2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 Acura TLX

The 2023 Acura Integra exhibited a cohesive design language that made it instantly recognizable as a member of the Acura family. Its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlight design, and sharply creased character lines tied it seamlessly to the larger TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. The introduction of the Integra spelled the end for the ILX compact sedan, reflecting the market trend away from traditional sedans. The Integra’s five-door liftback design differentiated it significantly from the ILX's four-door sedan style, giving it a distinctive and modern appeal. The model's wide track and long wheelbase added a planted look, enhancing its sporty aesthetics. The vehicle's exterior was further accentuated by 17-inch alloy wheels on the base model and 18-inch Shark Gray wheels on the A-Spec trim. A decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and prominent taillights gave the Integra’s rear a unique character. Inside, the Integra shared similarities with the Honda Civic, maintaining cost efficiency without feeling like merely a reskinned version. Honeycomb grilles for climate control vents and high-quality HVAC controls with knurled metal finishes added to the cabin’s refined feel. The 9-inch color touchscreen atop the dash was intuitive, and the thin steering wheel enhanced driver comfort. While the microsuede upholstery in the A-Spec trims was stylish and functional, the lack of ventilated seats was notable. In contrast, the 2024 Acura TLX, redesigned in 2021, received a subtle yet noticeable facelift three years later. Key updates included a frameless front grille and removal of the large radar emitter, giving it a sleeker and more sophisticated look. The Jewel Eye LED headlights, gaping air intakes, and restrained character lines provided a refined elegance. The TLX Type S model stood out with 20-inch Berlina black split-spoke wheels and a performance-ready aesthetic.

The 2023 Acura Integra broke new ground as the first Integra to feature a turbocharged engine. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, shared with the Honda Civic Si, delivered 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The engine’s lively performance complemented the six-speed manual transmission, enhanced by automatic rev-matching technology. The limited-slip differential further improved traction, making the manual-transmission Integra exceptionally enjoyable to drive. The Integra’s 200-horsepower turbo four-cylinder felt responsive, especially with the short-throw shifter, and offered competitive power with a satisfying rev band. The adaptive steering and variable-ratio system provided a natural feel on highways and precise control in corners. Its handling was remarkable for a front-wheel-drive setup, although some drivers might miss the option for all-wheel drive.

The 2023 Acura Integra’s liftback design stood out for its practicality, offering 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. However, the higher lift-over height could pose challenges for shorter drivers or heavy lifting. The front cabin was thoughtfully designed with practical storage solutions and comfortable seating. Rear-seat legroom was adequate for average-height passengers, but taller individuals might find headroom lacking due to the steeply sloped roofline. On the other hand, the 2024 Acura TLX, at 194.6 inches long, found itself in a unique segment, with a wheelbase akin to compact sedans like the Audi A4 but overall dimensions closer to midsize competitors. The 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space was practical but less than what midsize sedans offered. While front occupants enjoyed ample space and comfort, the rear seats provided only 34.9 inches of legroom, falling short of true midsize dimensions.

The TLX’s interior exuded luxury, offering leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The busy center stack, with numerous physical buttons and a push-button shifter, demanded some acclimatization but offered robust functionality. The TLX Type S took performance up a notch with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine enabled the TLX to hit 60 mph in roughly five seconds, providing exhilarating acceleration. The adaptive dampers, robust stabilizers, and Brembo brakes underscored its performance credentials, making it a true sport sedan despite some additional weight compared to rivals. The 2024 Acura TLX doubled down on technology with standard and advanced systems. Every TLX featured an ELS Studio premium audio system, with higher trims getting an improved 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D system. Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad were standard. The introduction of dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen modernized the cabin. However, the TLX’s True Touchpad Interface (TTI) was a divisive feature. Unlike the traditional touchscreen in the Integra, the TLX’s touchpad was sophisticated but required a learning curve. Its inefficiency with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further complicated usability, potentially detracting from the overall experience.

Safety was a strong suit for both models. The 2023 Acura Integra brought an extensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Even the manual transmission model didn’t miss out on these systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Integra five out of five stars in crash tests. Similarly, the 2024 Acura TLX offered an advanced array of safety features under the AcuraWatch banner. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and parking sensors. The upgraded blind-spot monitoring with lane-change alert and wider view for the front camera added to the TLX’s safety credentials. The TLX also received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.