology Package - Adding $3,000 to the base price, this mid-level variant gains a 9-speed automatic transmission option, a larger touchscreen with navigation, wireless device charging, and other upgrades.
• Integra with A-Spec Package - Starting at $35,895, the top A-Spec trim builds off the base model but brings performance enhancements like adaptive dampers, limited-slip differential, plus AcuraWatchTM suite of active safety systems.
• Integra Type S - Launching later in 2023 with anticipated $42,895+ pricing, the high-performance Type S model utilizes a detuned Civic Type R engine making over 275 horsepower sent through a sophisticated 6-speed manual. Upgraded Brembo® brakes, active exhaust system, and limited production exclusivity help justify the large cost increase.

Honda Civic Trims

The 2023 Civic lineup provides buyers with two body styles, multiple powertrain options, and a wide selection of trims across a more affordable price ladder:

• Civic Sedan LX - The most affordable way into a new Civic at only $24,595 MSRP, includes a 158-horsepower naturally-aspirated engine, CVT transmission, partial digital display, basic tech features, and front-wheel drive.
• Civic Hatchback - With a sportier five-door design at a $25,295 starting price, shares Sedan LX specs but with a six-speed manual available. Consider hatching over the trunk for easier cargo access.
• Civic Sport - Adds styling and interior upgrades for $26,095 manual or $26,695 automatic pricing. Still uses a non-turbo engine but the new Active Sound Control enhances the natural exhaust notes.
• Civic EX - At $27,300 MSRP, this popular mid-level trim brings a moonroof, satellite radio compatibility, partial leather seating, a turbocharged 180-horsepower engine, and access to more upgrades.
• Civic Touring - Topping performance lineup at $29,295, the flagship Touring model builds on EX but gains leather, navigation, premium audio, extra connected services, and luxury details.
• Civic Si - Long beloved by driving enthusiasts, the sport-tuned Si keeps a turbo powerplant but cranks output to 200 horsepower for $28,100 manual-equipped MSRP. Advanced safety tech, sport-bolstered front seats, and limited-slip differential make Si a credible Integra rival.
• Civic Type R - As an extreme track-ready variant with over 300 turbocharged horsepower sent to the front wheels, Type R demands $43,995 but trims significant weight while supplying bespoke suspension, bigger brakes, and a racing-inspired cockpit.

Buyers face an extensive menu of versions to pore through. Those seeking luxury have a straightforward Integra lineup with just one front-wheel-drive platform contrasted by affordable though less potent base trims leading up to the mighty Type S halo model. Performance junkies can instead scale the Civic family starting with the spirited Si before ascending to the covered-in-bonkers Type R flagship.

Comparing Key Specifications

We weighted some of the most important technical specifications impacting daily drivability to see how Acura's slick Integra measures up against various Civic models:

Specification	Integra	Civic Sedan Touring	Civic Hatchback	Civic Si
Base Price	$31,895	$29,295	$25,295	$28,100
Power	200 hp	180 hp	158 hp	200 hp
Torque	192 lb-ft	177 lb-ft	138 lb-ft	192 lb-ft
Transmission	Manual or CVT	CVT Only	Manual Available	Manual Only
0-60 MPH Time	6.5 sec	7.4 sec	7.9 sec	6.3 sec
Top Speed	146 mph	125 mph	117 mph	146 mph
Fuel Economy	26/36 mpg (city/hwy)	30/37 mpg	31/40 mpg	25/36 mpg
Cargo Capacity	23 cubic feet	15 cubic feet	25 cubic feet	12 cubic feet
Seating Capacity	5 seats	5 seats	5 seats	4 seats

Analysis reveals the technologically advanced Integra holds decisive advantages over mainstream Civic models for acceleration, power production, torque curve, and top speed while still returning relatively thrifty fuel mileage. Only the athletic Civic Si can match its potency. The Integra also provides cargo versatility similar to the usefully boxy Civic Hatchback.

There’s strong justification behind the Integra’s premium aspirations even if Acura charges a steeper purchase price for such performance. However, keep scrolling for deeper insight on whether the ambitious upstart’s all-around execution warrants choosing it over a well-rounded Civic.

Performance Showdown: Going Hard vs. Getting Efficient

Acura talks a big game positioning the Integra as a precision four-door sports coupe. Slick marketing aside, does this newcomer push driving enjoyment far enough beyond what eager Civic variants already deliver to demand thousands more?

Hard Acceleration Unleashed

• Right away, Integra’s available 6-speed manual transmission supplies a level of hands-on involvement that only entry-level Civics match. Combine the satisfying manual gearbox with a torque-rich turbo engine and adaptive suspension system fine-tuned on Germany's famously difficult Nürburgring circuit and this sport compact encourages charging hard on curvy back roads.
• The steering feels satisfyingly quick without being overly darty while a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension adeptly manages corners. The capable Integra behaves far more like a miniature sports sedan than the economy hatchback. Little surprise then that early reviews place its eager dynamics closer to European competitors like the Audi A3 than any Civic aside from the singular Type R.

Fuel Economy Factored

• Conversely, those less worried about rapid sprints will appreciate how even base Civics earn EPA ratings exceeding 36 MPG on highways. Such impressive efficiency comes courtesy of lighter platform design and fine-tuned drivetrains optimized over decades. While managing a balance between performance and efficiency, Integra models fall short of the Civic family's downright thrifty results.

Compromise Found

• Slotting between mainstream and Type R extremity, the Civic Si sweetens its overall recipe by retaining an obligatory manual gearbox while upgrading to a torque-stacked turbocharged engine shared with the Integra. This allows the Si sedan to sprint from 0-60 MPH just two-tenths of a second behind its pricier cousin while matching its 146 MPH top speed cap. Factor in sleek styling tweaks, multi-link rear suspension, and limited-slip differential also borrowed from the Integra parts bin, and choosing between them largely boils down to desired aesthetics and trim finishings.

The Need for Speed

• Make no mistake that swapping its Civic Si heart for an even zestier Civic Type R screamer launching the Integra Type S model into a class of its own later this year. Sending over 275 horsepower to the front wheels gives this special edition serious straight-line muscle and racing credibility to flaunt on track days or twisty canyon runs. If going ridiculously fast holds higher priority than practicality or meeting monthly payments, nothing else matches the Type S at this price point.

Buyers wanting uncompromised quickness backed by impressive handling precision will feel best rewarded by the new Integra or holding out for the scintillating Type S halo version. Yet those needing to balance sportiness against real-world fuel efficiency might be better served by a top-trim Civic instead of paying extra for the performance they won’t fully utilize.

Daily Living Comparison: Passenger Space vs. Cargo Flexibility

Beyond sheer speed, we also assessed how the Integra's interior volume and storage versatility stack up against Civics focused on practical family transportation duties:

Packing It In

• Despite outward dimensions falling between compact and mid-size categories, both models supply ample interior space thanks to their hatchback layouts. Fold the versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seat down and the Integra swallows an impressive 25.3 cubic feet of cargo - right on par with larger SUVs. The Civic Hatchback rates competitively as well at 26 cubic feet total.
• Sedan variants like the popular Civic Touring manage significantly less utility with only 15 cubic feet available. This reality makes choosing Integra’s hatchback style much more compelling for active owners regularly hauling oversized items.

Seating Six Safely

• Passenger space comes as no compromise either thanks to supportive front seats with power adjustment and mid-grade rear quarters in both models that accommodate two adults or three smaller riders during shorter trips. Just note the performance-optimized Civic Si sedan cuts maximum capacity down to four occupants in favor of front sport seats.
• Smart packaging leaves those residing in an Integra’s airy, well-trimmed cabin little reason for complaint even if it doesn't quite exude luxury. Yet besides some soft-touch accents centered on the dash, many plastics still reflect this model's sensible Civic roots rather than premium positioning.

