2024 Acura Integra vs. the Competition

The Acura Integra is an iconic sports sedan. Now reborn for the 21st century, the Integra faces stiffer competition than ever, as several European brands have moved into smaller and sportier offerings. How do these European upstarts compare to the iconic Integra? We put together this guide to show just how they measure up.

Acura Integra VS Mercedes-Benz CLA

2024 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Technology Package	VS	2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe
$36,800 ✓	MSRP* (excluding destination charges)	$43,200
29 / 36 / 32 ✓	Fuel Economy (city / highway / combined)	26 / 36 / 30
42.3 inches / 37.4 inches ✓	Legroom (front / rear)	41.8 inches / 33.9 inches
24.3 cubic feet ✓	Cargo Space	11.6 cubic feet
16 ✓	Speakers	8
Standard ✓	Heated Seats	Optional
Standard ✓	Head-Up Display	Optional
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional
Standard ✓	Stainless Steel Sport Pedals	Optional
2 years / 24,000 miles	Included Maintenance	None

First up to face the Integra is the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The Mercedes is quite a bit more expensive than the Integra, so we’re comparing it to the Integra A-Spec w/Technology Package, as this trim is the closest in price to the CLA. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely clear what you’re paying all that extra money for in the Mercedes. The Integra comes with a more efficient drivetrain, as well as more front legroom, and a lot more rear legroom. A lot of rear legroom will often come at the cost of cargo space, but thanks to the Integra’s liftback design, it has more than double the space of the CLA’s unusually small trunk.

With the A-Spec w/Technology Package, you get the ELS STUDIO 3D® Premium Audio System, which comes with 16 speakers. That’s double the number that comes in the more expensive CLA, and while you can spend even more money to upgrade the stereo in the Mercedes, it still tops out at just 12 speakers. That’s not the only equipment advantage that you get with the Integra either, heated seats, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and stainless steel sport pedals all come standard on this trim, but will cost you extra on the CLA. And to demonstrate even more value for the Integra, Mercedes-Benz wants you to pay for maintenance from the first day you own it, while Acura gives you the first 2 years or 24,000 miles of maintenance at no additional cost.

Acura Integra VS Audi A3

2024 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Technology Package	VS	2024 Audi A3 Premium FWD S Tronic
$36,800	MSRP* (excluding destination charges)	$35,800
42.3 inches / 37.4 inches ✓	Legroom (front / rear)	41.2 inches / 35.2 inches
24.3 cubic feet ✓	Cargo Space	10.9 cubic feet
16 ✓	Speakers	10
18 inches ✓	Wheels	17 inches
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional
Standard ✓	Active Noise Cancellation	Not Available
Standard ✓	Head-Up Display	Not Available
Standard ✓	Traffic Jam Assist	Not Available
2 years / 24,000 miles ✓	Included Maintenance	None

Next up is the Audi A3, which clearly offers a superior value compared with the Mercedes,- it even has standard heated front seats. But when compared to the Integra, it’s not quite so clear cut. Although the A3 does start at a slightly lower price than the A-Spec w/Technology Package, it quickly becomes clear that that price only gets you a bare-bones A3. The roomier Integra once again comes with more speakers, noticeably more, and bigger wheels as well.

Adaptive cruise control is at least available on the A3, even if it isn’t standard like it is on the Integra, but a lot of other features can’t be had at any price. That includes things like active noise cancellation, a head-up display, and traffic jam assist. And once again, there is no included maintenance with the A3, but Acura gives you two years / 24,000 miles.

Acura Integra VS BMW 2-Series

2024 Acura Integra Type S	VS	2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe M235i xDrive
$51,800	MSRP* (excluding destination charges)	$48,300
320 ✓	Horsepower	302
Manual ✓	Transmission Type	Automatic
3,219 pounds ✓	Curb Weight	3,605 pounds
Standard ✓	Adaptive Damper System	Optional
19 inches ✓	Wheels	18 inches
24.3 cubic feet ✓	Cargo Space	12 cubic feet
Standard ✓	Heated Seats	Optional
Standard ✓	Moonroof	Optional
Standard ✓	Head-Up Display	Optional

The sportier versions of the Integra have always been popular, and since the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe M235i is aimed squarely at the Integra Type S, these are the versions we’re going to look at for this last comparison. The 2-Series starts off with a small price advantage, but right from the start, it also suffers from a horsepower disadvantage. Then we have one of the Integra’s biggest strengths, namely that it’s available with a 6-speed manual transmission, once a staple for sports cars, now something that very few sports cars even offer. The Integra is also nearly 400 pounds lighter, and comes with a standard adaptive damper system, combining for more nimble handling on the Integra.

The Integra Type S comes with bigger wheels, and even though the 2-Series Gran Coupe has more trunk space than the other German cars we’ve looked at here, it’s still a long way off from the liftback Integra’s cargo space. And even though the M235i is the top trim of the 2-Series Gran Coupe, there is a lot of equipment that isn’t included in the price that’s listed - such as heated seats, a moonroof, and a head-up display, all things that come standard on the Integra Type S.

*Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Destination & Handling charge for cars is $1,195 and SUVs is $1,350. Premium Paint colors are $600 and not included. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer.