Acura Integra vs Acura TLX

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S sported a distinctive widebody appearance with aggressive detailing. It boasted a complete hardware upgrade with components shared from the recently redesigned Honda Civic Type R. From its drivetrain and suspension to its steering and brakes, the Integra Type S had undergone serious performance modifications. Its redesigned front end featured a new front bumper and a substantial 3.1-inch increase in front track width, adorned with 19-inch wheels and aerodynamic aids to reduce high-speed lift. The rear track was wider by 1.9 inches, unified visually with lower body kits and rear fender flares. Notable exterior features included a rear lip spoiler, a substantial rear diffuser panel, and a triple-outlet exhaust system, providing an unmistakable raucous soundtrack in Sport+ mode.

The Integra Type S was available in a single specification level, with upgrades such as Gloss Copper wheels, carbon fiber mirror caps and decklid spoiler, premium floor mats, and a titanium shift knob, bringing the as-tested MSRP to $53,785 with destination. Inside, the Integra Type S retained familiar elements from the Integra A-Spec but added unique Type S emblems and Ultrasuede seat inserts. The materials didn't entirely match the premium expectations given the high price, especially for rear-seat passengers, where comfort and quality lagged.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Acura TLX, updated three years after its initial redesign, retained a familiar look with subtle refinements. The most noticeable change was the removal of the frame surrounding the front grille, replaced by an open and elegant frameless design. Jewel Eye LED headlights flanked the grille, while large air intakes rounded out the fascia's bottom corners. Along the sides, the TLX showcased restrained character lines, and the top-shelf Type S model came with 20-inch wheels featuring Berlina black split-spoke rims and Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires.

Trim levels were organized into packages: Technology, A-Spec, and Type S, with the base TLX model removed, sticking the starting price of the Technology Package-equipped TLX at $46,195. The TLX Type S amplified its appearance with a gloss black front splitter, rear diffuser, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the TLX exuded luxury with leather upholstery across all trims and standard heated front seats, while the Type S model highlighted performance intent with red leather upholstery and other sporty touches.

For the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, performance was the standout feature. Sharing its foundation with the Honda Civic Type R, it housed a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and matching the Civic's torque at 310 lb-ft between 2,600 and 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching and a helical-type limited-slip differential. Suspension and steering components mirrored those of the Civic Type R, ensuring track-like precision.

The Integra Type S proved its prowess on the twisting roads of Ojai, California. Despite 62% of its weight over the front wheels, Acura's engineering minimized torque steer and understeer, presenting a thrilling yet controlled drive. With adaptive damping in all settings, it managed to remain more comfortable than the Civic Type R, although road noise was noticeably loud due to the performance tires. Additionally, the 12.4-gallon fuel tank resulted in frequent stops, with an average of 21.7 mpg.

Conversely, the 2024 Acura TLX offered a mix of turbocharged powerplants. Lower trims, Technology and A-Spec, featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The A-Spec trim added Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for enhanced traction and handling.

The performance-focused TLX Type S carried a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque at just 1,400 rpm. This allowed the Type S to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately five seconds. The adaptive dampers, robust stabilizers, and Brembo brakes contributed to its dynamic handling, receptive steering, and nimble performance despite its heavier design.

In terms of interior space, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured front sport seats equipped with black Ultrasuede inserts and 12-way power adjustments for the driver. However, the front passenger seat lacked power adjustments. Rear seating offered decent legroom but lacked thigh support and had a slouch-inducing backrest angle. Cargo space was a strong suit, with the sportback body style offering 24.3 cubic feet, expandable by folding down the rear seats, providing the versatility akin to a small crossover SUV.

The 2024 Acura TLX posed a spatial conundrum. While its exterior dimensions compared to midsize sedans like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the interior felt more akin to a compact sedan. The front seats were spacious and supportive, but the rear offered only 34.9 inches of legroom. The trunk accommodated 13.5 cubic feet, on par with compact sedans but lacking compared to midsize rivals. Its long hood provided a stunning visual presence but compromised maneuverability in urban settings.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S came with a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. Simplicity was key, as it avoided Acura's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) in favor of a user-friendly touchscreen setup. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. However, it lacked a native navigation system, and the wireless smartphone charger was unreliable.

On the tech front, the 2024 Acura TLX included a standard ELS Studio audio system, upgraded to a stellar 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D system in the A-Spec and Type S trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The TLX showcased a dual 12.3-inch display setup for the gauge cluster and infotainment screen, offering crisp graphics. However, the TTI complicated navigation, especially with phone projection apps like CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S boasted AcuraWatch, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Ten airbags and front and rear parking sensors rounded out its comprehensive safety suite. However, the manual transmission meant adaptive cruise control lacked certain capabilities, and the automatic emergency braking couldn't fully stop the car. Despite no specific crash-test ratings for the type, the standard Integra's top safety ratings boded well for the model.

The 2024 Acura TLX included AcuraWatch as standard, with technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. Enhancements for 2024 included upgraded blind-spot monitoring and new front camera and radar emitters for wider views. The NHTSA awarded a five-star crash test rating, suggesting top-tier safety. Although the IIHS had yet to announce 2024 results, the TLX received high marks in previous years.