2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Nissan Versa

The 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language that aligned seamlessly with Acura's larger models like the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. With its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlight design, and sharply creased character lines, the Integra was a modern take on a classic nameplate. The five-door liftback design differentiated it from the traditional four-door sedan style of its predecessor, the ILX, and added a practical touch. The embossed "Integra" name on the car's corners was a nostalgic nod to its third-generation predecessor. The Integra's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and large taillights added to its distinctive rear-end design.

Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic, but it maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles over the climate control vents and high-quality HVAC controls. The Elite A-Spec trim level offered microsuede inserts in the upholstery, enhancing driver comfort, although the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback. The 9-inch colour touchscreen and thin steering wheel added to the car's modern feel, while the thin A-pillars provided excellent exterior visibility. However, rearward visibility was less impressive. Overall, the Integra offered a well-constructed interior, though it didn't quite match the bespoke refinement of its German competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed its design language from Nissan's larger Sentra and Altima sedans, featuring a "floating" roof effect and a prominent V-Motion grille. This design approach gave the Versa an upscale appearance, making it look more like a traditional sedan than an econobox. The sleek profile and wide stance, along with nicely sized wheels, contributed to its modern look. The Versa received styling updates for 2023, including a more elaborate V-Motion grille and a new wheel design for the SR model. The Grey Sky Pearl paint on the SR trim added a grown-up touch.

Inside, the Versa's interior design was creative for a budget model, with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard that wrapped around the central touchscreen and climate controls. While most materials were plastic, the fit and finish were commendable, even on the pre-production test car. The SR trim featured red stitching and upholstery inserts, reminiscent of the early 2000s Nissan Sentra SE-R. The SV and SR trims offered additional convenience features like heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a centre console with an armrest. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED headlights were standard on the SR model, enhancing the overall appeal.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a significant departure from its predecessors by offering a turbocharged engine for the first time. The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, providing a lively driving experience. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, available exclusively on the Elite A-Spec trim, while lower trims featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was enhanced by Acura's automatic rev-matching technology, making gear changes smooth and effortless. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension that provided a sporty ride without compromising comfort. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra's three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Versa focused on delivering a thrifty and practical driving experience. All Versa models were equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a CVT, as the five-speed manual transmission was discontinued. While the Versa's performance was not exhilarating, it was adequate for daily commuting. The handling was satisfactory, with noticeable body roll in corners but impressive grip. The steering was responsive, contributing to the car's nimbleness. The Versa offered a comfortable ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effectively. Overall, the Versa felt more substantial than its subcompact classification suggested, providing a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design enhanced its practicality, offering 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading and unloading heavy or bulky items challenging. Despite this, the Integra provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable front seats and a well-organized dashboard layout. The rear seats offered decent legroom, although headroom was limited for taller passengers due to the steeply sloped roofline. The seat cushions in the back were notably soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a four-door sedan, offered respectable trunk space, with 416 litres in the base S trim and 425 litres in the SV and SR trims. The Versa's interior provided more headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants compared to the Kia Rio sedan, although rear-seat space was slightly less generous. The front row felt spacious, with good outward visibility aided by a low dashboard and side glass. However, storage space for small items was limited, with a small centre console bin. The shifter's raised platform looked stylish but wasn't the most efficient use of space. The optional wireless charging pad was conveniently tucked away.

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

The 2023 Nissan Versa offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and three USB ports as standard features on the base S trim. The SV trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch driver-information display, and a wireless charging pad. The SR trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. While the Versa's technology offerings were adequate, the touchscreens were smaller than current standards, and the graphics appeared outdated. However, the digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication to the interior.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard across all trim levels. Features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and more. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control, parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Versa also impressed with its standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and high beam assist. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention alert. While the IIHS hadn't published updated safety ratings for the 2023 Versa, it received high ratings in previous tests. The NHTSA awarded the Versa a five-star overall safety rating.