The race-engineered 2024 Acura Integra Type S is a variant of the Honda Civic Type S, but there are notable separators, including body styles and horsepower

The Acura Integra had a complete redesign for 2022, and the Integra Type S was added for 2023. There are no changes for the 2024 Type S. (Photos by Mark Maynard or as credited)

Table of Contents

The Integra Legacy
Type S Pricing
Type S vs. Type R
Powertrain
Ride and Handling
Safety Features
Why Buy the 2024 Acura Integra Type S?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

While tooling about in the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, I successfully debunked the dad adage that a manual-transmission car will get better fuel economy than one with an automatic. The best I could muster in the test car was a combined 21.4 mpg — and that was hard-earned with mostly careful acceleration. EPA fuel economy estimates are 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 mpg combined. (While testing the Honda Civic Type R stablemate, I reached a highway mileage reading of 26.8 mpg.)

I’m not typically reserved while testing a hot compact with a slick six-speed, but during my test week, premium fuel was $6 a gallon, and it doesn’t take long to burn through the 12.4-gallon tank. The highest octane available is recommended for max performance from the turbocharged 320-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Of course, I would not cheap out on the fuel grade for the Integra Type S. It deserves the best. And it is just too enjoyable to grab it by the scruff of the neck and shake it out.

This five-door, four-seat wily rascal has two levels of performance. The first is of the type that even a mother, or the dedicated hang-wringer in the relationship, would give the nod of approval. The sport bucket seats have an ominous appearance, but they are surprisingly comfortable while being secure support when driving enthusiastically. Get hard on the gas, and the 2.0-liter breathes with machined precision, with just enough crackle and rasp through the triple-tip exhaust outlets. And look at the open cargo space of this compact-class liftback.

The driver area is designed for hands-on control.

An Engineering Masterwork

The second level of Type S go-power can get blistering through a road course or out on your favorite run where the wild things are. Its wide, 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are loathe to squeal in pain when pushed hard. And the tread width is essential for stability in a high-power front-drive sports car.

And just look at its bank of safety features and technologies. Integrating race-engineered performance with a powerhouse of electronic driver-assistance functions is an engineering marvel — none of which gets in the way of a good time. (Find more safety technologies in the specs chart at the end of this article.)

The six-speed is keenly precise with electronic rev-matching downshifts. The rev-match can be automatically engaged or canceled. The electronic downshifts can be confusing for those who know how to manually heel-toe downshift. However, I got accustomed to the rev shifts around town and liked the reminder that soon I would be back in the outback for the unfettered pleasure of manual downshifts.

The Type S Orchid interior has baseball stitching and is trimmed in perforated black microsuede.

The Acura Integra Legacy

The Acura Integra had a complete redesign for 2022, and the Integra Type S was added for 2023. The Type S is now in its fifth generation, including the first-gen car for Japan.

The legacy began in North America with the second-generation 1992-93 Integra GS-R. It was followed by the 1997-2001 Integra Type R, then the 2005-06 RSX Type S. The early performance models were coupes, and the 2023 model is the first five-door body style.

Sport Compact Competition

This segment of reasonably priced, high-performance compacts is a storied gathering that includes the Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX, Toyota GR Corolla, VW Golf R, and the Civic Type R.

The Elantra N, Civic Type R, and Acura Integra Type S are front-wheel drive, while the other competing models have all-wheel drive. Some are available with an automatic transmission, but Acura preserves the integrity of hot-shoe driving with only a six-speed manual for the Integra Type S.

It is the Acura-Honda skill at race-spec engineering that transforms a premium sport compact sedan into a purpose-engineered track athlete.

2024 Acura Legacy Type S Pricing

The Acura Integra Type S is a one-spec choice for engine, manual transmission, and equipment. Manufacturer pricing for the Integra Type S starts at $51,995, including the $1,195 freight charge from Marysville, Ohio. The Apex Blue tester came to $55,971, which includes the pearl paint for $600, the carbon fiber tailgate spoiler ($950), premium carpeted floor mats ($240), and the very attractive 19-inch copper alloy wheels for a significant bump of $2,186.

Unique Type S interior features include a serial-number plate, high-bolstered front sport seats in red-and-black microsuede fabric with double red stitching, red floor mats, red ambient LED interior lighting, metal-trimmed sport pedals, aluminum shift knob, red illuminated front door panels.

On the outside, look for the Brembo four-piston aluminum front brake calipers, 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, gloss black side sills and wing spoiler, center-mounted, and the car’s signature triple outlet exhaust.

There is one no-cost paint color of Lunar Silver Metallic and but six optional colors for $600 each: Apex Blue Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Tiger Eye Pearl (gold), and Platinum White Pearl.

More Type S features are listed below in the specifications chart.

Finding a new Acura Integra Type S isn’t overly difficult, compared with the outrageous dealer markups for the Civic Type R and its limited availability.

