This Legendary Japanese Sports Car Gets a Major Tech Boost
Acura Integra Gets a Fresh Upgrade for 2026
Acura has rolled out a series of enhancements for the 2026 model year of its popular compact sports sedan, the Integra. The updates include improved aerodynamics, a new digital display, and a more refined interior. These changes aim to keep the Integra competitive in the premium compact sedan market while celebrating its legacy.
After Acura discontinued the Integra in 2002, it took over two decades before the nameplate made a return in 2023. This revival was met with enthusiasm from fans of Japanese sports cars. Now, just two years after its reintroduction, Acura is preparing for another milestone: the 40th anniversary of the first-generation Integra, which debuted in 1986.
To commemorate this occasion, Acura has unveiled several updates for the 2026 model. These include technological improvements, sportier styling options, new color choices, and premium interior features.
Smarter and Faster Tech
The Integra currently holds over 40% of the premium compact sedan market, indicating that its nostalgic appeal is contributing to its success. For 2026, Acura is enhancing the vehicle’s technology with a new 9-inch color touchscreen. This display is two inches larger than the previous one and features a faster processor for smoother performance.
In addition to the upgraded infotainment system, the 2026 Integra will support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console also includes a wireless phone charger, offering a cleaner and more modern cockpit experience.
Updated Aero Looks
While the overall design of the Integra remains similar to the 2025 model, Acura has introduced several visual upgrades. The Integra A-Spec now comes with a new aero body kit, featuring gloss black side spoilers, sleek side sills, and gloss black 18-inch wheels. This gives the car a more aggressive look, described by Acura as both “premium” and “aspirational.”
New color options include Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, and Double Apex Blue Pearl. Vehicles with Double Apex Blue Pearl or Performance Red Pearl come with a paint-matched grille as standard. Buyers can also choose a gloss-black grille for a subtler appearance.
Inside, the Integra A-Spec features a new trim pattern on the dash, extended ambient lighting, and new suede inserts and stitching options. These subtle changes enhance the interior’s appeal without drastically altering its design.
Familiar Fan Favorite Under the Hood
Despite the updates, the 2026 Integra retains the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the current model. A CVT automatic transmission is standard, but buyers can still opt for a six-speed manual. This setup delivers consistent power output of 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque for the base and A-Spec models.
At this time, Acura has not released full specifications for the 2026 Integra lineup. Notably, there is no mention of the MSRP or details about the 320-horsepower Integra Type S. Whether this omission means Acura has more surprises in store remains unclear. However, with the 2026 Integra set to arrive in showrooms soon, pricing and additional details are expected to be announced shortly.