2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language that aligned seamlessly with Acura's larger models like the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. With its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines, the Integra presented a modern and recognizable aesthetic. The five-door liftback design differentiated it from the ILX compact sedan it replaced, offering a more practical and spacious option. The embossed "Integra" name on the front-left and rear-right corners paid homage to its third-generation predecessor, while the wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look.

Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity. The dashboard featured honeycomb grilles covering the climate control vents, and the physical controls for the HVAC system had a premium feel. The A-Spec with Technology trim included a 9-inch color touchscreen, a thin and comfortable steering wheel, and excellent exterior visibility. However, rearward visibility was less impressive. The microsuede upholstery in the A-Spec trims provided good support but lacked breathability, and ventilated seats were not available. While the Integra didn't match the bespoke refinement of its German competitors, it was well-built and offered a premium feel.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims, featured a clean and technical design with machined-finish 19-inch wheels on the Sport and Touring trims. The Canyon River Blue metallic paint on the Touring trim, paired with a black leather interior, created a striking appearance. The interior was lightened with a gray headliner, contrast stitching, metallic finishes, and an artful mesh trim strip hiding the dashboard air vents. However, the shiny plastic on the lower portions of the cabin detracted from the overall premium feel. Despite this, the Accord Touring's interior impressed with its 'Acura Lite' quality.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, featuring a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that delivered 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching technology, making gear changes smooth and effortless. 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 adjusted the steering feel based on wheel position, offering a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing the car's performance characteristics.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors. This setup produced a total output of 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, providing enthusiastic acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain operated seamlessly, with simulated gear changes for a traditional driving experience. The car's handling was responsive and natural, making it enjoyable to drive in various conditions. The Accord EX-L achieved 48 mpg in combined driving, while the Sport, Sport-L, and Touring trims, with larger wheels, earned 44 mpg. During testing, the Touring trim returned 43.1 mpg, showcasing its remarkable fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading and unloading heavy or bulky items challenging. The front seats provided a comfortable and logical layout, with smartly placed cupholders and storage compartments. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid prioritized comfort, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats in leather-upholstered trims. The rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom, with supportive cushions and a perfect backrest angle. The Touring trim included air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for rear passengers. The Accord's trunk provided 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing its rivals. The wide-opening doors facilitated easy entry and exit, enhancing overall convenience.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Technology package upgraded the 7-inch touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, added a head-up display, and enabled wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The A-Spec with Technology trim also included a wireless charging pad, additional USB ports, and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers, providing an exceptional audio experience.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and HondaLink subscription services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 6-inch head-up display. Google Built-in with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store was exclusive to the Touring trim, with a complimentary three-year subscription. However, voice recognition issues with Google Assistant and Alexa were noted during testing.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, rear-seat reminder, hill-start assist, and automatic brake hold. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Integra received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard Honda Sensing features included automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist. The EX-L trim added parking sensors, while the Touring trim included low-speed automatic braking. During testing, the lane assist features faced challenges in bright sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control left gaps that allowed other vehicles to cut in.