For current Acura pricing check here.  For Acura’s special offers check here.

Usable front door-panel storage.

Type S vs. Type R

The Integra Type S is a variant of the Honda Civic Type R, but there are notable separators, including body styles. The Integra Type S is the five-door liftback version of the Civic, while the Type R is a four-door sedan. Both have a four-seat 2-plus-2 cabin.

An Acura spokesman said both cars were developed by wholly different teams, with unique buyer and performance targets.

Credentials for the Integra Type S begin with its development by the same team that created the fifth-gen Integra. Led by chief engineer Yoshiaki Akimoto, his previous projects include the second-gen Integra GS-R motor, Honda’s first four-cylinder with VTEC; the S2000 AP1 motor; and Honda’s 2005 F1 engine program.

While both sport compacts share the basic 2.0-liter powertrain, the Integra gets a 5-hp boost. Both, however, have the same torque rating of 310 lb.-ft. from 2,600 to 4,000 rpm. Acura says the Integra Type S has a noticeably different throttle map than the Type R, specifically at half throttle, whereas Integra offers significantly more torque, the spokesman explained.

For the $7,105 price difference for the Integra, it adds such convenience extras as:

Sound deadening is removed for Type R (vs. Civic Touring), whereas Integra Type S maintains the same level of sound isolation as the standard Integra;

Added interior features include:

• Heated front seats;
• Power driver seat;
• ELS 3D Studio Audio;
• Head Up Display.

A wide footprint for full contact acceleration.

Integra Type S Assets

• Vented aluminum hood;
• A third interior color choice of Orchid (cream) and black is in addition to black, and black and red.
• A much more compliant suspension tune. The most aggressive mode for Type S (Sport-plus) is comparable to the middle mode (Sport) in the Type R. Type S Sport mode is comparable to the Honda’s Comfort mode. Even in similar settings, the damping profile is quite different (street vs. track focus), the spokesman said;
• Unique Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tire developed specifically for the Integra Type S. The tread pattern and compound are distinct from the Type R. No CUP2 is offered for Type S.
• The 19-inch Integra Type S wheel is actually lighter than the Civic Type R wheel.
• Integra Type S curb weight is just 31 pounds heavier at 3,219 pounds;

Type S Style

The liftback body style gives the Integra Type S a hunky stance with a “flares and chairs” treatment. The Type S is 2.8 inches wider and 0.2-inch longer than the standard Acura Integra. The front track is 3.5 inches wider (to accommodate the wide Michelins), and the rear track is 1.9 inches wider.

The big Acura grille has enhanced engine and brake cooling with a more open diamond pattern (boosting airflow by 170 percent, Acura says). The vented aluminum hood channels air pulled in at the grille to flow up and over the windshield. Large Godfather-like air intakes left and right in the lower front fascia channel airflow through three canards in the inner fender to the big Brembo discs. The smooth rear fascia is designed as a diffuser to channel air and reduce lift.

A matte red engine cover. (It is in memory of the second-gen Integra Type R.)

Integra Type S Powertrain

The K20C four-cylinder engine is the stuff of dreams for Acura-Honda disciples. In the Type S, the turbocharged and direct-injected VTEC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder has 320 hp, five more than the Civic Type R.

There is an enjoyable rise and fall to the revs to neatly stitch a gear. With the engine’s wide spread of peak torque, shifts do not have to be rushed.

Ease into first gear, roll on power to second, and get ready for liftoff as the torque begins to rush at about 2,400 rpm. Powering through a second-gear turn at 4,000 rpm is inspiring as I lift and slot the shifter for third, then roll on the power — and smile at the reassuring pushback in the seat. That’s when these sport seats are in their element.

And that is also when the 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires (265/30) are in their playground. These 10.7-inch-wide rollers bring an attack attitude to performance driving.

The tires have an asymmetric tread pattern and a treadwear rating (UTQG, or Uniform Tire Quality Grade)
of 300, which is sticky but not as soft as a racing tire. Acura advises that these “unique high-performance tires” are not designed for winter driving and “will wear more rapidly than normal passenger car tires.”

Replacing a tire will run about $350 — and do not cheap out when it’s time for replacements or risk a compromise to handling performance.

The lower fascia is a diffuser to channel airflow.

Type S Ride and Handling

Acura has mercifully tempered the stiffness of the ride with an adaptive damper system. It takes away the daily bump and grind yet immediately stiffens under pressure.

There also is more soundproofing, but the ride is still a whirlwind at highway speeds. The Acura ELS Studio audio system (unique from the Type R) has 16 speakers, but even this system with 530 watts can’t tame the noise. The ride around town is grainy, which seems contrary to the fairly soft Michelin tires.

The 12-way power driver seat is a major improvement over the Civic’s sport seat. And both front seats seem to have less restrictive shoulder and thigh bolsters.

