The Acura Integra Type S’ Interior and Exterior

There’s no mistaking the 2026 Acura Integra Type S as a high-performance model. Slick badging aside, its wider fenders and 19-inch wheels wrapped in chunky Michelin summer rubber give it away, as does its aerodynamic accouterments on its face and under the rear bumper. Plus, the fact that it’s got big openings in its maw for improved cooling—there’s even a massive intercooler under there to show it means business. Overall, it’s a sleek and handsome devil, save for the three rear exhaust pipes that have a portion of their diameters blocked out. But that’s getting down to brass tacks.

Inside, a first glance wouldn’t impress most. It looks a lot like the standard Integra. However, the front seats are adorned in a grippier, suede-like material, and their bolsters were beefed up for better support under cornering. Then, the steering wheel is far sportier with a lot of real estate devoted to grippy dimple material, plus massive contrasting stitching.

But it’s important to point out that the standard Integra interior bits aren’t anything to sneeze at. The modest infotainment screen is appreciated in 2026, and the controls’ layout is very good. Heated seats are nice to have, though, it would’ve been neat if Acura one-upped the Europeans by offering standard ventilation as well. However, materials quality isn’t quite at the same level as those found in the Audi S3, BMW M235, and Mercedes-AMG CLA35; controls feel a hair less solid, and infotainment/digital instrument cluster clarity and software looks dated.

Nonetheless, it’s a very spacious and comfortable environment, and even my tall, six-foot-three stature has loads of headroom. There’s no sunroof, but that’s a good thing for anyone thinking about enlisting their Integra Type S for track day duty (and they really should).

Driving the 2026 Acura Integra Type S

The Acura Integra Type S comes with just one engine and transmission combo: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, six-speed manual transmission, and front-wheel drive. Output is rated at 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, making ripping to 60 mph doable in around five seconds.

Two quick appreciated characteristics: Acura didn’t bother installing an ersatz all-wheel drive system that only comes into play if slip is detected, which helps keep its curb weight at a svelte 3,200 pounds—the lightest in the segment by a longshot. Then, with the windows cracked, there are entertaining turbo noises to savor, which definitely affirms the high-performance bit in high-performance premium compact sedan. Well, it should be said that the Integra is a liftback, but it’s got four normal doors nonetheless.

Front-wheel drive often gets a bad rap, but Acura has truly perfected it in the Integra Type S. The front axle gets a limited-slip differential plus Honda/Acura’s dual-axis independent front suspension. The latter sets up the former for a slam-dunk; there’s no torque steer, mid-corner bumps don’t upset it, and on-throttle cornering grip is phenomenal. In fact, the latter nearly mirrors capable mechanical all-wheel drive systems found in Audis and Subarus.

Throw in functional aero-maximizing bits, grippy/massive 265-wide summer rubber, stiffer spring and sway bar tuning over the base Integra, and adaptive damping, and the Type S is a very potent package on a fun road. Ride quality is overall enthusiast-comfortable in Comfort mode—you never forget you’re in the hottest model, but it’s plenty compliant for day-to-day use. But put it in either of the more focused modes, and it’s magnificent at carving corners with little body roll, confidence-inspiring grip, and excellent chassis communication.

The Type S’ big four-piston Brembo brakes ensure maximum control and precise weight balance—with a very nice pedal feel, to boot—and its steering blows the Euros out of the water. Solid overall weight, respectable feedback, and the perfect ratio. Slight gripe: it has a rather large turning radius thanks to its slower ratio over the standard Integra and massive wheels, but this is easily forgiven.

It’d be a crime to not mention the Type S’ manual shifter, and, thankfully, it’s a very good one. The clutch pedal feels more solid over the standard Teggy, and the shifter itself has excellent throw, action, and feel. Honda’s always done well in this department with its performance models, and the Type S definitely carries the torch.

All-in-all, this is one tremendously fun and capable hot premium compact, and you can tell that Acura engineers really invested a lot of time and effort in making it so. By the way, it’s manufactured in the USA, too.

The 2026 Acura Integra Type S is the Enthusiast’s Premium Compact

With good-enough amenities, sharp looks, and excellent overall performance, the Acura Integra Type S truly rules over its European competition. And this is coming from a lifelong Audi nut, mind you. It’s competitively priced and has so much more fun-to-drive panache. I’m glad that I finally got behind the wheel of Acura’s fastest Integra, and for anyone shopping in this segment who fancies themself a driving enthusiast, it should be the first on their list to test-drive.