2023 Acura Integra vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. It featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car's design was subtly aggressive, with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, riding on exclusive 19-inch wheels. Inside, it offered a comfortable and high-quality interior, with a wide touchscreen display for infotainment, though the touchpad controller took up valuable space. The IS 500 was a blend of thrilling performance and daily comfort, albeit at a premium price.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura Integra embraced a modern design language, aligning with Acura's larger models. It replaced the ILX with a five-door liftback design, offering a spacious and practical interior. The Integra's exterior featured a pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and a wide track for a planted look. Inside, it shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained a distinct Acura feel. The dashboard layout was logical, with a 9-inch touchscreen in the A-Spec with Technology trim, and the rear seats provided decent legroom, though headroom was limited. The Integra was a well-rounded vehicle, offering practicality and comfort for everyday use.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, boasting a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It featured rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, with a limited-slip differential as standard. The car's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable yet stable ride. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience with its intoxicating engine note. However, its fuel efficiency was a downside, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, producing 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It was available with a six-speed manual transmission in the A-Spec with Technology trim, featuring rev-matching technology for smooth downshifts. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a variable-ratio electric power-steering system that provided sharp cornering. It offered three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Integra's handling capabilities were commendable, though it lacked the option for all-wheel drive.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, but storage was limited, with a small trunk measuring 10.8 cubic feet. The control layout was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided practicality, with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading heavy items challenging. The interior was spacious, with a logical dashboard layout and ample storage options. Rear legroom was decent, but headroom was limited for taller passengers. The Integra's seats were comfortable, with soft cushions in the back.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, solving previous ergonomic issues. It included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a dynamic voice command system. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, offering impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Acura Integra came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The A-Spec with Technology trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a wireless charging pad. It also featured the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus IS was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a range of driving assistance and collision-prevention technologies. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had a four-star frontal-impact rating.

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