2026 Acura Integra: Price, Specs & Full Review

In the premium compact car segment, the 2026 Acura Integra is proving its capabilities with a genuinely substantial mid-cycle refresh. It is not only Acura’s sole sedan offering in the North American market at present, but also a classic model that skillfully blends driving pleasure with everyday practicality. This update focuses on making advanced technology features more accessible and intensifying the sporty ambiance. Although the powertrain remains unchanged, the car still secures its position as one of the most noteworthy hatchback sedans in 2026. Based on measured test data and official information from the U.S. market, this article delivers the most complete purchasing reference available. Interestingly, as global vehicle circulation accelerates, this Japanese luxury model is now appearing frequently even on lists of cars for sale in Cambodia if you happen to be in Southeast Asia.

2026 Acura Integra U.S. Market Pricing: Modest Increase, Enhanced Content

Official starting prices for the 2026 model year at dealerships nationwide have been released. Including the $1,195 destination charge, the price breakdown for the Acura Integra 2026 is as follows:

• Base Model (Integra): $34,595 – a $400 increase compared to the 2025 model, but the central display has been upgraded from 7 inches to 9 inches.
• A-Spec: $37,145 – with a $950 increase, this trim adds exclusive aerodynamic components and 18-inch black wheels.
• A-Spec with Technology Package: $40,395 – priced $1,200 higher, this variant offers the most comprehensive comfort features and the 6-speed manual transmission option.
• Type S High-Performance Model: $54,595 – a $500 increase, powered by the red-valve-cover 2.0T engine.

Kelley Blue Book suggests that actual transaction prices typically undercut the MSRP by approximately $900 to $1,000. Currently, fair purchase prices in the U.S. market remain quite competitive.

Powertrain Specifications: Maintaining Fuel Faith, Manual Transmission Still the Soul

The 2026 Acura Integra offers two powertrain options, both with front-wheel drive; no all-wheel-drive variant is available at this time.

Main Model (1.5‑liter VTEC Turbo):

This 1.5L turbocharged inline‑4 produces 200 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. It is paired with either a CVT or a 6‑speed manual transmission. A‑Spec models equipped with the manual gearbox gain a helical limited-slip differential and an auto rev‑match function. The measured 0‑60 mph (0‑96 km/h) acceleration is approximately 7.37 seconds, with combined fuel economy around 7.8 L/100km (30 mpg).

Type S (2.0‑liter VTEC Turbo):

This is the true performance icon. The 2.0T engine extracts 320 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. This version exclusively offers a 6‑speed manual transmission, completely forgoing the CVT. It accelerates from 0‑60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Although fuel efficiency drops to a combined 9.8 L/100km (24 mpg), the exhaust note and track‑capable handling it delivers fully justify its $54,595 price tag.

Comprehensive Review: This Time It Smartly Addresses Its Weaknesses

1. Interior and Technology: Finally Catching Up to the Era

The small screen, a frequent criticism of previous models, has been completely eliminated. The 2026 model comes standard with a 9‑inch floating central touchscreen featuring significantly improved processor speed. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad are now all standard equipment.

The interior texture of A‑Spec models has seen a dramatic leap. The Orchid interior gains new blue suede seat inserts, while the black interior features yellow contrast stitching. The 10.2‑inch fully digital instrument cluster remains standard across the line, and a 5.3‑inch head‑up display is optional on higher trims.

The audio system continues to be a highlight. High‑spec models feature the 16‑speaker ELS Studio 3D system, tuned by a Grammy‑winning engineer, with two additional Highline speakers integrated into the headliner.

2. Exterior Design: A More Aggressive, Sporty Stance

The new model offers six exterior colors, adding Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, and Double Vertex Blue Pearl. When specified in Double Vertex Blue or Performance Red Pearl, the front Diamond Pentagon grille receives a color‑matched treatment, resulting in a highly unified visual effect.

