2023 Toyota Crown vs 2024 Acura Integra

The 2023 Toyota Crown boasted a notable presence on the road, echoing a full-size sedan's comfort but elevated by its unique four-inch higher ride. This elevation, reminiscent of crossover styles like the old Honda Accord Crosstour, gave it a slightly bulkier but more commanding appearance. The aggressive and sporty front end, highlighted by a large but mostly aesthetic grille and angular headlights, aimed to draw a wide demographic. Side views were balanced with large wheels and a sleek side trim, adding a modern touch without appearing too cumbersome. In contrast, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S delivered a more performance-oriented aesthetic. The Type S trimmed car set itself apart with a body that was not only visually aggressive but bolstered for high performance, featuring a widebody appearance and details like a redesigned front end and extensive aerodynamic aids. Apart from exterior styles, interior experiences differed significantly. The Crown's interior was a marriage of modernity and practicality, integrating a large digital panel and a plethora of hard plastics with cushioned touch points. Despite its ambition, some elements felt lacking in luxury. On the other hand, the Acura Integra Type S maintained a performance-focused interior, mirroring its aggressive exterior with sporty elements and maintaining a focus on minimal but functional design, such as the Ultrasuede seat inserts and sporty dashboard trim.

Under the hood, the 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid options. The base included a 2.5-liter engine paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery, producing a combined output of 236 horsepower, while the Hybrid Max boasted a more robust 340 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and an enhanced electric motor. Despite its power, the driving experience didn't feel overly athletic, likely due to the tranquil comfort-focused ride and occasional intrusions from its electronic aids. Conversely, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, sharing much of its mechanics with the Civic Type R, embodied high-performance driving. Its 320 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with precisely tuned suspensions and a robust brake system, delivered thrilling driving dynamics aimed squarely at enthusiasts.

In the realm of practicality, the Toyota Crown’s interior was spacious, suited for comfort during long rides with ample space for rear passengers despite a slightly restrictive headroom caused by its sloping roofline. The trunk space, while adequate at 15.2 cubic feet, didn’t match rivals in the same class. In contrast, the Acura Integra Type S leveraged its sportback design to offer substantial cargo space at 24.3 cubic feet, a figure that nearly doubled with the rear seats down, providing versatility typically seen in compact crossovers.

Technology in the Crown was focused on connectivity and ease, featuring a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was intuitive and modern. The inclusion of standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added to the car's modern appeal. On the flip side, the Acura Integra Type S hosted a slightly smaller 9-inch touchscreen but avoided the complication of touchpad interfaces, opting instead for direct touch controls which might appeal to users seeking straightforward interactions. Its 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D system, though robust, still contended with the car's inherent cabin noise.

Safety offerings in both cars were robust and modern. Toyota's suite included comprehensive features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, though some systems showed room for refinement in real-world applications. Similarly, Acura loaded the Integra Type S with its AcuraWatch suite of features, providing a wide array of driving aids designed to enhance safety though the manual transmission model omitted certain functionalities like low-speed follow.