For buyers wanting a versatile urban runabout, both sporty hatchbacks handily ace practicality expectations before their sedan siblings. Though falling short of true entry-level luxury accommodations, the Integra brings nicer materials plus available upgrades like massaging front seats and wireless charging while retaining cargo versatility on par with its high-value Honda stablemate.

Feature Showcase: Safety Tech vs. Infortainment Extras

Civic models appeal thanks to a combination of winning personality, everyday livability, and Honda's tradition of practicality and reliability. Can the ambitious Integra still justify dramatically raising the bar for pricing and expectations with its modernized execution?

Safety Systems Go Mainstream

• Reassuringly, all Civics feature Honda Sensing® technology bundling collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and traffic sign recognition as standard equipment. That means even base LX buyers gain confidence from automated safety enhancements rivaling far more expensive vehicles.
• By contrast, Acura’s analogous AcuraWatchTM package stays locked behind Integra's mid-grade Technology Package and top-shelf A-Spec trims. This glaring omission barely excuses the Acura’s loftier starting price considering alternatives like the Civic Si sedan gain comparable protection.

Infotainment Upgraded

• Looking at technology, Integra models feature Acura’s sharper interfaces running on faster processors with physical controls more ergonomic overall than Honda's often button-heavy approaches. The flagship Integra A-Spec particularly ups its digital game via a 10.2-inch touchscreen dressed in a striking glass bezel - literally putting high-resolution maps and streaming entertainment front and center.
• Then again, besides excluding navigation services, even entry-level Civics gain a highly functional central touchscreen with wired Android Auto® and wireless Apple CarPlay® integration plus well-sorted physical switches lining the dashboard. So choose based more on software preference than any hardware difference.

Premium Part Worth Paying?

• Load up a range-topping Civic Touring sedan at $29,295 MSRP with navigation, premium audio, leather, and other desirable features and suddenly the Integra’s $31,895 starting price barely seems worthy of its elevated aspirations even when undercutting rivals like the Audi A3 by thousands. With so many shared insurance costs and real-world fuel expenses factored in too, the Civic ultimately prevails as today’s smarter value.

Although base Integras hold considerably more standard equipment than an equivalent Civic LX, they price dangerously close to lavishly equipped Touring models while relying heavily on borrowed componentry rather than exclusive materials. With reliability and resale residual values also forecast to eventually favor the mainstream Civic lineup over Acura’s closely related upstart without proper distinction established first, we say the Integra asks almost too much too soon from Honda loyalists without bringing enough extra substance to completely validate its still reasonable premium.

In Summary

• The Acura Integra delivers a more grown-up blend of impressive acceleration, European-tuned handling dynamics, and upscale accommodations wrapped together in an undeniably sleek shape certain to attract attention. Go with the Integra for embracing luxury appointments without the typical entry-level price premium.
• The Honda Civic Si sweetens an already winning compact formula by retaining everyday drivability along with the choice of a slick manual gearbox while gaining substantial power boosts and suspension upgrades bringing it tantalizingly close to the Integra’s performance. Choose the Civic Si to balance fun and economy under $30,000 nicely.
• The Honda Civic Touring serves up premium leather trim, navigation, upgraded audio, and generous tech features for less than an Integra asks before even counting incentives or better resale value as benefits. Pick the flagship Civic for stretching dollars furthest.
• The Honda Civic Type R exists utterly unfettered by practical concerns with track-worthy agility unmatched at any cost. Go hardcore or go home by grabbing the keys to Honda’s utterly unhinged and undeniably head-turning mega hatch.

So which competently crafted compact best catches your fancy? Choices ultimately come down to personality preferences and priorities. Sporty driving enthusiasts short on cash can’t lose by picking a Civic Si or Integra promising punchy acceleration capped with high-revving turbo power. Yet those simply seeking premium appointments or maximum practicality inside an upscale wrapper will feel happiest getting behind the wheel of a well-equipped Civic Touring model and pocketing extra savings.