2026 Acura Integra A-Spec Tech - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

This car is worth every dime of your investment

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Acura checks in for 2026 with a significantly refreshed and visually improved Integra model line. I have been sold on the sporting capabilities of the Integra brand since my trip to Honda's Twin Ring Motegi race circuit, where I track tested a Type R Integra at speed on a banked super speedway oval. Honda has done nothing but improve the Integra model over the many intervening years. While the latest iteration carries a modest base price of just $39,200, you wouldn't be far wrong viewing the 2026 Integra as a bargain basement 3 Series BMW. You're also on target viewing the latest A-Spec Tech as the adult version of Honda's precocious Civic Si. In any event, there's a lot to love about the revamped Integra, starting with its scintillating visual upgrade.

The 2026 version - finished in a new A-Spec model-specific shade called "Double Apex Blue Pearl" - looks like an auto show exhibit that somehow found its way to your local street. Stunning is not too strong a word to describe its appearance. Although this model can also be ordered in Solar Silver Metallic or Performance Red Pearl, only the blue hue comes with the entire front grill painted to match the vibrant body color (similar painted grill shells can also be special ordered for the silver and red A-Spec sedans). In addition to side, rear, and threshold ID plates, the A-Spec package also adds body color side spoilers to the front fascia. Black side sill garnishes and tail spoiler improve the car's aerodynamic profile.

Acura also has big news for enthusiast drivers seeking to stir the cogs of a manual gearbox. Unlike so many manufacturers who have sheepishly forsaken this small but influential buyers group, Acura still makes a wonderful 6-speed manual gearbox available on the Integra A-Spec Tech at no additional cost. The design and appearance of the stainless steel stick is first-rate. Both the shift boot and the knob are wrapped in black leather. Artfully stitched orange thread matches the similar counterpoint gracing the sports bucket front seats and competition-style steering wheel. The short-throw lever action is reassuringly positive, though we regretted the lack of a gear callout display on the 10.2-inch "Acura Precision Cockpit" panel. For some reason, this important feature is only available on the Type S Integra.

Gear ranges are tightly bunched with few rpm drops between upshifts at maximum engine speed. Acura has provided the large-faced tachometer with a redline set at 6000rpm, at which point the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo motor is producing 200hp. To ensure that you do not exceed the redline, the entire tachometer face illuminates in red and flashes violently in warning. It's a very effective way to inform you that it's time to grab another gear. Pin the tach on every upshift and the turbo boosted small displacement 1500cc VTEC motor will sprint from zero to sixty in 7 seconds flat and post a SS 1/4 mile run of 15.3 seconds at 93mph.

Handling of the A Spec is exemplary thanks to its proven suspension design (front MacPherson Strut/rear Multi-Link). This architecture is augmented by an Active Damper System that you control from the cockpit via an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) under the control of the driver. Manipulate the IDS toggle switch on the center console, and you can choose Normal/Comfort/Sport or Individual Mode settings, all of which offer clearly discernible differences in performance. I found that pottering around town suited the Comfort setting, but transitioning to the 100 turn trip over the hill to my house demanded Sport Mode. The fairly close gearing of the second and third proved suitable for all the backroad turns I encountered. The A-Spec package includes a piano black set of 18 x 8J alloy rims shod with 235/45R18 ContiProContact radials with a mid-pack hardness rating of TW 400. I was surprised at the excellent grip of the Contis, which worked in close consort with the ride and damping characteristics of the Active Damper System to provide highly reassuring grip levels when pressed hard. The fact that these tires stuck like glue was all the more impressive considering that this Acura showed just 130 miles on its odometer during my test week.

The revamped 2026 Acura Integra is destined to retain or improve Acura's 37% ownership of the Premium Sport Compact market. In the currently topsy-turvy world of tariff uncertainty, you can rest assured that an Integra purchase will NOT subject you to unexpected price gouging since this sedan is built in Marysville, Ohio, and powered by an engine also constructed in the USA. So what you see on that sticker (Total Vehicle Price: $40,995) is what you'll get. And this one is worth every dime of your investment.

2026 ACURA INTEGRA A-SPEC TECH

• ENGINE: 1.5 liter inline-4, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC, 16-valve aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
• HORSEPOWER: 200hp@6000rpm
• TORQUE: 192lb.-ft.@1800rpm
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 26MPG City/36MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $40,995

HYPES: Visual Zinger, Performance Chops

GRIPES: Short in the HP/Torque Department

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

©2025 David E Colman