Loading

What is the Acura Integra based on?

The Acura Integra is a compact luxury sports sedan that has been a staple of the Acura lineup since its introduction in the late 1980s. While the Integra is an Acura model, it is actually based on the Honda Civic platform, sharing many of its underpinnings with the popular compact car.


Origins of the Acura Integra


The Acura Integra was first introduced in 1986 as part of the launch of the Acura brand, which was Honda's new luxury division in the United States. The Integra was designed to be a more premium and performance-oriented version of the Honda Civic, sharing the same basic chassis and powertrain but with a more upscale interior, sportier styling, and enhanced driving dynamics.


Relationship to the Honda Civic


The Acura Integra has always been closely related to the Honda Civic. The first-generation Integra, introduced in 1986, was based on the third-generation Civic platform. Subsequent Integra models have continued to share major components with the Civic, including the chassis, suspension, and engine options.


This close relationship between the Integra and Civic has allowed Acura to leverage Honda's engineering expertise and economies of scale to produce a more premium and performance-focused version of the popular compact car. At the same time, the Integra has maintained its own distinct identity with unique styling, more powerful engines, and a sportier driving character.


Key Differences from the Honda Civic



  • Styling: The Acura Integra has always featured a more distinctive and premium design compared to the Honda Civic, with features like a more sculpted body, a unique front grille, and available luxury features like leather upholstery.

  • Powertrain: Integra models have typically been equipped with more powerful engines than the Civic, often with higher-revving naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines or even turbocharged options in later generations.

  • Driving Dynamics: The Integra has been tuned for a sportier, more engaging driving experience, with features like a stiffer suspension, quicker steering, and available manual transmissions.


While the Acura Integra and Honda Civic share a common foundation, the Integra has always been positioned as the more premium and performance-oriented model in the lineup. This has allowed Acura to offer a compelling alternative to other compact luxury sports sedans on the market.

What platform is the Acura Integra built on?


2023 Acura Integra Review
A small four-door hatchback that's based on the latest-generation Honda Civic, the new Integra is an entry-level model in the Acura lineup that promises a bit of driving fun, some mild luxury and some nameplate cachet.



What car is the Acura Integra based on?


Honda Civic
The Acura Integra is a compact luxury car (C-segment) manufactured by Honda under the Acura brand since 2022. Succeeding the ILX sedan (based upon the ninth-generation Honda Civic), the Integra is a 5-door liftback based on the eleventh-generation Honda Civic.



Is the Integra basically a civic?


On paper, the Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S are very evenly matched — and they should be, since they're basically the same car.



Is the Integra just an ILX?


For 2023, Acura reintroduced the sporty Integra as a four-door hatchback. It now serves as the replacement for the outgoing small ILX sedan. If you are in the market for a smaller luxury car, a closer look at the 2023 Integra is an important step.



Is Acura Integra the same as Honda Integra?


In Japan and China, the Integra is known as the Honda Integra, and in North America, it's the Acura Integra. If you came here looking for a Honda Integra TYPE R or a conventional Honda Integra for 2022, may we interest you in the new Acura Integra soon to be available at Rallye Acura in Roslyn?



Are the RSX and Integra the same?


It was introduced in North America on 2 July 2001 as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.



What is the Acura Integra comparable to?


Shop it against top-end versions of the closely related Honda Civic and you'll find plenty of overlap, though the Integra feels worth its extra cost due to its nicer interior. If you're after a comfy commuter with a sporty side, the Mazda Mazda3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class can handle that duty quite well.



Is the Acura Integra a Rebadged Civic?


The Integra SJ (standing for "Sedan Joyful") was a rebadged Civic Ferio (a Honda Primo product) with modified headlamps and grille similar to the Orthia's and slightly larger rear lights that were also utilized on the Japanese market Civic LEV sedan.



Is the Acura Integra a rebadged Civic?


The Integra SJ (standing for "Sedan Joyful") was a rebadged Civic Ferio (a Honda Primo product) with modified headlamps and grille similar to the Orthia's and slightly larger rear lights that were also utilized on the Japanese market Civic LEV sedan.



Is the RSX and Integra the same?


It was introduced in North America on 2 July 2001 as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.