The 2024 Honda Acura Integra Type S is here, and it’s making a strong case for itself in a crowded field. In this review, we’ll see if it truly earns the title of the most luxurious car of 2024.
Honda Acura Integra Type S Review: The Most Luxurious Car of 2024
That’s a bold claim, isn’t it? When you think of luxury, brands like Mercedes or Lexus might come to mind first. But Acura has redefined its approach. The Integra Type S isn’t just a performance machine; it’s a carefully crafted experience that prioritizes comfort, quality, and daily usability alongside its thrilling power. Let’s break down exactly how it achieves this.
First Impressions: Style That Commands Attention
Park the Integra Type S anywhere, and it will gather looks. Its design is aggressive yet sophisticated. The wide stance, prominent rear diffuser, and iconic quad exhaust tips shout performance. But the lines are clean, and the finish is flawless.
It avoids looking like a boy-racer’s dream. Instead, it presents itself as a mature, premium product. The available Apex Blue Pearl paint, shown on many review models, is a stunner in sunlight.
Key Exterior Design Features:
- Signature Diamond Pentagon grille with dark chrome finish.
- Muscular fender flares housing wide 265-section tires.
- A rear spoiler integrated into the decklid for a sleek look.
- Available Carbon Fiber package for mirror caps and a rear decklid spoiler.
Stepping Inside: Where Luxury Becomes Real
Open the door, and the argument for luxury strengthens. The cabin is a significant step up from the standard Integra. You’re greeted with supportive, perforated Milano leather seats with contrast stitching. The driver’s seat offers excellent bolstering for spirited driving without feeling restrictive on a long commute.
Every surface you touch feels premium. The suede-like microfiber headliner, the metal pedals, and the thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel all contribute to a special feel. It’s quiet at highway speeds, with road noise well isolated.
Interior Highlights and Tech
Acura’s tech suite is present and intuitive. The centerpiece is the 9-inch touchscreen, which is responsive and clear. It comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a feature some luxury brands still charge extra for.
- A 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system provides an incredible sound experience.
- The custom 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster is configurable and easy to read.
- Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard, adding to daily comfort.
- Ambient lighting adds a subtle, upscale glow at night.
One small critique: while the materials are great, a few switchgear pieces are shared with less expensive Hondas. It’s a minor point, but noticeable when everything else feels so unique.
The Heart of the Beast: Performance Meets Refinement
This is where the Type S separates from the pack. Under the hood lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 320 horsepower. The power delivery is smooth and linear, with a satisfying surge as the revs climb.
The soundtrack is fantastic, especially with the active exhaust in its sportier settings. It provides a deep, resonant growl without becoming droney or obnoxious. The 6-speed manual transmission is a joy to use, with a precise, short-throw shifter. An automatic is not offered, and that’s a good thing—it keeps the experience pure.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort and Capability
You might expect a car with this much power to have a harsh ride. That’s not the case here. The adaptive dampers allow you to choose between Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes. In Comfort, the Integra Type S soaks up bumps impressively well. It feels genuinely luxurious over rough pavement.
Switch to Sport, and the body tightens up for flatter cornering. The steering is direct and communicative, giving you perfect confidence. The front limited-slip differential helps put the power down cleanly coming out of turns.
- Select your drive mode using the console knob.
- Notice the immediate change in steering weight and suspension firmness.
- Experience how the exhaust note becomes more pronounced in Sport+ mode.
It’s this dual-personality that’s so impressive. It’s a comfortable grand tourer one moment and a capable back-road partner the next. The brembo brakes provide strong, fade-free stopping power, which is essetial for a car of this caliber.
Everyday Practicality: It’s Still an Integra
Luxury isn’t just about materials; it’s about making life easier. The Integra Type S, as a liftback, offers tremendous utility. The rear hatch opens to reveal a large, usable cargo area. The rear seats fold down almost flat, creating enough space for a big trip to the hardware store or for hauling gear.
The rear seats are also surprisingly usable for adults, with decent legroom and headroom. This is a car you can genuinely use every day without compromise. The fuel economy is respectable for the performance, averaging around 24 mpg combined in real-world driving.
How It Compares to the Competition
To understand it’s place, let’s look at rivals. The BMW M240i is faster in a straight line but less engaging and more expensive. The Audi S3 is tech-heavy but feels less special inside and only comes with an automatic.
The Integra Type S’s real magic is it’s blend of attributes. It offers 90% of the luxury of those German models, 100% of their performance in the real world, and adds a manual transmission and more practicality. All for a price that undercuts them significantly. It feels exclusive and special in a way mass-market luxury sometimes doesn’t.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No car is perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The manual-only offering, while praised by enthusiasts, will limit its appeal to some buyers.
- Rear visibility is somewhat hampered by the thick rear pillars.
- As a new, high-demand model, getting one at MSRP can be a challenge initially.
- The infotainment, while good, isn’t as flashy as some competitor systems.
Is It Worth Your Money?
Absolutely. When you factor in its performance, luxury, practicality, and starting price just over $50,000, the value proposition is strong. It doesn’t feel like a compromise. It feels like a carefully chosen set of priorities executed brilliantly.
You get the thrill of a true performance car without sacrificing comfort or usefullness. For the driving enthusiast who also values quality and daily comfort, it’s a nearly ideal package. The ownership experience, backed by Acura’s reputation for reliability, adds to its long-term appeal.
Final Verdict: A New Definition of Luxury
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S successfully redefines what a luxury car can be. It moves beyond just soft leather and quiet cabins. It combines those things with visceral driving pleasure, engaging controls, and smart practicality.
It proves that luxury can be exciting and involving. It doesn’t isolate you from the experience; it enhances it. For those who believe driving should be a pleasure, not a chore, the Integra Type S stands out as a compelling, and yes, luxurious choice for 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Acura Integra Type S have a lot of horsepower?
Yes, it has 320 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0L engine, which provides plenty of power for both daily driving and track use.
Is the new Integra Type S comfortable for long trips?
Very comfortable. The adaptive dampers in Comfort mode and the supportive seats make it an excellent grand tourer for long distances.
What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Integra Type S?
EPA estimates are 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In mixed real-world driving, expect around 24-25 mpg.
Can you get the Type S with an automatic transmission?
No, the 2024 Integra Type S is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, which is a key part of its engaging driving character.
How does the Acura Type S compare to a Civic Type R?
They share a similar powertrain, but the Integra Type S is tuned for more refinement and daily comfort, with a more luxurious interior and a quieter, more compliant ride compared to the track-focused Civic Type R.
Is there a lot of cargo space in the Integra Type S?
Yes, the liftback design offers excellent utility. With the rear seats folded, you have ample space for luggage, sports equipment, or large shopping trips.