2024 Acura Integra vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The 2024 Nissan Altima's design reflected a sense of familiarity, given its sixth-generation iteration that has been on the roads since 2019. Receiving a sleek new grille in 2023, the Altima set out to impress with minor upgrades. With trim levels named S, SV, SR, and SL, and options for both FWD and AWD, the Altima catered to a broad audience. The specific model tested was the Altima SL with AWD, featuring Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and elegant 19-inch alloy wheels. While the chrome accents on the door handles and beneath the windows, along with the dual exhaust pipes and optional rear spoiler, added flair, the overall design leaned towards conservatism. Inside, the Altima seemed slightly dated, with traditional yellow overhead lights and wood trims. However, it boasted impressively comfortable seats and practical interior features like a wireless phone charger and easy-access cupholders.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S stood out with its aggressive and bold styling. Capitalizing on a widebody appearance, it featured a redesigned front end that made it distinct within its range. From the wider front track to aerodynamic aids and a significant rear diffuser panel, the Integra Type S was crafted for a dynamic look. Unique touches included carbon fiber mirror caps, Gloss Copper wheels, and Type S emblems. Internally, aside from subtle trim differences and Ultrasuede seat inserts, the layout remained nearly identical to the Integra A-Spec. However, the high price tag seemed unjustified by the interior quality, especially in the rear seats where passengers might question the investment.

The 2024 Nissan Altima was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided sufficient performance for everyday driving, achieving a zero to 60-mph sprint in around 7.5 seconds. For those seeking more power, the SR VC-Turbo offered an exciting option with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. However, this turbo engine came only in FWD, lacking the AWD option. Equipped with "intelligent" AWD, the Altima achieved 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway with the standard engine. Despite some light steering and noisy CVT under hard acceleration, the Altima offered a balanced and adequate driving experience.

Conversely, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S focused on delivering a thrilling performance experience. Featuring a turbocharged and inter-cooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine shared with the Honda Civic Type R, it produced 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching, ensured a dynamic drive. With a sophisticated suspension, Brembo brakes, and sufficiently large tires, the Integra Type S was built for enthusiasts. The driving modes, adaptive damping, and excellent grip made it a joy to drive on curvy roads and highways, although it could get noisy. Its aggressive performance justified its high price tag.

The 2024 Nissan Altima excelled in interior space and practicality. It provided generous front-seat space, surpassing competitors like the Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy, and Toyota Camry. The rear legroom measured 35.2 inches, matching the Kia K5 and besting the Hyundai Sonata. However, it fell short compared to the Accord, Legacy, and Camry. The Altima offered 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, outclassing some rivals but not the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5. The wide trunk opening and 60/40-split folding rear seats added to its practicality. Overall, the Altima offered a comfortable and user-friendly experience.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S opted for a sportier yet still practical approach. Its front sport seats with aggressive bolstering provided sufficient comfort and support for spirited driving. Drivers enjoyed 12-way power adjustment, although the front passenger seat lacked adjustability. The rear seat could accommodate passengers with decent legroom and foot room, though comfort was compromised by inadequate thigh support and a slouched backrest angle. The Integra's standout feature was its sportback body style, offering a substantial 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which more than doubled with the rear seats folded down, providing crossover-like utility with sports car driving dynamics.

Most 2024 Nissan Altimas came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the base trim using a 7-inch screen. However, the SL model tested had an impressive 12.3-inch display. This screen, available only on the SL and SR VC-Turbo trims, offered bright, crisp graphics, organized user interface, and practical static icons for easy navigation. Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available, along with a wireless phone charger on higher trims. The Altima SL also featured Nissan's NissanConnect telematics and emergency services.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. While not as graphically advanced as some rivals, the system was user-friendly and customizable. The absence of Acura’s True Touchpad Interface made the experience more straightforward, with physical controls for essential functions. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a robust 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the wireless smartphone charger had inconsistent performance.

The 2024 Nissan Altima boasted a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but received four stars in frontal crash tests. The 2022 Altima had a Top Safety Pick+ distinction from the IIHS, though the 2024 model lacked this due to poor performance in the updated side-impact test. The Altima came well-equipped with standard ADAS features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella, including automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and traffic-sign recognition. ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous technology was present in certain trims.

Acura's AcuraWatch suite in the 2024 Integra Type S included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, among other features. However, adaptive cruise control lacked capabilities due to the manual transmission, and emergency braking would only reduce speed rather than stop the car. The Integra Type S also had ten airbags, parking sensors, and ACE vehicle architecture for crash energy dispersion. Although not yet crash-tested, the standard Integra's top safety ratings hinted at similar safety for the Type S.