What is an Integra? The Integra is a compact sedan built in the Marysville, Ohio assembly plant and sold in North America by Acura. It’s marketed as a sports sedan and is commonly referred to as a premium sports car. It competes directly with other compact sport sedans such as the Audi A3 and the BMW 2 Series. The Integra features a 5 door liftback design, which provides more cargo space and versatility than a traditional trunk lid, contributing to its generous interior space for its size.
The 2026 Acura Integra sees a mid cycle refresh with several updates, including new exterior colors and new styling elements, a color matched grille on specific models, new 18″ black alloy spoke wheels for the A-Spec Edition and an updated dashboard design. The interior receives premium patterns for the A-Spec trim, new contrast stitching and micro suede inserts and extended ambient lighting. Technology enhancements include a larger 9″ touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a faster infotainment processor.
The 2026 Integra delivers an unforgettable driving experience. It’s equipped with a 200 horsepower (HP) VTEC Turbo 4 cylinder gas engine with steering column mounted paddle shifters for power that you can feel and control. Available with a 6 speed manual transmission, paired with a sophisticated Rev Match Control system, it pushes the boundaries of driving to the redline.
Exterior updates:
New colors: Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, and Double Apex Blue Pearl are new paint options.
Color matched grille: Available on Double Apex Blue Pearl and Performance Red Pearl models or as an accessory on other colors.
A-Spec upgrades: New 18″ alloy wheels, and a new aggressive aero body kit are now standard.
Gloss black grille: This new gloss black front grill is on the A-Spec model exterior and is available as an accessory on other colors and trims.
Interior and technology:
Touchscreen: The digital screen is now a larger 9″ unit across all models
Wireless connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.
Infotainment: The system has a faster processor for better performance.
New interior trim: A new pattern is featured on the dashboard across the board.
A-Spec interior enhancements: A-Spec models with black interiors get yellow stitching, while those with the Orchid white interior get blue micro suede inserts.
Extended ambient lighting: This is now included on the A-Spec trim.
Performance and safety:
Engine: The 200 HP VTEC engine in the 2026 Acura Integra is a 1.5 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder designed for a balance of performance and efficiency, featuring an early and flat torque curve for quick response. It provides smooth power delivery with minimal turbo lag, available with either a CVT trans or with the optional 6 speed manual transmission. This engine delivers 200 HP and 192 lb-ft of torque, creating a lively and engaging driving experience for daily commutes and spirited driving.
Transmission: The 6 speed manual transmission is a fun to drive and an easy to shift, sporty car option.
Technology: Standard features include the Integrated Dynamics System for adjusting driving modes, the AcuraWatch safety suite, and a 10.2″ digital instrument cluster.
Type S model: This version continues to offer the most power with 320 HP and a close ratio 6 speed manual transmission, along with the Sport+ drive mode.
To showcase this new 2026 model, this week Acura sent me an Integra Sports Sedan to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this 6 speed A-Spec Tech edition is $39,200. The only extra cost option on the test car is the special paint for $600. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,195 delivery charge is: $40,995.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to $46,120. At just 120 bucks over $46 Grand, you get a highly optioned sports sedan that gets 26 MPG city, 36 MPG highway and a commendable 30 MPG in combined driving. And as this car is a 6 speed manual transmission performance edition car, it’s equipped with the Rev Match Control software.
And what is that? The Rev Match Control system on a 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec automatically blips the throttle during a downshift to match the engine’s revolutions per minute, RPM, to the lower gear. This makes for a smoother and more seamless gear change, which helps to maintain vehicle stability, and allows the driver to concentrate more on steering and braking. The system can be turned on or off to let drivers choose the level of assistance they prefer.
Here’s how it works:
Sensors monitor driving: The system uses data from the clutch pedal’s stroke sensor, the transmission’s neutral position sensor, and the transmission rev sensor to monitor the car’s status and the driver’s input.
Automatic throttle blip: When you downshift, the system briefly increases the engine’s RPM to match what the new lower gear will require, at the current vehicle speed.
Smoother engagement: This eliminates the lurch, or jolt, that can happen with manual downshifts if the engine speed isn’t perfectly matched, making it easier to drive and shift.
Benefits for the driver.
Enhanced stability: By ensuring smooth gear changes, it helps keep the car stable, especially when cornering, or on changing road surfaces.
Improved focus: It allows the driver to focus more on other aspects of driving, such as steering and braking points.
Skill building tool: Drivers can choose to use it to help them get used to a manual transmission, or turn it off to practice manual shifting techniques without assistance.
So, who is the buyer for a 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec Tech Stick Shift Sports Sedan? The real buyer for a 2026 Acura A-Spec Tech with a 6 speed manual is an enthusiast who values a more engaging, connected driving experience, often an existing sports car owner, looking for a premium sport compact with a manual transmission. The A-Spec Tech trim targets drivers who desire a combination of performance and technology, with a sporty aesthetic, without compromising on luxury features, like the 16 speaker ELS Studio audio system, and advanced safety features that come with the Tech Package.
Here is a buyers profile for the 2026 Acura A-Spec Tech 6 speed stick sports sedan.
Enthusiast driver: People who want a more connected and engaging driving experience often choose a manual transmission for its involvement and control.
Performance oriented: This buyer is looking for a sporty and performance oriented car, with a turbo engine with lot’s of torque, for quick power delivery on every drive.
Tech Savvy: This buyer appreciates the advanced technology offered in the Tech package, which includes premium audio and the latest safety features.
Brand conscious: Buyers who are familiar with the Acura brand and appreciate its blend of premium features, reliability and athletic styling are all likely candidates.
Younger demographic: Based on available data, this buyer may include recent college graduates who are eligible for special programs, highlighting a younger demographic.
If this is you, then call, click or visit your local Acura dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new and updated 2026 Integra A-Spec Tech 6 speed Sports Sedan. And remember that the base price for a new Integra starts at only $34,595.
Acura’s tagline is Precision Crafted Performance. This slogan has been with the brand since its launch in 1986 and reflects its focus on engineering, performance and quality
The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net