The A‑Spec aerodynamic package is central to the new design. Gloss black spoilerlets are added to the sides of the front bumper, the side sills are re‑sculpted, and a lip spoiler is added at the rear. Combined with the exclusive 18‑inch blackout wheels, the overall aggressive stance far surpasses the previous model.

3. Dynamic Driving: Fun and Compromise Coexist

Strengths: Steering feel is excellent. The variable‑ratio steering system delivers stable on‑center response, becoming exceptionally sharp as steering angle increases. The 6‑speed manual boasts incredibly short shift throws with a clear clutch engagement point, making it easy even for beginners. Acura has even incorporated a stall‑proof logic; this is a manual car that can grow with you.

Weaknesses: The base 200 horsepower feels underpowered against its class rivals. The Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe are demonstrably quicker. Furthermore, the absence of rear air vents, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof leaves some shortcomings in its execution of pure luxury.

Space and Practicality: Despite the sleek roofline, rear headroom measures only 36.4 inches (approx. 92.5 cm), which can feel cramped for passengers over 180 cm (5’11”). However, the hatchback tailgate provides immense cargo versatility. Trunk volume is a substantial 24.3 cubic feet (approx. 688 liters) with the rear seats up; folding them down allows enough space to fit a mountain bike.

Competitor Comparison: German Rivals Are Faster, But It Understands Life Better

In the U.S. compact luxury segment, the 2026 Acura Integra’s direct competitors include the Audi A3 (starting around $39,000) and the BMW 228i Gran Coupe (starting around $40,000).

• Performance Dimension: The German duo are roughly one second quicker in acceleration and offer all‑wheel drive.
• Cost of Ownership: The Integra wins decisively. Kelley Blue Book has awarded it the Best Resale Value Award for several consecutive years, and its reliability reputation is significantly higher than its European counterparts.
• Emotional Dimension: The Integra provides a manual transmission, a feature that has nearly vanished in this class. This sense of mechanical rarity is something Audi and BMW cannot offer.

The conclusion is clear: if you prioritize straight‑line speed and AWD traction, a German car is more suitable. But if you want a daily driver that isn’t tiring, holds its value well, and can occasionally carve up a canyon road, the Integra is the smarter choice.

Special Perspective: A New Favorite on the Cars for Sale in Cambodia Market

Shifting our focus to Southeast Asia, an interesting phenomenon is unfolding. Although the Acura brand does not have an official dealer network in Cambodia, the maturation of North American parallel exports means the Acura Integra 2026 is now entering markets like Phnom Penh through independent importers.

On lists of cars for sale in Cambodia, U.S.-spec Integras often carry the grey import label. As Cambodia has no strict restrictions on right‑hand drive/left‑hand drive vehicles, the left‑hand‑drive U.S.-spec Integra has become a distinctive choice for high‑end consumers. Local dealer quotes suggest that a low‑mileage 2026 A‑Spec with Technology Package is estimated to sell for roughly 15%–20% higher than in the domestic U.S. market, with the rare Type S version even commanding a premium.

For luxury car buyers in Cambodia, the Integra offers a fresh alternative to the Lexus ES or BMW 3 Series. Its sporty positioning and hatchback practicality perfectly cater to the demand for everyday driving enjoyment among Phnom Penh’s young affluent buyers.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying?

The 2026 Acura Integra represents a precise exercise in identifying and fixing flaws. It does not attempt to brute‑force its way past German competitors with more horsepower. Instead, it invests more cost into areas users interact with every day: a smoother, larger screen, more convenient wireless charging, and higher‑quality interior materials.

We still recommend most consumers choose the A‑Spec with Technology Package. For $40,395, you get the ELS audio, HUD, driver’s seat memory, and the priceless option to spec that precious 6‑speed manual transmission. This combination, in the year 2026, is an almost discontinued experience.

Admittedly, it isn’t perfect. The lack of rear vents draws complaints from back‑seat passengers, and the 1.5T’s engine note lacks the Type S’s ferocity. But as every Integra owner will tell you: the moment you sit in the driver’s seat and grip that gear knob, you forgive all its shortcomings.