This week I find myself back behind the wheel of the award-winning Acura Integra! This time the A-Spec variety. Reintroduced to the lineup for the 2023 model year, the 2026 model features styling, tech and cabin upgrades.
The Integra's return as the brand's gateway entry vehicle has without a doubt been a success. It is America's best-selling premium compact sedan with Acura citing over 35% of retail share in the premium compact sedan segment in the first quarter. And in May, Acura reports Integra sales were up 67% over May 2025. Acura has previously cited its importance to the brand in attracting younger buyers.
Exterior
A new-for-2026 Double Apex Blue Pearl paint hue paired with a new color-matched grille leaves no room for interpretation. The Integra came to play with the looks to prove it. For 2026, Acura takes sporty vibes up a notch further with a new A-Spec aero kit with stellar 18-inch alloy wheels along with bodycolor side spoilers and a sleek new side sill garnish that improves aerodynamics.
Other standard Integra features include Jewel LED headlights, Chicane LED daytime running lights, Chicane LED tail lights, and heated side mirrors. The A-Spec is also treated to LED Fog Lights, LED side mirror directional signals, and a gloss black spoiler.
Powertrain
A 1.5-liter engine produces 200-horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration proves itself peppy enough for this compact sedan - but doesn't compare to the adrenaline rush of the 320-horsepower Type S.
Acura's 6-speed manual is certainly a powertrain highlight - delivering crisp shifts that make the driving experience something special. The A-Spec is also offered with an automatic.
Interior
An Orchid interior with dark metal film trim and sport pedals compliments the sporty exterior. While not luxury status, the cabin has an upscale feel thanks to a mix of faux-suede and soft-touch materials along with nice trim and hardware elements. Personally I think the traditional climate controls and honeycomb vents detract from an otherwise premium design.
New for 2026, the A-Spec's available Orchid interior gains new blue microsuede inserts as well as ambient lighting. All variants receive a fresh trim pattern on the dashboard.
The A-Spec's leatherette, heated front Sport Seats with side bolsters are comfortable and supportive. The driver's seat is 12-way power, the passenger's 4-way. A 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit with great graphics greets you as you sit down in the driver's seat.
The A-Spec continues to be equipped with a 9-inch color touchscreen - now with faster processing. It's also newly standard across the entire lineup. The multimedia system with Alexa built-in is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers SiriusXM and HD Radio. The available 16-speaker ELS 3D Audio System is certainly a highlight.
The Integra steers clear of haptic controls on the center stack - opting to stick with traditional climate control and volume knobs. A flat wireless charger is located just beneath the USB ports and a 12-V on the center stack.
The center console is home to the perforated leather-wrapped 6-speed manual gear shifter, drive mode select, an electric parking brake and auto brake hold. Two deep-set cupholders sit in front of the console bin.
The Integra shows its practical side in the roomy second row. The 60/40 split second row offers nice leg-room, though you'll lose some headroom due to stadium seating. A drop-down center armrest offers cupholders and there are nice soft-touch seat backs. On the down side, it lacks A/C vents. Cargo area is spacious and a cargo cover hides valuables.
Standard A-Spec features also include leather-wrapped steering wheel, moonroof, dual-zone climate, ambient LED cabin and door lighting, WiFi Hotspot three USB-C and one USB-A port.
The A-Spec w/Tech Package adds front and rear parking sensors, AcuraLink Communication system, 16-speaker Acura ELS 3D Studio Premium Audio, rain sensing wipers, low speed brake control, a 5.3-inch Head-Up display and the Sport Seats with Microsuede inserts.
Ride and Drive
The Integra may pull you in with its sporty looks - but its fun driving dynamics get you hooked. We're talking sharp handling, crisp 6-speed manual shifts and heavy steering feedback. Sport mode gives it a tighter throttle feel for the most engaging ride but there are also Comfort and Normal driving modes with Active Sound Control along with an A-Spec w/Tech customizable Individual mode. The down side to all the good here is too much road noise.
Safety
Standard AcuraWatch includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. Rear Seat Reminder and Seat Belt Reminder are also standard.
The A-Spec is also equipped with Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Monitor and the Tech Package adds Front and Rear Parking Sensors, a head-up display and low-speed brake control.
Options and What You’ll Pay
Only one option - $600 Double Blue Apex Pearl paint - brings the total MSRP to just shy of $42,000.
Verdict
The 2026 Acura Integra isn't the most luxurious entry-level premium sports option on the market but it does a lot of things right, and the price is right too. The A-Spec w/Tech is worth considering for all the added features. It's a premium compact sedan that's poised to continue being one of Acura's top-sellers.
- What I Liked Most: Driving dynamics, 6-speed manual, Orchid interior, ELS Audio.
- What I would change: Rear seat needs A/C vents.
- MSRP: Base Price: $39,200. Total MSRP: $40,995 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined.
- Official Color: Double Blue Apex Pearl ($600).
- Weight: 3,073 pounds.
- Odometer when tested: 471 miles.
- Spare tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 185.8” long/72" wide/55.5" high.
- Ground Clearance: 5.1 inches.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons with fuel filler on the driver's side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Technology: A fun, engaging ride with a practical side geared for driving enthusiasts at a price that won't break the bank.
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles new vehicle warranty; 6 years/70,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Marysville, Ohio.
- Manufacturer's website: Acura