A consideration is the awkwardly wide 40-foot turning circle. And care must be taken to guard the low front splitter from scraping on driveway entries and road irregularities.

The 2+2 back seat space has snug legroom of 37.4 inches.

Integra Safety Features

Type S safety features include 10 air bags and a complete set of driving-assist technologies (listed below in the specs box). Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assist felt a little skitzy and insistent at the steering wheel. Lane-centering, however, was accurate and reassuring in heavy traffic.

One of my most appreciated technologies is the Traffic Sign Recognition system. It is vital to know the speed limits in this speed-capable Type S.

Driving-Assistance Technologies

Layered into the safety electronics of all Acura Integras are:

Collision Mitigation Braking; Road Departure Mitigation; Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Keeping Assist; Forward Collision Warning; Lane Departure Warning; Traffic Sign Recognition System; Auto High-Beam Headlights; Driver Attention Monitor; Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor;

Functional cargo space for weekend tasks or gear for the autocross.

Chassis Components

Suspension: Adaptive damper system; dual-axis MacPherson front struts, rear multi-link; stabilizer bars front (tubular) and rear (solid);

Steering: Dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric power steering; 2.1 turns lock to lock;

Brakes: Power-assisted and ventilated 2-piece front discs, solid rear; 13.8-inch rotors front, 12 inches rear; Brembo 4-piston aluminum front calipers;

Tires-Wheels: 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (265/30); 19-inch matte black alloy wheels; tire-repair kit.

Large air intakes aid aerodynamics by channeling air through three canards to the inner fender.

Why Buy the 2024 Acura Integra Type S?

There are decades of Honda race-engineering woven into the character of the Type S, which is a badge of honor to those who know. But it comes at a significant price. I did not see value in the $950 carbon fiber tailgate spoiler or the copper alloy wheels ($2,186), saving $3,136. And there is only one no-cost paint color of Lunar Silver Metallic, so most buyers will likely choose one of the other six $600 paint colors.

Don’t waste your money if you don’t value the mechanics of driving. It’s the rev of the engine, the machined smoothness of the manual transmission, and how the suspension loads and unloads as the driver navigates a winding road. It’s a delicious sensation, too good not to be repeated.

Compared with the Honda Civic Type R, the Integra Type S is the car for grown-ups. The Type S is a little more compliant and a little more comfortable, though I wouldn’t want to commute long distances in either. But the driving rush felt the same to me.

With my recent CTR test, I couldn’t sense that much difference between the two. My choice would be the Type S. Its cargo space makes it a little more of a dual-use sports car, and mom or the significant other would undoubtedly approve.

2024 Acura Integra Type S Specifications

Body style: compact, front-wheel-drive 5-door, 4-seat high-performance sedan

Engine: 320-hp, turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 310 lb.-ft. torque from 2,600-4,000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual with rev-matching downshifts

Fuel economy: 21/28/24 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended

0-60 mph acceleration: 5.1 seconds (per zeroto60times.com)

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 12.4 gallons

Cargo space: 24.3 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 38.6/42.3 inches

Rear head/leg room: 36.4/37.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 186/107.7 inches

Height/width: 55.4/74.8 inches

Curb weight: 3,219 pounds

Turning circle: 39.7 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Smartkey entry with push-button start, multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, 12-way power front seats with lumbar, 10.2-inch driver info screen, 12-speaker Bose sound System with subwoofer, 9-inch color touchscreen (with volume knob, customizable feature settings and smart shortcuts), electric parking brake, Bluetooth phone and audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 2.5-amp USB smartphone-audio port (front), 2.5-amp USB charging port, 12-volt power outlet (front), wireless charging pad, sliding sun visors, LED map lights, cargo area cover;

Type S features, interior: Type S sport-appearance package, serial-number plate, high-bolstered front sport seats with black or Orchid microsuede fabric, black floor mats, ambient LED interior lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel, metal-trimmed sport pedals, leather-wrapped shift knob, illuminated front door panels, active sound control;

Type S Exterior: Brembo 4-piston aluminum front brake calipers, 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, aluminum hood, Type S badges front and rear, gloss black side sills, gloss black wing spoiler, center-mounted, triple outlet exhaust with active exhaust valve, gloss black side mirrors with LED turn signals;

Safety features include: 10 air bags, stability and traction controls, brake distribution, brake assist, and hill-start assist

Driving-Assist Technologies

Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation; Adaptive Cruise Control;
Lane Keeping Assist; Forward Collision Warning; Lane Departure Warning;
Traffic Sign Recognition System; Auto High-Beam Headlights; Driver Attention Monitor; Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor;

PRICING

Base Type S price: $51,995, including $1,195 freight charge; price as tested $55,971

Options on test vehicle: Apex Blue Pearl paint $600; carbon fiber tailgate spoiler $950; premium carpet floor mats $240; 19-inch copper alloy wheels $2,186

Where assembled: Marysville, Ohio

Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain