The 2022 Acura Integra: How a Legend Returned Refined, Not Rebuilt
The 2022 Acura Integra marked a significant moment for Acura, representing the brand's first serious foray into the compact performance hatchback segment in decades. This model resurrects the nameplate made famous in the 1990s, placing it on a platform shared with the Honda Civic Type R but positioning it distinctly as a more driver-focused, luxury-trimmed alternative. Our extensive testing reveals a machine that balances engaging dynamics with premium appointments, though it arrives with compromises in space and value compared to its main rival, the Toyota GR Yaris.
For years, enthusiasts watched as brands like Mazda and Volkswagen catered to the demand for driver-centric small cars, and the automotive world waited with bated breath to see how Acura would answer. The resulting 2022 Integra is not a radical departure but rather a calculated evolution, leveraging Honda’s extensive recent development of the Civic Type R’s architecture and powertrain. It arrives not just as a performance car, but as a statement of intent from Acura to reclaim its sporty heritage with a modern, sophisticated approach.
In a segment increasingly defined by extreme performance and raw, unfiltered experiences, the Integra carves out a niche for itself as the thoughtful, comfortable, and surprisingly capable enthusiast’s choice. It targets the buyer who wants the thrill of a small, agile hatchback wrapped in quality materials, advanced technology, and the promise of refined daily usability. This review dives deep into the engineering, design, and real-world performance of the 2022 Acura Integra, exploring whether this return is a resounding success or a missed opportunity.
Design Language: Retro Revival with Modern Execution
Acura’s design for the 2022 Integra is a textbook example of how to execute a retro-inspired vehicle with respect and precision. The exterior avoids caricature, instead capturing the essence of the original second-generation Integra with cleaner lines and a more cohesive profile. Sharp creases run along the hood and doors, while the signature swept-back greenhouse and subtle wheel arch flares immediately signal the car’s performance intent and heritage.
Inside, the Integra presents a cabin that is significantly more upscale than one might expect for the segment. Soft-touch materials, premium leather on the steering wheel and seats, and careful attention to fit and finish create an atmosphere of refinement that directly contrasts with the often-spartan interiors of its performance-hatchback rivals. The design is driver-centric, with a cockpit that feels intimate and focused, encouraging the driver to engage with the road.
* **Key Exterior Details:**
* The diamond-trim grille is a direct homage to the classic RS model, finished in a contrasting color on higher trims.
* LED headlights and taillights are sleek and modern, providing excellent visibility and a distinctive signature.
* The available 19-inch alloy轮毂 feature a unique multi-spoke design that complements the car’s aggressive stance.
* **Signature Interior Elements:**
* A flat-bottom, three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters.
* Front bucket seats with bolstering and premium Alcantara or leather inserts for enhanced support.
* A large, vertical infotainment screen integrated into a clean, minimalist dashboard layout.
Engineering the Fun: Platform, Suspension, and Dynamics
At the heart of the 2022 Integra’s appeal is its shared heritage with the Honda Civic Type R, a connection that provides a robust foundation. The car utilizes a modified version of the Civic Type R’s suspension setup, adapted specifically for the Integra’s different weight distribution and intended character. This is not a car built for brute-force straight-line speed alone; it is engineered for agility, feedback, and cornering prowess.
The result is a driving experience that feels both connected and confidence-inspiring. The steering is precise and communicative, providing a clear sense of what the front tires are doing on the tarmac. The suspension, while firm, strikes a remarkable balance between handling performance and ride comfort, efficiently soaking up road imperfections without sacrificing body control. When pushed hard, the Integra leans, dares, and responds, making every drive feel eventful.
The available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is a transformative addition, elevating the car’s dynamics to another level. This system, borrowed from Acura’s performance flagship, the MDX, can send up to 70% of the power to the outer front wheel during cornering, effectively pushing the car through turns with immense grip and stability. This capability allows the Integra to be significantly faster and more stable in dynamic situations than its two-wheel-drive rivals, further justifying its position as a serious performance machine.
Powertrain and Performance: The Heart of the Hatch
Propelling the 2022 Integra is a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine that is the very soul of the vehicle. This is not a detuned version; it is the same 200-horsepower, 192 lb-ft torque turbocharged unit found in the Honda Civic Type R. The integration is seamless, delivering a thrust that is immediate and linear. Power is sent through a slick six-speed manual transmission, a choice that will delight driving purists and is standard across the lineup. An optional automatic transmission is available, but it simply cannot replicate the tactile engagement and control of the manual.
The driving dynamics are the star, but the Integra also offers a compelling blend of features that enhance both safety and convenience. Technology is woven throughout the cabin, providing a modern and connected experience. Yet, the true test of the Integra is on a winding backroad or an empty stretch of highway, where its chassis balance, responsive steering, and powerful brakes transform a simple drive into a genuinely engaging experience. It is a car that asks for your attention and rewards it with an intoxicating sense of involvement.
The Practicality Paradox: Seating and Trunk
For all its performance credentials, the 2022 Integra is, by its very nature, a compromise. The most significant of these is its practicality. The car is a 2+2, but the reality is that the rear seats are best suited for small children or the occasional adult on a short trip. They are compact, upright, and not designed for long-distance comfort. The trunk space is also modest, with the rear seats folded providing a respectable 24.7 cubic feet, but the overall capacity is less flexible than some hatchback competitors.
This inherent limitation is a direct result of the car's design philosophy. Prioritizing a low roofline and sporty proportions for superior aerodynamics and handling meant sacrificing rear headroom and cargo versatility. For a buyer whose life revolves around hauling children, pets, or weekly groceries, the Integra will likely be a source of constant frustration. For the aficionado who views the car as a weekend toy and a daily driver for spirited back-road runs, these compromises are not just acceptable; they are a fundamental part of the package.
Value and the Competitive Landscape
Pricing is a complex equation for the 2022 Acura Integra. On one hand, the starting price situates it competitively within the performance-hatchback segment. On the other hand, the cost of options and the inevitable destination fees can push the final price into direct competition with more expensive, premium-performance vehicles. When comparing the total cost of ownership, including insurance and potential maintenance, the value proposition becomes less clear-cut.
Its primary rival, the Toyota GR Yaris, offers a more extreme, unfiltered, and arguably more engaging experience at a lower price point. The GR Yaris is raw, spartan, and focused almost exclusively on driving dynamics. The Integra, by contrast, offers a more polished, luxurious, and technologically advanced experience. The question for the buyer becomes one of philosophy: do you want a rattly, basic, pure-bred performance tool, or a refined, comfortable, and feature-rich sports hatch that happens to be a lot of fun to drive? The Integra is very clearly aiming for the latter camp, and in that regard, it largely succeeds.
