MotorGPA
Find My Match
Model year:2026+2 not yet gradedHistory & evolution ↓
Acura logo
Sport Compact

2026 Acura Integra Type S

LuxuryGas
Manufacturer site ↗
2.72B-GPA / 4.0
Overall GPA
Reliability
3.24B+
Safety
3.27B+
EfficiencyGas
0.00F
24 MPG combined · 298 mi range · $2,750/yr energy
Comfort
1.64D
Value
2.89B-
Ownership Cost
1.62D
Technology
2.77B-
Driving Experience
3.23B+

The verdict

A capable sport compact, strong on safety and held back by efficiency.

The 2026 Integra Type S is one of the two or three best-driving front-wheel-drive cars you can buy — 320 hp, a 6-speed manual widely called the finest shifter at any price, Brembo brakes that stop from 70 mph in 148 feet, and a 24.3 cu ft hatch that still swallows a week's luggage. It is also a $54,000 four-seater that drinks 91-octane at 24 MPG combined and runs dry in under 300 miles. The trade you are making is money and running cost for driving pleasure and a genuinely luxurious cabin, because the mechanically similar Civic Type R does most of the driving part for roughly $6,000 less. Buy it if the daily refinement, the ELS Studio audio and the Acura badge are worth that premium; skip it if you need all-wheel drive, a fifth seatbelt, or an automatic.

Jump to scores

Strengths

  • Class-leading chassis, steering and brakes
  • A 320-hp engine and the best manual gearbox on sale
  • Everything is standard — there is nothing to option

What holds it back

  • Thirsty, premium-only, and out of fuel in under 300 miles
  • Roughly $54,000 for a compact hatchback
  • Four seats, and the back two are tight

Top alternatives

Cars shoppers cross-shop with the Acura Integra Type S

Production history

2024present · 3 years · 1 generations
Gen 12024now2024In production2026 — graded2025 — not yet graded2024 — not yet gradedProduction began 2024
202670+2 not yet graded

Best fit & conditions

FamilyB-70/100
Winter / inclementC-59/100
AdventureD54/100
CommuterD53/100
Work / TowF27/100

Higher scores mean a better fit for that use case. Learn more about use-case fit →

Detailed scoring by subject

1Performance & PowertrainMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.90C-
Horsepower
320 hp
49/100
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

The 2026 Integra Type S carries over the K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo I-4 rated at 320 hp @ 6,500 rpm — 5 hp above the Civic Type R that shares the block, thanks to Acura's larger triple-outlet exhaust and revised intake. Single trim, no variants.

Torque
310 lb-ft
58/100
#2 of 16 in classCompare all →

310 lb-ft on a broad 2,600–4,000 rpm plateau — one of the widest torque bands in the hot-hatch class and unchanged for 2026.

0–60 mph time
~4.8 s (C/D 4.8 s)
72/100
#4 of 16 in classCompare all →

Car and Driver instrumented the Integra Type S at 4.8 s to 60 mph — a couple tenths quicker than the mechanically similar Civic Type R (5.0 s) despite FWD, aided by the extra 5 hp and helical LSD launch behavior. Powertrain is unchanged for 2026.

Powertrain refinement87
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Same K20C1 as the Civic Type R but with added Acura sound damping and a more resonant triple-outlet exhaust — reviewers praise the linear turbo delivery, near-absent lag, and eager 7,000-rpm top end, with a marginally more premium NVH character than the Honda sibling.

Transmission behavior96
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S ships exclusively with the same 6-speed manual as the Civic Type R — widely cited as one of the best-shifting manuals sold at any price, with short precise throws, ideal gate spacing, and standard rev-match downshifting. No automatic option is offered.

AWD/4WD availability18
#8 of 16 in classCompare all →

FWD only — the Type S has no AWD option at any spec (single-trim model) and Acura has not offered SH-AWD on the Civic-platform Integra in any variant. A helical LSD tames torque steer but does not answer the AWD availability question.

Powertrain lineup breadth20
#12 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S is sold as a single, purpose-built configuration — one 320 hp 2.0L turbo gas powertrain paired with the 6MT. No hybrid, PHEV, EV, or lower-output variant exists within the Type S nameplate (broader Integra 1.5T lineup is scored on its own record).

