2023 Acura Integra vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a sleek, modern exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. Its low-slung, coupe-like design marked a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a more refined execution of Nissan's design language. Despite our test model's subdued grey paint, the Sentra was available in vibrant colours like bold blue and burnt orange, with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior shone with a modern yet straightforward layout, combining form and function seamlessly. The controls were user-friendly, and the centre dash's trio of vents added an upscale touch, complemented by a prominent touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language with its pentagonal grille and JewelEye headlights, aligning it with Acura's larger models. Replacing the ILX, the Integra adopted a five-door liftback design, offering a planted look with its wide track and long wheelbase. The interior shared similarities with the Honda Civic, maintaining cost efficiency without feeling like a mere re-skin. The dashboard featured honeycomb grilles for the climate control vents, and the physical controls boasted a satisfying tactile feel. The Elite A-Spec trim added microsuede inserts, enhancing driver comfort, though the lack of ventilated seats was noted. While not matching the bespoke refinement of German rivals, the Integra was well-assembled and offered a premium feel.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with a CVT option available. The CVT managed power effectively, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance-focused car. The suspension handled most road bumps well, making it suitable for commuting and road trips.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, while lower trims featured a CVT. The Integra's manual transmission benefited from automatic rev-matching, enhancing downshifting ease. The car's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, with its wide track and long wheelbase contributing to impressive handling. The Integra's variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. Three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed for tailored driving experiences.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the rear bench created a ledge, complicating the loading of larger items. The trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dash button. The Sentra's two rows of seating provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, with a centre console offering additional storage.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided 688 litres of cargo space, though the high lift-over height posed challenges for loading heavy items. Despite this, the Integra offered ample space and comfort for passengers. The front seats featured a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a centre console cubby. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom, though headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were notably soft, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The system included USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, with easy menu navigation and conventional hard buttons. However, the graphics needed updating, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were absent.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a USB-A port as standard. The Elite A-Spec trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. A head-up display and Acura's ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers were also included. The base and A-Spec models provided sufficient technology, while the Elite A-Spec trim elevated the Integra's tech offerings.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured standard driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available. The Sentra received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick" award.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control across all trims. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.