2023 Acura Integra vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language that blended seamlessly with its automotive family, including the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. Accentuated by its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased lines, the Integra presented a solid, planted look thanks to its wide track and long wheelbase. Acura effectively differentiated the Integra from the outgoing ILX compact sedan, primarily by employing a five-door liftback design and detailing reminiscent of the third-generation Integra, like embossed badges. Even at the base trim, the Integra sported 17-inch alloy wheels, escalating to 18-inch Shark Gray wheels in the A-Spec trims. Distinctive rear elements like a decklid spoiler and dual exhaust outlets added to its stylish appeal. Inside, the Integra balanced familiarity with the Honda Civic and uniqueness, featuring elements like honeycomb grilles, a 9-inch color touchscreen, and a thin yet ergonomic steering wheel. However, its limited rearward visibility and lack of ventilated seats were minor detractors.

For the 2022 Nissan Altima, its evolution from bland styling in the 1990s to a sharper, sportier look in its sixth generation was evident. Available in five trims—S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum—the Altima featured a low, wide stance, tall doors, pronounced creased body lines, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package on the SR trim took Altima's sporting appearance up a notch with gloss black accents, LED fog lights, 19-inch wheels, a moonroof, and more. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-organized instrument panel, and high-quality materials that improved with trim levels. Although the rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline, it overall exuded a premium yet non-exceptional look.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a notable milestone by integrating a turbocharged engine for the first time. Its 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder generated 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, delivering lively performance. Only the A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission paired harmoniously with the engine, complete with rev-matching technology that smoothed downshifts. Other trims came with a CVT. The manual version included advanced features like automatic stop/start, automatic brake hold, and a limited-slip differential. The suspension was sporty yet comfortable, and the variable-ratio steering felt natural and precise. Three driving modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—provided adaptive handling dynamics.

For 2022, the Nissan Altima offered a choice between a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with both FWD and AWD, while the VC-Turbo was exclusive to the SR trim and FWD. All Altimas featured the Xtronic CVT, with paddle shifters in the sporty SR trim. The technologically advanced VC-Turbo, which actively adjusted its compression ratios for performance or efficiency, fell short of refinement. The 188-hp engine in the test car had mediocre acceleration and noticeable CVT noise during intense acceleration. However, it excelled in quiet, comfortable cruising thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control, muting bumps and vibrations for a smooth ride.

The 2023 Acura Integra’s liftback design enhanced its day-to-day practicality, but the high lift-over height could make loading heavy items cumbersome. Still, it offered a generous 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Inside, it provided ample comfort for the driver and front passengers. Rear legroom was reasonable but headroom was limited for taller passengers due to its sloping roofline. Small yet thoughtful storage solutions like cupholders, a phone tray, and a center-console cubby added to its practicality.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, aimed at commuters and families, offered a balanced mix of comfort and practicality, seating up to five (four comfortably) with solid passenger space. At 15.4 cubic feet, its trunk was reasonably sized but not the largest among its competitors. A notable drawback was the high rear shelf, which compromised rear visibility. Additionally, the trunk's bar supports could crush items when closing, requiring caution during loading. The high trunk line and sloping roof made rearward vision challenging, yet it still managed to deliver a roomy and functional cabin overall.

The 2023 Acura Integra featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster enhanced the driver’s interface. The Technology package upgraded the standard 7-inch touchscreen to a 9-inch display, enabled wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and included a wireless charging pad. With additional USB ports and the premium ELS Studio 3D audio system, this trim transformed the Integra into a tech-savvy haven, making connectivity and entertainment seamless and impressive.

The base 2022 Nissan Altima S trim came with a 7-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a basic set of functionalities. Higher trims improved the tech package significantly. Most trims had an 8-inch infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM radio. Starting from the SL trim, advanced features like a nine-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and remote start with climate control were included. The advanced drive-assist display facilitated hands-free control and connectivity. Additionally, the active noise cancellation and ProPilot Assist system on higher trims boosted convenience and driving ease, making the Altima technologically robust and user-friendly.

The 2023 Acura Integra set high standards for safety with an extensive suite of standard features. At every trim level, drivers benefited from automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and traffic sign recognition. The A-Spec with Technology trim added features like low-speed braking control and parking sensors. Notably, all features were available across all trims, including those with a manual transmission. The Integra received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Similarly, the 2022 Nissan Altima boasted extensive safety features, with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning standard across all trims. Higher trims added Safety Shield 360 features, which included rear automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Altima also came with driver-attention warning, rear sonar system, and hill-start assist. In crash tests, the FWD Altima earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its excellent crash protection and overall safety.