2Efficiency & RangeThe Integra Type S's lowest-graded category.0.00F
3SafetyThe Integra Type S's best-graded category.3.27B+
NHTSA overall rating
5 stars
100/100
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

NHTSA rated the 2024 Integra 4-door hatchback 5 stars overall; the Type S shares the same DE-generation body structure and inherits the rating.

IIHS awards & crashworthiness84
#4 of 16 in classCompare all →

The 2024 Integra earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Good ratings in small overlap front, updated moderate overlap and side, and Good headlights; the Type S shares body structure and headlights so the crashworthiness result carries.

Standard ADAS suite breadth86
#7 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S is a single-trim configuration and includes the full AcuraWatch suite (CMBS with pedestrian AEB, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, Road Departure Mitigation, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist) plus Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor as standard equipment.

Automatic emergency braking performance76
#6 of 16 in classCompare all →

CMBS on the current Civic/Integra platform earned Superior in IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and Advanced in the updated pedestrian evaluation (day and night); the Type S runs the same sensor package.

Blind-spot & cross-traffic coverage74
#6 of 16 in classCompare all →

Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor are standard on the 2026 Integra Type S; alert-only (no active steering or braking intervention).

Lane keeping & centering70
#10 of 16 in classCompare all →

Same LKAS and Road Departure Mitigation as base Integra; competent but reviewers describe Honda/Acura centering as slightly less confident than best-in-class systems, with occasional ping-ponging on wider lanes.

Adaptive cruise & highway assist65
#13 of 16 in classCompare all →

ACC and Traffic Jam Assist are standard, but the Type S is 6-speed manual only — full stop-and-go and Low-Speed Follow behavior are compromised versus the automatic base Integra because the driver must operate the clutch below the system's minimum speed.

Hands-free driving availability25
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

The 2026 Integra Type S offers no hands-free highway driving system — Acura has not fielded a Super Cruise/BlueCruise equivalent on any current model.

Headlight performance78
#6 of 16 in classCompare all →

Full LED 'Jewel Eye' headlights with auto high beams are standard on the Type S; IIHS rated the 2024 Integra's headlights Good across trims, contributing to the TSP+ award.

Outward visibility70
#7 of 16 in classCompare all →

Same Civic-derived hatchback greenhouse as base Integra with relatively slim A-pillars; the sloping liftback compromises the rear three-quarter view slightly, offset by standard rearview camera and standard multi-view camera on Type S. Wider fenders and 19-inch wheels do not affect sightlines.

Child-seat (LATCH) usability65
#4 of 16 in classCompare all →

Two sets of outboard LATCH lower anchors with tether anchors on the seatback; anchors are somewhat buried in the seat bight (shared with Civic Hatchback). Compact hatchback rear seat is workable for a rear-facing seat but tight for three-across.

4Space & ComfortGrades below the middle of the scale.1.64D
Seating capacity
4 seats (rear middle seat deleted, replaced with molded cupholder insert)
0/100
#13 of 16 in classCompare all →

Acura removed the rear center seatbelt and cushion on the Type S, replacing it with a plastic trim insert with dual cupholders — official capacity is 4 vs 5 on other Integra trims.

Front headroom
38.6 in (no moonroof)
65/100
#9 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S deletes the moonroof standard on other Integra trims for chassis rigidity, adding ~1 in of front headroom over the base Integra's 37.6 in.

Front legroom
42.3 in
57/100
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Shared Civic hatch platform; unchanged for 2026.

Rear headroom
36.4 in
35/100
#13 of 16 in classCompare all →

Liftback roofline yields tight rear headroom; unchanged for 2026 Type S.

Rear legroom
37.4 in (2 rear passengers only)
54/100
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Same 107.7-in wheelbase as the Civic hatch and base Integra; usable for two adults on short trips, but only two rear passengers are carried thanks to the seat delete.

Cargo/trunk volume
24.3 cu ft behind rear seats
82/100
#4 of 16 in classCompare all →

The liftback body carries over unchanged from the base Integra — well above the 10-20 cu ft hatchback band; Acura does not publish a seats-folded figure.

