2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2023 Acura Integra was a testament to Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into the brand's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a five-door liftback design reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. The car's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. In Canada, the Integra was available in three trims: base, A-Spec, and Elite A-Spec, each with distinct wheel designs and performance all-season tires. The rear end featured a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and prominent taillights, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic, but maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles for the climate control vents and high-quality HVAC controls. The Elite A-Spec trim boasted a 9-inch colour touchscreen, a thin steering wheel, and excellent exterior visibility. However, rearward visibility was less impressive. The microsuede inserts in the upholstery provided excellent grip but lacked breathability, and the absence of ventilated seats was notable. While the Integra didn't match the bespoke refinement of German competitors, it was well-constructed and offered a premium feel.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, exuded a near-luxury aura, often mistaken for a more expensive sedan. Its sleek exterior, reminiscent of the Audi A7, featured a redesigned front grille, updated LED lighting, and a longer body. The car's planted stance was enhanced by its long, flowing roofline and increased rear track. The Accord Touring offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black HPD alloys. Inside, the Accord Hybrid Touring featured a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and advanced tech like Amazon Alexa and wireless connectivity. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its upscale feel.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a first for the model with its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The engine paired beautifully with Acura's six-speed manual transmission, featuring automatic rev-matching technology for smooth downshifts. The Elite A-Spec trim offered the manual transmission, while lower trims came with a CVT. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension, wide track, and long wheelbase providing a sporty ride. The 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 customization, with Sport mode enhancing the car's dynamic capabilities.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower. The hybrid system provided smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. The CVT and FWD drivetrain ensured a comfortable ride, while the suspension absorbed road imperfections effectively. The Accord Hybrid's regenerative braking system offered six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning and ease of use. Its agile handling made it relaxing to drive in various environments, and despite its increased length, it remained easy to park.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 688 litres of cargo space, though the high lift-over height could be challenging for loading heavy items. The interior provided ample space and comfort for the driver and passengers, with a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a decent centre console cubby. Rear legroom was adequate, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were notably soft, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring honeycomb mesh trim and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, offering convenience and ease of use. The front seats provided excellent support and comfort, while the rear offered generous legroom and shoulder room. However, headroom was limited by the tapering roofline. The trunk offered 473 litres of space, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, a head-up display, and a wireless charging pad. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience. The Integra's technology offerings made it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Touring trim included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The intuitive menus and physical controls for volume and climate added to the Accord's appeal, making it a tech-savvy choice for consumers.

The 2023 Acura Integra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. 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.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid also boasted a robust array of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Touring trim added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.