2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 Subaru Impreza

The 2023 Acura Integra was a modern embodiment of Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting in with its larger siblings 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 sleek and contemporary appearance. The five-door liftback design was a departure from the traditional four-door sedan style, offering a nod to the third-generation Integra with embossed nameplates. The wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the decklid spoiler and dual exhaust outlets added to its distinctive rear-end design. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic, but it maintained its own identity with features like honeycomb grilles and a 9-inch color touchscreen. The A-Spec and A-Spec with Technology trims offered microsuede upholstery, though the lack of ventilated seats was a notable omission.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza, in its sixth generation, showcased a more aggressive and sporty style compared to its predecessor. The larger, angular grille and narrower LED headlights gave it a serious, focused look. The RS trim added side skirts for a low-slung appearance, while the flared fenders suggested a wider, athletic stance. Inside, the Impreza featured a modern look with an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on the Sport and RS trims. The RS trim also included racy red stitching and seat upholstery accents. Materials quality was commendable, with soft-touch materials in the front and durable hard plastics in the rear. The Impreza's design was more of an evolution, with the big touchscreen playing a significant role in the interior's modern feel.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a first for the model with its turbocharged engine, a lively 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It paired beautifully with a six-speed manual transmission, available only on the A-Spec with Technology trim. The manual transmission featured automatic rev-matching technology, making downshifting smooth and effortless. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension providing a sporty ride and a variable-ratio electric power-steering system offering natural feel and sharp cornering. The Integra's three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed for a customizable driving experience, with Sport mode noticeably stiffening the adaptive dampers and adding weight to the steering feel.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza offered two engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque for the Base and Sport trims, and a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque for the RS model. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the Sport and RS trims featuring paddle shifters for manual control over eight simulated gears. The Impreza's standard all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction, and the sport-tuned suspension on the Sport and RS trims offered confident handling. The ride quality remained comfortable and stable, with added sound insulation reducing road noise. The Impreza RS was comparable to the Honda Civic Si and Mazda 3 hatchback in terms of sporty performance, but its AWD system gave it a distinct traction advantage.

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 could be a challenge for loading heavy or bulky items. The front seats provided a comfortable and logical layout, with smartly placed cupholders and storage options. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline. The seat cushions in the back were notably soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza's cabin favored function over form, with logically placed controls and excellent outward visibility. The RS trim included a wireless charging pad and ample drink storage. Rear seats were more accommodating than expected, with sufficient headroom and legroom for six-footers. The cargo area offered 20.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The Impreza also accepted various roof racks for outdoor gear, though it wasn't rated for heavier overlanding tent platforms.

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

The 2024 Subaru Impreza's 11.6-inch touchscreen was easy to use, with large on-screen buttons and physical knobs for volume, tuning, and temperature. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity in the Sport and RS trims. The Starlink system, included in the Sport and RS trims, offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and smartphone app integration. The Impreza's infotainment system prioritized usability, with intuitive menus and smart organization.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety equipment, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition standard across all trims. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza came with the EyeSight driver assist suite, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering. The Sport model added Starlink communications features, while the RS trim included a blind-spot monitor and automatic emergency steering. The Impreza's safety features performed well, with no false alarms or intrusive actions.