In-cabin storage & clever solutions58
#8 of 16 in classCompare all →

Wide liftback opening and 60/40-split fold-flat rear seats carry over from the base Integra; console/door bins are modest, and the rear cupholder insert replacing the middle seat is a clever if polarizing storage solution. Wireless charge pad is standard.

Seat comfort65
#10 of 16 in classCompare all →

Standard heated Ultrasuede sport seats with embossed Type S logos are heavily bolstered and praised for lateral support, with power adjustment on the driver's side; some owners report the aggressive bolsters and firm padding fatigue on long drives, and only two rear passengers are accommodated.

Ride quality65
#8 of 16 in classCompare all →

Standard adaptive dampers with Comfort/Sport/Sport+ modes give the Type S genuine daily-driver compliance despite performance tires and stiffer springs — reviewers describe Comfort mode as true to its name while Sport/Sport+ stay composed rather than harsh; noticeably firmer than a base Integra.

Cabin quietness60
#8 of 16 in classCompare all →

Quieter than a Civic Type R and marginally isolated versus the base Integra thanks to ANC and acoustic front glass, but larger performance tires and the tri-exit sport exhaust let more road and powertrain noise into the cabin at highway speeds — reviewers flag noise as a weakness relative to luxury small-car peers.

Climate & comfort features60
#10 of 16 in classCompare all →

Standard heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate, and a 12-way power driver's seat, but ventilated seats are not offered at all on Type S, the heated steering wheel is a ~$485 dealer accessory rather than standard, and there are no rear vents — a step behind A-Spec w/ Tech.

5Cost of OwnershipOne of the Integra Type S's weakest categories.1.62D
Base MSRP
~$53,995 (single trim, incl. ~$1,395 destination)
3/100
#15 of 16 in classCompare all →

Single-trim Type S sits at the very top of the hatchback price band — nearly $20k above the base Integra A-Spec and only fractionally below a Golf R. Modest ~$1,000 bump over the 2025 Type S ($52,995 destination-in). The 6-speed manual, LSD, Brembos, adaptive dampers, and ELS Studio 3D audio are all standard.

Volume-Trim Price
~$54,595 (Type S with Interlagos Blue Pearl paint, as typically equipped)
10/100
#15 of 16 in classCompare all →

Because Type S is a monospec, the 'volume' walk-up is the signature Interlagos Blue Pearl paint (~$600) that a majority of buyers pick. Adding the Performance Wheels & Tires Package (~$1,800, forged wheels + Michelin Cup 2) pushes as-typically-equipped closer to $56k for the enthusiast configuration.

5-Year Maintenance & Repair Cost
~$6,600 over 5 years (maintenance + repairs)
37/100
#12 of 16 in classCompare all →

Runs meaningfully higher than the base Integra (~$5,300) — 93-octane required for the K20C1, sticky performance tires that wear in ~25–30k mi, Brembo brake service is pricier, and Acura dealer labor. Still well below German premium-compact peers because the K20C1/6MT hardware is proven Honda parts.

5-Year Resale Value Retention
~62% of MSRP retained after 5 yr
90/100
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Enthusiast-halo status, low production volume, 6MT-only, and steady dealer markups (routinely $2–5k over sticker at retail) keep residuals near the top of the segment — outperforms the base Integra (~57%) and rivals the Civic Type R (~64%). Only real risk to the number is if Acura substantially expands supply.

Basic warranty
4 yr / 50,000 mi
50/100
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Acura's standard bumper-to-bumper — a full year longer than parent-brand Honda's 3/36 — applies identically to the Type S. Solid mid-pack for a premium compact; trails Hyundai/Kia/Genesis (5/60k) but beats every mainstream Japanese and most German rivals.

Powertrain warranty
6 yr / 70,000 mi
20/100
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Same 6/70k powertrain coverage as the rest of the Integra family — only a modest step above Honda's 5/60k and well behind Hyundai/Kia/Genesis (10/100k). Adequate but the weakest coverage dimension for the Type S buyer.

Complimentary maintenance & perks72
#5 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S inherits the standard Acura Care package: 2 yr / 24,000 mi of factory-scheduled maintenance (oil, tire rotations, multi-point inspections), 4-yr/50k roadside assistance matching the warranty period, and the AcuraLink connected-services trial. Matches most premium peers; no charging credits since it's gas-only.

Effective 5-Year Ownership Cost
$27,346 (≈$20,746 depreciation + $6,600 maintenance)
54/100
#12 of 16 in classCompare all →

$54,595 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (62% retained, or about $33,849) leaves about $20,746 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,600 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $27,346 in total.

6Reliability & QualityOne of the Integra Type S's strongest categories.3.24B+
Predicted reliability76
#7 of 16 in classCompare all →

Consumer Reports has rated the DE5 Type S above-average since its 2024 launch, but the highly-strung K20C1 and shorter track record than the base Integra pull it a step below the mainstream car; JDP quality scores for Acura small cars remain competitive.

Brand reliability track record77
#8 of 16 in classCompare all →

Acura has trended above the industry average in J.D. Power VDS the last several years and lands mid-pack in CR brand reliability — solid but a step behind Lexus/Toyota. Matches the base Integra for brand consistency.

Recall & TSB history82
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

The 2024-launch Type S has only picked up a small number of NHTSA campaigns (largely shared with the Integra/Civic Type R platform — backup camera software, minor electrical) with no systemic powertrain or safety-critical actions to date.

Powertrain durability reputation76
#9 of 16 in classCompare all →

The K20C1 2.0T and Honda 6MT have proven durable across two generations of Civic Type R (FK8, FL5) with high-mileage examples in the field, but tracked cars have shown some oil-consumption/heat-soak sensitivity; slightly less field-proven than the base Integra's L15B7.

Interior material quality76
#9 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S upgrades the DE5 cabin with Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats, unique red-and-black stitching, aluminum pedals and standard 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio — a meaningful step above the base Integra and a fair match for the price, though lower touchpoints still share Civic-grade plastics.

Fit & finish85
#2 of 16 in classCompare all →

Built at Marysville, Ohio alongside the TLX and previously the NSX — assembly quality is a consistent Honda/Acura strength with tight panel gaps and minimal rattle complaints in owner surveys and long-term tests.

Dealer & service network77
#4 of 16 in classCompare all →

Acura runs roughly 270 US dealers — thinner than Honda/Toyota/Lexus and concentrated in metros, but service satisfaction scores are mid-pack among luxury brands and warranty coverage (4yr/50k basic, 6yr/70k powertrain) is competitive.

Parts availability & repair cost66
#8 of 16 in classCompare all →

Core mechanicals (K20C1, 6MT, brakes) are shared with the Civic Type R and enjoy solid aftermarket support, but Type S-specific wide-body panels, Brembo hardware, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires push consumables and body-repair costs well above the base Integra and mainstream hot hatches.

7Technology & InfotainmentGrades above the middle of the scale.2.77B-
Touchscreen size
9.0 in (standard, single trim)
24/100
#10 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S is a single-trim model with the 9-inch center touchscreen standard; no 7-inch option and no larger screen offered. Unchanged for 2026.

Infotainment UX & responsiveness76
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Same 9-inch Acura system as the A-Spec Technology trim — responsive, logically laid out, and reviewers consistently praise the retained physical volume knob and hard shortcut buttons. Menu graphics feel a step behind German rivals but not frustrating in daily use.

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto90
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on the only Type S trim — no wired-only base variant to average against, unlike the broader Integra lineup.

Voice control & native navigation72
#5 of 16 in classCompare all →

Acura Navigation with 3D graphics is standard on Type S along with the associated voice-command system. Functional and above compact-hatch average, but most owners still default to CarPlay/AA maps rather than the native stack; not a natural-language assistant.

Audio system quality86
#2 of 16 in classCompare all →

ELS Studio 3D 16-speaker premium audio (tuned by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner) is standard on Type S — a class-benchmark system that easily outperforms hot-hatch rivals' branded upgrades.

Digital instrument cluster82
#6 of 16 in classCompare all →

10.2-inch fully digital driver display is standard on Type S with configurable views, a dedicated Sport+ layout, and a boost/torque readout. Crisp and modern for the segment.

OTA update capability45
#12 of 16 in classCompare all →

Acura/Honda OTA remains limited to infotainment and map updates in 2026 — no whole-vehicle OTA for powertrain, ADAS, or body electronics as Tesla, Rivian, Ford, or Hyundai/Kia offer. Any meaningful software refresh still requires a dealer visit.

Companion app & remote functions68
#7 of 16 in classCompare all →

AcuraLink app supports remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle finder, service scheduling, and maintenance alerts, with the 3-year Standard subscription included; premium features (concierge, geofencing, stolen-vehicle) require paid tiers. No phone-as-key.

Charging ports & device power74
#6 of 16 in classCompare all →

Two front USB-C data/charge ports plus two rear USB-C charging ports and standard wireless phone charging. No household outlet, which is normal for a hot hatch.

Keyless & remote access76
#4 of 16 in classCompare all →

Proximity smart entry with push-button start is standard, walk-away auto-lock available, and remote engine start is offered via key fob and AcuraLink app. No power liftgate (manual hatch on the sport model) and no phone-as-key.

Camera & parking aids66
#5 of 16 in classCompare all →

Multi-angle rearview camera and front + rear parking sensors are standard on Type S — a step up from the base Integra's single-angle camera. Still no 360-degree surround-view camera, which keeps it below premium-segment leaders.

Head-up display availability84
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Full-color head-up display standard on Type S, showing speed, gear, shift-light, navigation prompts, and driver-assist status. Uncommon in the hot-hatch class where the Civic Type R and GR Corolla omit HUDs entirely.

8Use-Case FitOne of the Integra Type S's weakest categories.1.42D
Kid & car-seat practicality65
#5 of 16 in classCompare all →

Shares the base Integra's 37.4-in rear legroom, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, wide low-lift hatch, and 24.3 cu ft cargo hold — genuinely useful for strollers and daily kid duty. Deeply bolstered Type S front sport buckets are trickier to reach around when buckling a rear-facing seat, the manual-only powertrain is a chore in stop-and-go family duty, and IIHS LATCH ease-of-use is Marginal on the shared Civic Hatchback (anchors buried in the seat bight). Rear headroom of 36.5 in is also tight for taller kids under the sloped liftback roof.

Family safety package80
#4 of 16 in classCompare all →

AcuraWatch is standard on Type S (AEB w/ pedestrian detection, ACC w/ Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, RDM, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist), plus standard Blind Spot Info with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. Shared 11th-gen Civic architecture earned NHTSA 5-star overall and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024). Small demerits: no rear-occupant alert, and the Type S price of entry (~$54k) makes it a very expensive way to buy family safety versus a $32k Civic Hatchback Sport with the same ADAS.

Family road-trip comfort68
#5 of 16 in classCompare all →

24.3 cu ft cargo swallows a family's soft luggage without folding the bench, and the Type S adds standard ELS Studio 3D 16-speaker audio, heated/ventilated front sport seats, ANC, acoustic front glass, and adaptive dampers — a legitimately quiet, well-appointed tourer for the front row. Adaptive dampers in Comfort help, but the widebody's larger 265-section Michelin PS4S tires generate more road noise than the base car and Type S range is only ~298 mi on premium fuel (12.4-gal tank × 24 MPG combined) — well short of the base Integra's 400+ mi and a Civic Hybrid's 500+ mi. No rear HVAC vents, and rear passengers ride on a firmer bushings/damper package.

Daily driving ease52
#16 of 16 in classCompare all →

Manual-only transmission with a heavy clutch and 320 hp turbo is a fatiguing ask in bumper-to-bumper commutes, and the 265-section Pilot Sport 4S tires tramline on grooved pavement and pick up every seam. Adaptive dampers in Comfort make the Type S notably more livable than the fixed-damper Civic Type R (46.5), and standard AcuraWatch ACC with Low-Speed Follow + Traffic Jam Assist takes the sting out of highway commuting — but there is no auto option, no rev-match defeat penalty, and the sport seats trap heat despite ventilation. A meaningfully harder daily than the base Integra CVT.

