What is the Honda version of Acura Integra?
The closest Honda-branded counterpart to the Acura Integra is the Honda Civic Hatchback, especially in sport-oriented trims like the Civic Si, with the Civic Type R representing the performance apex. The Integra itself sits on a Civic-derived platform, but in North America it wears the Acura badge for branding and market positioning.
Context and brand mapping
Acura operates as Honda’s luxury division in the United States, and the Integra is positioned as a sportier hatchback within that lineup. In many markets outside the U.S., the same or similar cars appear under the Honda badge, but the current North American Integra is not sold as a Honda. Practically speaking, shoppers seeking a Honda-equivalent to the Integra typically look at the Civic Hatchback, with Si and Type R trims offering comparable levels of sportiness and capability.
Here is a quick guide to Honda models that align with the Integra’s role in the lineup:
- Civic Hatchback (LX/EX/SPORT) — the practical, everyday alternative built on the same platform.
- Civic Si — the sport-focused option that more closely mirrors the Integra’s performance orientation.
- Civic Type R — the high-performance pinnacle, for buyers seeking the most aggressive driving experience from a Honda hatchback.
Bottom line: The Civic family fulfills the role of the Honda equivalent to the Acura Integra, offering a ladder of choices that mirror the Integra’s blend of practicality, refinement, and sportiness. Branding and badge placement, not core engineering, distinguish the two in North America.
Historical and regional naming notes
Historically, the Integra name has appeared on Honda-badged models in some international markets. In the United States, Acura adopted the Integra badge for its hatchback, while Honda markets similarly styled hatchbacks under the Civic nameplate in most other regions. In essence, the underlying car is closely related, with branding and market positioning driving the badge difference.
Summary
The Honda equivalent of the Acura Integra is the Honda Civic Hatchback lineup, with the Civic Si and Civic Type R serving as the closest performance parallels. In North America, Acura carries the Integra badge, while Honda covers the same sporty hatchback niche under the Civic banner in other regions. Both brands share a common engineering foundation, but branding and market strategy set them apart.
What is the Honda equivalent to the Acura Integra?
Honda Civic
Both the Acura Integra and Honda Civic are equipped with advanced safety features, but the Integra has an edge when it comes to driver-assistance technologies.
Is there a Honda Integra?
Yes, the Honda Integra still exists, but its name and availability depend on the region. In China, it is sold as the Honda Integra, a version of the Civic. In North America, it is sold as the Acura Integra. Historically, both the Honda and Acura versions were sold, but the Acura nameplate is used for the new model in North America.
- In North America: The Acura Integra is available as a liftback, based on the eleventh-generation Honda Civic. It was reintroduced to the U.S. market for the 2023 model year and is considered the entry-level premium model for the Acura brand.
- In China: The Honda Integra is sold as a separate model, also based on the Civic.
- Historical context: The Honda Integra was sold in North America under the Acura brand until it was replaced by the Acura RSX in 2002. The nameplate was revived for the new Acura model in North America in 2022.
Is the Acura Integra just a Honda Civic?
No, the Acura Integra is not a Civic, but they share a platform and many components. Think of the Integra as a more luxurious and sportier version of the Civic, similar to how the Integra was positioned historically. Key differences include the Integra's premium features, more upscale interior, and distinct styling.
This video explains the similarities and differences between the Acura Integra and Honda Civic Type S: 24sMotor1YouTube · Jul 12, 2025
- Shared platform: Both vehicles are built on the same foundation, which is why their chassis, powertrains, and many internal components are so similar.
- Different brand and positioning: The Integra is sold under Acura's premium brand, while the Civic is a Honda model. This means the Integra has a higher starting price but includes more features and a more luxurious feel as standard.
- Key differences:
- Features: The base Integra often comes with features that are only available on higher Civic trims, like a Blind Spot Information System.
- Interior: The Integra uses more premium materials and has a more upscale feel, even though the fundamental design of the dashboard and controls is shared with the Civic.
- Performance tuning: While the base engine might be the same (or similar), the high-performance models, like the Integra Type S and Civic Type R, have different calibrations, suspension tuning, and features that result in a different driving experience.
- Styling: The exterior designs are distinct, with the Integra featuring sportier and more aggressive styling cues compared to the Civic's more conventional look.
This video compares the interior of the Acura Integra Type S with the Honda Civic Type R: 59sAlanis KingYouTube · Feb 13, 2025
Are Honda Integra and Acura Integra the same?
Is the Integra an Acura or Honda Model? In Japan and China, the Integra is known as the Honda Integra, and in North America, it's the Acura Integra.
