2026 Acura Integra A-Spec First Drive: More Technology, Same Great Manual

When Acura revived the Integra nameplate in 2023, the company brought back more than a beloved model. It helped cement a flagship segment, namely a momentum-loving, lightweight(ish), manual-shift sports sedan.

For the car’s 2026 refresh, Acura wisely left the Integra A-Spec’s best features alone and focused on overall refinement. There’s a new look, some new shades, and – as I saw climbing the switchbacks along the Southern California coast – the same smile-inducing driving experience.

So what’s new about the new 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec?

The truth is, Acura is following a proven formula for the midcycle update of a popular model. The exterior of the car has been updated with a new nose, a new body kit and some new colours, while the interior gets more standard technology and a few revised paint schemes.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Three new exterior color options: Double Apex Blue Pearl, Urban Gray Pearl and Solar Silver Metallic.

• Cars with Double Apex Blue and Performance Red receive a color-matched grille as standard.

• That grille design has been revised, along with a new body kit for A-Spec models and a new 18-inch wheel.

• Orchid (white) interiors now get blue stitching and inserts, while Ebony (black) gets the same accents in yellow.

• Every Integra now comes standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging.

I am not a designer nor do I work because of my keen fashion sense, but I am mainly involved in the visual updates here. I love the very dynamic, intricately laced lines of the grille, although I find the body-colored versions a bit overdone. Fortunately, the black grille is always available as an option.

The interior still looks nice, and I really love how much room this cabin offers for guys as big as me (6 feet tall and 240 pounds). I’m not sure I would have noticed the new stitching if it hadn’t been pointed out to me, but overall this is still an attractive place to spend the day driving.

Adding screen real estate will probably be popular, although I’ve heard many readers and fellow journalists complain about this kind of placement: sort of stacked on top of the center dash. In my experience, the screen didn’t obstruct my view of the road – it actually appears level with the top of the instrument panel – although smaller drivers might disagree. Certainly, the addition of wireless functionality is all positive.

So you’re telling me it’s just a nicer version of the same driver-oriented car?

Yes, that’s right. As you climb from the coast to the highlands around Rancho Palos Verdes, south of Los Angeles, you’re quickly reminded of the Integra’s innate handling. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder may not sound like much, but its relatively low curb weight and excellent balance can turn winding roads into slalom courses (my way of driving).

Steering response is quick and nicely weighted (especially when the drive mode is set to Sport), so when downshifting on steep grades the Acura really begs to be driven hard. The feeling of precision and smoothness during quick changes of direction is common among performance products from the Honda family, while being completely unique within the competitive set.

The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder may not sound like much, but its relatively low curb weight and excellent balance can turn winding roads into slalom courses.

Now you can certainly argue that the Integra Type S with 320 hp is the driver’s car in the Acura range, but the A-Spec with the 6MT should not be ignored. The aforementioned steering and handling characteristics at least make the ‘Teg shine as a kind of modern “momentum car,” even if it lacks the more visceral sensations of some straight-line rockets. And the limited slip differential ensures that, even on 235-section tires, cornering grip is quite good.

Outside dimensions

An essential part of that idea is the car’s highly effective brakes. Despite modest 12.3-inch discs up front (11.1-inch rear), with single-piston calipers, I found the brakes very sharp and easy to modulate.

Is the A-Spec the good or blind spot of Honda and Acura’s portfolio?

Internal dimensions

If you look at the Honda Civic Si and the Acura Integra Type S While the two poles on a continuum of this platform’s performance, the A-Spec lands squarely in the middle.

You’ll have to jump from the base Integra ($33,000) to the “A-Spec w/Technology 6MT” trim ($38,000) to get a manual transmission, but it’s about the best five grand you can spend on new car options. Far from new at this point, the six-speed transmission nevertheless provides light, positive action, short throws and one of the best shift knobs in the business. Moreover, the DIY gearbox, with a feather-light clutch pedal, is not difficult when driving in heavy traffic.

Of course, that sublime manual can be used in the same two cars that chase the Integra A-Spec: the faster Type S and the cheaper Civic Si.

The Honda offers the same powertrain in a slightly less posh package (albeit without heated seats for this boy from the north), for about $6k less than the manual Integra. I prefer the Acura’s hatchback shape and exterior styling to the Si, but if I were on a budget the extra cost would be hard to justify.

And if my budget were more generous, the Type S with 320 hp would also be very tempting. While I love the purity of the A-Spec 6MT, I may ultimately love the Type S even more.

Which should most people buy (and what other cars should they consider)?

Performance Specifications

There are, of course, plenty of buyers who will appreciate Acura’s no-nonsense luxury appeal, in a sporty-feeling car, without even having to wring their hands over the most optimal performance bargain.

In fact, there are four trim levels of Integra below the range-topping Type S: base, A-Spec and A-Spec, with the technology returning in both CVT and 6MT flavours. From past experience, I’ve found the car much less attractive with the CVT equipped, and I don’t expect that to change with the ’26 model year update.

So while the ultimate A-Spec for me would be painted in Double Apex Blue, with the black grille, a gear lever and the new white/blue interior color combination, your mileage may vary.

There is still a passionate community willing to invest in a practical car that connects emotionally.

At around $41,000 as tested, there are attractive luxury competitors for the Integra; the Audi A3 And Mercedes Benz CLA 250 immediately come to mind. And while both may have an advantage in a few areas (especially torque), they are generally much less attractive in places like the hills and canyon roads in SoCal. You could also get around the idea of ​​a rear-wheel drive, more powerful BMW 228 Gran Coupe, but only if they’re okay with an automatic transmission.

Integra’s relaunch has been successful, at least in part, because the company understands that there is still a passionate community willing to invest in a practical car that connects emotionally. With this revised A specification, that is a community that will continue to be well served.