Commuting cost efficiency40
#12 of 16 in classCompare all →

EPA 24 MPG combined (21/28) is thirsty for a premium compact, and Acura specifies 91-octane premium — EPA pegs annual fuel cost at ~$3,050/yr on 15k mi/yr, nearly a third more than the base Integra. The staggered 265/30R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber runs ~$400+/corner to replace and wears fast under sporting use. Cheaper to run than a Porsche 718, but well behind any mainstream compact commuter.

Parking & maneuverability68
#12 of 16 in classCompare all →

The widebody bumps overall width to 74.8 in (+2.9 in vs base Integra), noticeably wider in tight urban spots and lane-splitting parking garages, while the front lip and 4.3-in ground clearance snag on curbs and steep driveways. 185.8-in overall length and 107.7-in wheelbase are compact, standard multi-view camera helps, and the low nose gives clean forward sightlines — but the sloped liftback and wider fenders trim rear three-quarter visibility versus the base car.

Work capability22
#13 of 16 in classCompare all →

No factory tow rating, no bed, and the widebody sport suspension + limited-slip diff + front lip make it even less work-suitable than the base Integra. The 24.3 cu ft cargo bay (~46 cu ft seats folded) with a wide low-lift hatch is genuinely useful to a mobile technician hauling small tools, but everything else about the car — clutch, low clearance, staggered performance tires — actively resists work duty.

Durability for work duty38
#9 of 16 in classCompare all →

The K20C1 2.0T + 6MT drivetrain is well-proven from a decade of Civic Type R fleet duty, but the Type S adds a low front lip, big Brembos vulnerable to curbing, staggered Michelin PS4S rubber, and a plush leather-trimmed interior with no washable-surface option. Less abuse-friendly than the base Integra and dramatically more expensive to repair after even minor jobsite scuffs.

Jobsite & upfit practicality24
#12 of 16 in classCompare all →

No 120V AC outlet, no washable flooring, no factory hitch, and Acura does not publish a Type S tow spec. Some cargo-area tie-downs and the 60/40 fold-flat rear seat give a modest load bay for tools/parts, and the Civic-hatch body has broad aftermarket rack support — but the premium leather-trimmed interior and low, wide widebody stance discourage upfit and jobsite duty even more than the base Integra.

Long-distance comfort & range62
#9 of 16 in classCompare all →

Aggressive but well-shaped Type S sport buckets (heated/ventilated 8-way power standard), adaptive dampers in Comfort, ANC, acoustic front glass, and standard ACC with Low-Speed Follow + Traffic Jam Assist make it a surprisingly capable long-hauler for a hot-hatch — a real step above the fixed-suspension Civic Type R. The ceiling is fuel range: 24 MPG × 12.4-gal tank = ~298 mi on premium, forcing a fuel stop every three hours, and 265-section PS4S tires generate steady road roar on coarse concrete.

Outdoor & adventure capability22
#13 of 16 in classCompare all →

FWD-only, 4.3-in ground clearance, low front lip, and staggered 265/30R19 summer-biased Michelin PS4S rubber together are actively hostile to gravel roads, snow, or a rutted trailhead — worse than a base Integra on all-seasons. No factory roof rails and no factory hitch. Aftermarket rack kits exist for the Civic Hatchback body, but no serious owner is taking a Type S off pavement.

Gear & luggage flexibility73
#5 of 16 in classCompare all →

24.3 cu ft cargo behind the rear seats expands to ~46 cu ft with the 60/40 rear seat folded, plus a wide low-lift liftback opening — near-wagon flexibility rare in a hot-hatch and identical to the base Integra. No factory hitch or roof rails, and the low-slung widebody makes strapping a rooftop cargo box less appealing than on a Golf R or GR Corolla; underfloor storage is modest.

9Driving ExperienceOne of the Integra Type S's strongest categories.3.23B+
Handling & agility88
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Shares the Civic Type R's dual-axis front strut suspension, adaptive dampers, and helical LSD, wrapped in a slightly softer Acura tune that still delivers class-leading FWD body control and grip on 265/30ZR19 Michelin PS4S tires.

Steering feel88
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Dual-pinion EPS with a slightly different tune than the Civic Type R — quick, linear off-center, and unusually communicative for an electric rack; among the very best FWD setups sold today.

