When you think about compact performance cars, the 2025 Acura Integra Type S offers a perfect blend of excitement and refinement. Acura’s latest Type S variant is designed to appeal to drivers who crave power without sacrificing daily comfort. Positioned as a more polished alternative to the Honda Civic Type R, the Integra Type S delivers thrills behind the wheel but with a touch of class. Let’s dive into what makes this car so special.
Whats New For 2025 Acura Integra Type S?
Subtle Sophistication Meets Power
For those who find the Honda Civic Type R a bit too loud—both visually and audibly—the 2025 Integra Type S might just be the solution. Instead of the oversized rear wing found on its sibling, the Integra Type S opts for a more understated trunk-lid spoiler, maintaining a sporty aesthetic while keeping things refined. This understated approach makes it a more mature choice for enthusiasts who want a performance car that won’t draw too much attention, but still commands respect.
What really sets the Integra Type S apart is its adaptive suspension. This advanced system gives drivers the flexibility to enjoy a comfortable ride during everyday commutes while still offering precision and control during spirited driving sessions. The result? A car that’s equally at home on winding back roads as it is on long highway cruises.
Performance That Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the Integra Type S shares its heart with the Civic Type R—a 320-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. That’s just a few horses more than the Type R, ensuring the pecking order remains intact within the Honda-Acura family. But don’t let the slight increase fool you—the Integra Type S is all about balance.
Thanks to the six-speed manual transmission, this car is perfect for those who love the engagement and control that only a stick shift can provide. Acura’s manual gearbox is one of the best in the business—smooth, precise, and intuitive. With 310 lb-ft of torque on tap as early as 2600 rpm, you get plenty of grunt to blast through gears with ease. It’s one of those rare cars that makes driving fun again, encouraging you to take the long way home.
In terms of raw performance, the Integra Type S can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, making it just a hair slower than the Civic Type R. But what it lacks in outright speed, it more than makes up for in everyday usability. Whether you’re attacking tight corners or cruising on the highway, the Integra Type S handles it all with grace, thanks to its refined chassis and superb suspension setup.
Interior Comfort and Premium Features
One of the biggest differences between the Integra Type S and its more aggressive sibling is the interior. Acura’s approach is all about quality materials and a thoughtful design. You won’t find any excessive flash here—just a well-crafted cabin that balances sportiness with premium comfort.
The sport seats are supportive enough to keep you planted during spirited driving, yet comfortable for long trips. They come wrapped in faux-suede fabric with subtle Type S branding, adding a touch of exclusivity. Standard features like heated front seats, a 12-way power driver’s seat, and a 16-speaker ELS audio system elevate the driving experience to luxury territory, something you won’t get with the Civic Type R.
Acura has also equipped the Integra Type S with a practical 24 cubic feet of cargo space, thanks to its hatchback design. It may not be a full-blown SUV, but it offers plenty of room for luggage or gear for weekend adventures. Plus, the rear seats fold down, giving you even more flexibility when you need it.
Technology and Infotainment
In the tech department, the Integra Type S comes packed with features. The 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster gives the driver access to critical driving information at a glance, while the standard 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and easy to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is a wireless charging pad, keeping your devices connected and charged during your journey.
The top-tier 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D sound system is another highlight, delivering crisp, immersive audio for music lovers. Whether you’re driving solo or with passengers, the cabin turns into a personal concert hall, making road trips and commutes that much more enjoyable.
Safety and Driver Assistance
When it comes to safety, the Integra Type S doesn’t skimp. Acura includes a host of driver-assistance technologies as standard, ensuring peace of mind on the road. Features like automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are all part of the package. While the adaptive cruise control lacks low-speed follow due to the manual transmission, it still helps make long highway drives less tiring.
Fuel Efficiency for a Performance Hatchback
Despite its impressive performance, the Integra Type S manages to offer respectable fuel economy. The EPA estimates 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which is quite competitive given the power under the hood. In real-world testing, the Integra Type S even outperformed expectations, achieving 31 mpg on a highway test—proving it’s not just about performance but efficiency too.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Acura Integra Type S is the perfect choice for drivers who want the performance of a hot hatch without the compromises often associated with them. It’s faster, more comfortable, and better equipped than its Honda counterpart, while still offering the engaging driving dynamics that make compact performance cars so desirable. For those seeking a sophisticated and practical daily driver that can still tear up a back road, the Integra Type S is hard to beat.