Acura gives a facelift – and more — to the compact Integra line-up for 2026, marking the nameplate’s 40th anniversary. Headlight.News checks it out.
The sporty A-Spec version of the 2026 Acura Integra.
In today’s increasing SUV-centric world, Acura is an outlier with its Integra sedan. But with sales sliding this year it’s clearly a matter of good timing that the familiar compact five-door will get an update for the upcoming model-year.
The automaker is giving us a first look at the 2026 Acura Integra and several things stand out. The mid-cycle refresh brings more technology to the sedan, while giving it some styling updates and adding a new color palette.
“Integra has also fulfilled its role as the performance gateway to the Acura brand, with the youngest buyers in the segment2 and the highest conquest rate of any Acura vehicle,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales.
What’s new for 2026
The 2026 Acura Integra’s biggest exterior updates can be found on the A-Spec.
Much of what’s new for the Integra falls into the tech category. That starts with a number of new, standard features, including a 9-inch color touchscreen, 2 inches larger than with the outgoing sedan. All versions of the sedan will also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless smartphone charger.
Base versions of the 2026 Integra will be available with an assortment of new colors: Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl and Double Apex Blue Pearl. Models painted in Double Apex Blue Pearl or Performance Red Pearl now get color-matched grilles. Others feature gloss-black grilles.
More significant updates can be found on the 2026 Integra A-Spec. There’s a new aero body kit available with gloss black side spoilers on all four corners, a new side sill garnish to improve high-speed aerodynamics, and 18-inch black wheels.
Updated cabin
Integra is one of a fast-shrinking breed still offering a manual gearbox option.
Integra features a cockpit-style cabin with plenty of soft touchpoints and upscale detailing, including diamond mesh patterns on the climate vents. “Heated front seats wrapped in leatherette are standard, with 8-way power adjustment for the driver,” the automaker notes, with a 12-way seat option available as part of the Technology package.
A-Spec models add stainless steel pedals and red gauge needles, as well as contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats, shifter and shift boot.
Interior updates for 2026 include a new trim pattern on the instrument panel and revised ambient lighting on the A-Spec. There are revised color combinations, as well. Notes Acura: “A-Spec models with the Ebony interior sport new yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift boot and door panels.”
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Powertrain
All versions of the 2026 Integra are motivated by a 1.5-liter turbo-four making 200 hp.
Integra’s turbo-four engine is carried over for the 2026 model-year. The VTEC 1.5-liter engine pumps out 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It features a “unique” coil-type exhaust to add what Acura calls an “emotional…sound that further enhances engaging driving experience of Integra.”
Notably, Acura is the only model in its segment – and part of a declining group, industry-wide – still offering a manual transmission. It’s a short-throw, close-ratio gearbox with rev matching. Other models get a standard continuously variable transmission.
Power is directed through a helical limited-slip differential on manual models to further enhance traction.
A much-needed update
All versions of the 2026 Integra get a larger touchscreen and other updates like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
The Acura Integra can clearly use a boost. Though it scored with potential buyers when it made its 2022 debut, demand for the 5-door sedan has slipped this past year.
The luxury arm of Honda Motor Co. sold just 1,429 Integras in June, a 34.4% decline from year-earlier volume. For the full year to date, sales came to 9,923, a 27.2% decline.
Of course, that’s no surprise considering where the current U.S. new vehicle market stands. More than a few manufacturers have dropped out of the sedan market entirely. In Acura’s case, Integra is outsold by every SUV but the ZDX – but even there, that all-electric model has shown rapid growth in recent months and likely will soon surpass Integra, as well, if the sedan doesn’t gain momentum with the 2026 update.
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