2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Acura Integra

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift to SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. These factors made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals. Unlike some competitors, Acura did not flood rental fleets with the TLX, making it a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, tested in Southern California, featured eye-catching Tiger Eye Pearl paint and a performance wheel and tire package, bringing its MSRP to $59,100.

The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, giving it a long, low, and lean appearance with a rear-wheel-drive look, despite its front-wheel-drive platform. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design that emphasized width but sacrificed practicality. The control layout required drivers to relearn basic functions, causing unnecessary distractions. The Type S model, with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine started at $41,045.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S stood out with its widebody appearance and aggressive detailing, sharing many components with the Honda Civic Type R. The Type S featured a redesigned front end, wider front and rear tracks, and a triple-outlet exhaust system. It was available in a single specification level, with upgrades like Gloss Copper wheels and carbon fiber accessories. The as-tested MSRP was $53,785.

Inside, the Integra Type S had a similar layout to the Integra A-Spec, with Type S emblems and Ultrasuede seat inserts. The dashboard trim matched the interior color, and unique graphics appeared on the digital displays. While the materials were of similar quality to the standard Integra, they fell short of expectations for a vehicle at this price point. Rear-seat passengers found the seating less comfortable, and storage was limited. However, the sportback body style offered a 24.3 cubic-foot cargo area, providing the utility of a small crossover SUV with the driving character of a sports car.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim and drivetrain, it achieved between 24 and 25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode.

The TLX Type S, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, produced 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It included performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the brake-by-wire system proved less satisfying on twisty roads, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S shared its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with the Honda Civic Type R, producing 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching and a helical-type limited-slip differential. The Integra Type S had a dual-axis front strut and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive damping, Brembo front calipers, and 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Acura tuned the Integra Type S suspension for a more compliant ride, making it more comfortable than the Civic Type R. The Integra Type S weighed 31 pounds more than the Honda but offered a slightly higher power output. During testing, the Integra Type S demonstrated excellent performance with minimal torque steer and impressive handling. However, it was loud on the highway, and the small fuel tank limited its range.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them difficult to read. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more in line with a compact car.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S had front sport seats with more aggressive lower bolsters and 12-way power adjustment for the driver. The heated front seats featured Ultrasuede inserts, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. The rear seats provided decent legroom but lacked thigh support and storage options. The sportback body style offered a 24.3 cubic-foot cargo area, doubling with the rear seats folded down.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons on the center console. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded terrific, but the lack of wireless smartphone integration was a drawback.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S had a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system was standard, but the wireless smartphone charger was unreliable. The Integra Type S also featured a 5.3-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S also featured AcuraWatch, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the manual transmission limited some adaptive cruise control capabilities. The Integra Type S had ten airbags and an ACE body structure. While crash-test ratings for the Type S were not available, the standard Integra received top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.