2023 Acura Integra vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek and aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, in particular, showcased a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. The interior was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional comfort features. Despite its high-end vibe, some materials felt less premium, reminding buyers of its entry-level status.

The 2023 Acura Integra, with its pentagonal grille and JewelEye headlights, seamlessly fit into Acura's lineup. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a five-door liftback design that provided a planted look and compact-car proportions. The Integra came in three trims, with the A-Spec and A-Spec with Technology offering larger wheels and performance tires. Inside, it shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained a distinct Acura feel. The A-Spec trims featured microsuede upholstery, though lacking ventilated seats. While not as refined as German competitors, the Integra was well-built and offered a sporty yet comfortable ride.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance for a subcompact car. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and the M240i xDrive achieved it in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission was the only option, offering smooth shifts and quick responses with paddle shifters. The M240i xDrive came with performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, providing stability and refined handling. However, the steering feel was criticized for being numb, leaving drivers feeling disconnected from the driving experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, with a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology, enhancing the driving experience. The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, and its wide track and long wheelbase contributed to its impressive handling capabilities. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—each offering distinct driving dynamics.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while technically seating four, was best suited for front passengers due to its compact size. The rear seats were cramped, and the slanted roofline limited headroom. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, but the overall space was limited.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the lift-over height made loading heavy items challenging. The front seats offered a logical layout with convenient storage options, while rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom but limited headroom due to the sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were notably comfortable.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and connected services. Additional features included a WiFi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional head-up display. The audio system offered a standard 10-speaker setup, with an optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system for enhanced sound quality.

The 2023 Acura Integra included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. The Technology package upgraded the touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, added a head-up display, and offered wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The A-Spec with Technology trim featured a wireless charging pad and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured Active Driving Assistant with standard safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive front LED headlights, a 360-degree surround view, and BMW Drive Recorder. The 2 Series had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though IIHS had not yet tested it.