2025 Acura Integra Type S Review
MSRP: $51,800
2.0 Liter Turbo 4 cylinder
320 HP / 310 TQ
0-60: 5.1
Weight: 3200 lbs
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
The 2025 Acura Integra Type S isn't just another sport compact; it carves out a unique and increasingly coveted space in the automotive landscape. In an era of fleeting fads and compromised designs, the Type S emerges as a beacon for enthusiasts who refuse to sacrifice exhilarating performance for daily usability, or vice-versa. It’s a spiritual successor to a legendary nameplate, reimagined for the modern age, yet retaining the core DNA that made the original Integra Type R an icon: a sublime connection between driver, machine, and road, now wrapped in a more mature and versatile package.
Unleash the Type S on a track, and its Honda Civic Type R underpinnings, honed to an even finer edge by Acura, become gloriously apparent. The 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine, pumping out a robust 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivers a relentless surge of power that pins you to the supportive sport seats. But raw power is only half the story. The chassis is a masterpiece of engineering, a rigid and communicative platform that dances through corners with balletic grace yet bulldog tenacity. Its sophisticated dual-axis strut front suspension works miracles in quelling torque steer, allowing you to deploy power with astonishing confidence even out of tight bends. The adaptive dampers, adjustable through various drive modes, provide a spectrum of personalities, from surprisingly compliant to track-attack firm.
And the gearbox? It’s pure mechanical perfection. The six-speed manual transmission is a benchmark, a slick-shifting delight with short, precise throws and a perfectly weighted clutch that makes every gear change an event to be savored. The rev-matching system is flawlessly executed, ensuring smooth downshifts that keep the engine boiling in its optimal powerband. This tactile engagement is a rarity in today’s market. Coupled with this is an almost physics-defying level of grip from the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, clawing at the tarmac with a tenacity that feels like it could rearrange your internal organs during high-G cornering.
Yet, to label the Integra Type S as merely a track toy would be a gross mischaracterization. This is where its true genius lies: it is arguably the ultimate "one-car" solution for the driving enthusiast with real-world needs. Step away from the circuit, and the Type S transforms into an impressively civilized daily companion. The ride, especially in Comfort mode, is more than capable of soaking up urban imperfections without jarring occupants.
Inside, the Integra Type S reveals its practical brilliance. The term "cavernous" might be an exaggeration for a compact car, but the interior space is remarkably generous. Front occupants are treated to supportive and comfortable seats with ample leg and headroom. Rear passengers, often an afterthought in performance-focused cars, will find surprisingly usable space, making it a viable option for small families. The true ace up its sleeve, however, is the huge and practical hatchback form. With 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats – and significantly more with the 60/40 split seats folded down – it swallows luggage, groceries, or even track day gear with an ease that shames many dedicated sedans and even some smaller crossovers.
Imagine this: a Saturday morning spent clipping apexes and chasing lap times at your local track. The drive home is comfortable, the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system providing a soothing soundtrack. Sunday involves a family trip to Costco, the voluminous hatch easily accommodating bulk purchases. Monday morning? The Integra Type S is a refined and engaging commuter, ready to tackle the work week. This seamless transition between exhilarating performance machine and practical daily driver is what sets the Type S apart. It asks for no significant compromises.
When you consider the "do-it-all" performance car landscape, titans like the BMW M3 or even a base Porsche 911 often come to mind. While undeniably capable, they operate in a different stratosphere of price and, arguably, demand greater compromises in daily livability or running costs. The M3, while immensely powerful, can be a stiffer, more demanding daily companion and carries a significantly higher price tag. The 911, a benchmark sports car, offers limited practicality for family duties or large cargo.
This is where the 2025 Acura Integra Type S presents a compelling, and perhaps more logical, argument. It delivers a massive percentage of the thrills and track capability of these pricier German legends, but at a more attainable price point (around $52,000-$55,000 MSRP) and with a far greater emphasis on everyday practicality and comfort. It offers a sublime manual gearbox that's arguably more engaging than some of its pricier rivals, front-wheel-drive grip that defies expectations, and a hatchback versatility that neither the M3 sedan nor the 911 coupe can match. For the enthusiast seeking a truly exceptional driver's car that doesn't necessitate owning a second, more practical vehicle, the Acura Integra Type S isn't just a contender; it might just be the smartest, most rewarding choice on the market today.
Yousef Alvi