Braking confidence88
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Brembo four-piston front calipers on 13.8-in cross-drilled rotors deliver strong initial bite, excellent pedal feel, and repeatable stops with virtually no fade in track use.

Powertrain smoothness & response82
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

K20C1 2.0T (320 hp / 310 lb-ft) has minimal turbo lag, crisp tip-in, and a slick 6-speed manual with standard rev-matching; only downside is the light flywheel making smooth low-rpm launches slightly finicky.

Drivetrain noise & vibration72
#7 of 16 in classCompare all →

More sound-deadening than the Civic Type R plus a triple-outlet exhaust give a fuller, less raspy soundtrack, but the K20C1 still buzzes at high rpm and there is noticeable synthesized engine sound piped through the speakers.

Turning circle
40.5 ft
0/100
#14 of 16 in classCompare all →

Wider front track and the aggressive 265-section front tires give the Type S a noticeably larger turning diameter than the base Integra (~37 ft) — a real weakness for tight urban U-turns.

Driving position & ergonomics82
#2 of 16 in classCompare all →

Excellent bolstered sport seats with 8-way power adjustment, well-placed pedals for heel-toe, and a low-set wheel; slight demerits for a chunky A-pillar and rear visibility compromised by the roofline and small back glass.

Fun-to-drive factor88
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Manual-only, 320-hp FWD hot hatch with an LSD, communicative steering, and adaptive dampers that let it toggle between commuter and canyon-carver — universally recommended by enthusiast press, with the Acura's slightly grown-up tune arguably making it more enjoyable on real roads than the Civic Type R.

10Value & Market PositionGrades above the middle of the scale.2.89B-
Standard equipment generosity86
#1 of 16 in classCompare all →

Single fully-loaded US trim with essentially no cost options: adaptive dampers, helical LSD, Brembo front brakes, 19-inch forged wheels, 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio, 9-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated Ultrasuede sport seats, head-up display, and the full AcuraWatch suite — a step above the sister Civic Type R in luxury content.

Feature value per dollar70
#7 of 16 in classCompare all →

At ~$52–53k MSRP the Type S packs 320 hp, adaptive dampers, LSD, Brembos and premium interior kit — fair value in premium-performance terms but roughly $5–6k above the mechanically similar Civic Type R (315 hp) which nearly every reviewer flags as the smarter dollar-for-dollar buy.

Trim & configuration breadth40
#15 of 16 in classCompare all →

One trim, one transmission (6-speed manual), one drivetrain (FWD). Buyer choice is limited to paint color and dealer accessories — no automatic, no AWD, no track-focused variant. Slightly broader color palette than the Civic Type R, but structurally take-it-or-leave-it.

Sales popularity & market acceptance52
#10 of 16 in classCompare all →

Very small annual volume — Type S runs in the low thousands of US units per year, roughly half the Civic Type R's pace and well below GR Corolla or Golf R. Consistent sell-through in its enthusiast niche but not a meaningful mainstream mover.

Brand desirability & image80
#7 of 16 in classCompare all →

The Type S revival (first Integra Type S ever sold in the US and Acura's first Type S hatchback in a decade) carries real enthusiast weight and taps 1990s Integra Type R lore. Halo effect for Acura is significant, though the badge still lacks the global cult pull of the Honda red-H Type R.

Deals & incentive availability55
#14 of 16 in classCompare all →

Launch-era dealer markups have eased through 2025 and Acura Financial Services routinely posts modest promotional APR on the Type S, but the car generally transacts at or near MSRP with only small buyer benefit — better than the Civic Type R's harder-to-discount market but still not a deal-heavy nameplate.

Model freshness80
#6 of 16 in classCompare all →

Type S launched as a MY2024 model on the 5th-gen Integra / 11th-gen Civic platform, so 2026 is only year three — early mid-cycle, current tech and safety kit, no refresh yet announced and no imminent replacement risk.

Critical reception & awards87
#3 of 16 in classCompare all →

Car and Driver 10Best winner 2024, MotorTrend Best Driver's Car contender, and near-universal praise for chassis, shifter, and daily-driver refinement. Loses head-to-head comparisons to the Civic Type R primarily on price rather than dynamics; reviewers routinely rank it as one of the two or three best FWD driver's cars sold today.