2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Nissan Altima

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 fresh 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 interior shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles and a 9-inch colour touchscreen. The Elite A-Spec trim added microsuede inserts, though it lacked ventilated seats, and while it didn't match the bespoke refinement of German competitors, it was well-constructed.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, with its updated front styling and new wheel designs, aimed to maintain its presence in the family car segment. The higher trims, with 19-inch wheels, enhanced its visual appeal, though the wheels were prone to damage. In Canada, the Altima was offered in four trims: S, SR, SR Premium, and Platinum, and stood out as the only mid-size sedan with standard all-wheel drive. The interior, while featuring some hard plastics, was straightforward and comfortable, with new simulated wood trim and double-stitched seams. The Altima's practicality was evident, though it lacked the premium feel of some competitors.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a first with its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The engine felt lively, especially when paired with the six-speed manual transmission available only on the Elite A-Spec trim. The manual transmission featured short throws and automatic rev-matching, making gear changes smooth and engaging. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a variable-ratio electric power-steering system that adjusted based on wheel movement. Despite being front-wheel drive, it handled corners with confidence. The Integra offered three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—each affecting the car's adaptive dampers and steering feel.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, produced 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power was adequate, with torque arriving at 3,600 rpm. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, and the SR Premium trim included paddle shifters for added engagement. Fuel economy ratings were decent, though our test vehicle's performance was merely adequate. The Altima's ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. In mountainous areas, the Altima displayed good grip, but the steering felt lifeless, and the brakes heated up easily, raising concerns about their performance in challenging conditions.

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 shorter individuals or those with heavy luggage. The interior was spacious, with a logical dashboard layout and comfortable front seats. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were notably soft, enhancing comfort.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was simple and user-friendly, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the leather upholstery was somewhat sticky. The Altima featured dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit challenging. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was reasonable, though some design choices, like the floor mat snaps, were problematic. The trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 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 was a highlight, offering superior sound quality.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SR Premium and Platinum trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Bose nine-speaker audio system was available, though its performance varied. The new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a better user interface and voice recognition.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety, offering a comprehensive suite of features across all trims, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Altima included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it had a lower rating for front passenger frontal impact safety.