2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and the high-performance M3, with prices ranging between $41,450 and $73,000, excluding a destination charge of $995. Each version featured different powertrains. The 330i and 330e had a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the 330e paired with plug-in hybrid electric technology, enabling an estimated 23 miles of electric-only driving. The M340i showcased a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology for enhanced power and handling. The exterior came with a distinct M Performance design, featuring exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers.

Our test vehicle, an M340i, sported a striking Barbera Red paint, though the $4,500 upgrade was deemed not worth the cost. The interior included Cognac-colored SensaTec upholstery and a simulated leather dashboard. An array of optional packages was included, raising the price to $67,390 with the destination charge. The 19-inch M double-spoke Cerium Grey wheels contributed to the car's appealing stance, maintaining a stylish yet performance-oriented look, complemented by quality materials and a trendy color scheme inside.

The 2023 Acura Integra brought a modern design fitting seamlessly with the larger TLX sedan and RDX and MDX crossovers, distinguished by a pentagonal grille and JewelEye headlights. As a successor to the ILX, the Integra adopted a five-door liftback design. Acura embossed the “Integra” name at strategic points for nostalgic appeal, drawing from its third-generation model. The base Integra rolled on 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded to 18-inch Shark Gray wheels in the A-Spec trim, with a decklid spoiler and dual exhaust outlets adding flair.

Inside, the Integra shared design elements with the Honda Civic but maintained a more upscale feel. The A-Spec with Technology trim featured microsuede upholstery, which provided excellent grip but lacked breathability on hot days, leading to a desire for ventilated seats. The interior emphasized practicality with a well-arranged dashboard, honeycomb climate control grilles, and outstanding HVAC controls. Overall, while not offering the bespoke refinement of European competitors, the Integra was well-assembled and appropriate for its segment.

The 2022 BMW M340i was equipped with a robust turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, enhanced by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, yielding 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i delivered exceptional performance, sprinting to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. During testing, it returned 24.9 mpg, close to the EPA-rated 26 mpg for combined driving. With dynamic M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, and the optional Adaptive M Suspension, the M340i handled with precision, making it an exhilarating drive perfect for enthusiasts.

Acura introduced a turbocharged engine to the Integra for the first time in the 2023 model, featuring a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission in the A-Spec with Technology trim, the Integra offered engaging driving dynamics, enhanced by a limited-slip differential and automatic rev-matching technology for seamless downshifts. Despite only being front-wheel drive, the Integra demonstrated impressive handling through its variable-ratio electric power-steering system and adaptable suspension, maintaining a balance between sporty performance and everyday comfort.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series provided practicality alongside its performance credentials. The M340i included power-adjustable front sport seats, a driver-focused yet comfortable driving position, and sufficient rear legroom for four tall passengers. Although the center rear seat was narrower, the back seats were supportive, albeit with hard plastic panels on the front seatbacks. The trunk offered 17 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat to increase utility. The M340i combined sportiness and practicality, though the absence of a sports wagon option was noted.

Conversely, the 2023 Acura Integra boasted practicality with its five-door liftback design, offering 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, though its high lift-over height could be inconvenient for loading bulky items. The front cabin featured a well-appointed dashboard, ample storage solutions, and comfortable seats. Rear passengers had decent legroom but limited headroom due to the steeply sloping roofline, making it less ideal for taller occupants. Nevertheless, the back seat cushions were notably soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, which included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. BMW’s iDrive 7.0 was user-friendly, with various control options including touch, voice, and even gesture controls. All models featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Additional technology included BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice commands and various safety and convenience features like a surround-view camera and autonomous parking through the optional Driving Assistance Professional package.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered a well-equipped base model with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Opting for the Technology package enhanced the infotainment experience with a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a wireless charging pad. The premium ELS Studio 3D audio system in the A-Spec with Technology trim delivered superior sound quality through 16 speakers, significantly improving the standard 8-speaker setup, making the Integra's tech offerings comprehensive and modern.

For the 2022 BMW 3 Series, the standard Active Guard package included basic safety features such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package offered advanced features like lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for semi-autonomous driving. The 3 Series earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for overall safety, confirming its robust safety credentials.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety in its class, providing a comprehensive suite of standard ADAS. This included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist across all trims. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. Importantly, these features were available even with the manual transmission, an advantage over some competitors. The Integra received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, while IIHS ratings were pending.