2023 Toyota Prius vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2023 Acura Integra was designed with a cohesive aesthetic that aligned with Acura's broader vehicle lineup, featuring a pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. This design allowed the Integra to fit seamlessly with Acura's larger models like the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. The Integra replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a five-door liftback design reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. This model boasted a wide track and long wheelbase, giving it a solid, planted look. In Canada, the Integra was available in three trim levels: 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 with unique touches like honeycomb grilles and high-quality HVAC controls. The Elite A-Spec trim featured microsuede inserts, though it lacked ventilated seats, and while it was well-constructed, it didn't match the bespoke refinement of German competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a complete makeover, finally offering a head-turning style that had been missing from previous models. The new design was a blend of curves and edges, giving it a futuristic look while maintaining appeal for conservative buyers. The wheels were pushed further into the corners, enhancing handling and giving the Prius a more athletic stance. The car was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, with 19-inch alloy wheels standard on the XLE and Limited models in Canada. The Prius rode on a solid platform, providing a reassuring feel over rough surfaces, and the interior materials and fit and finish were top-notch. The cabin featured a pair of screens, with an instrument panel in front of the driver and a dashboard-mounted infotainment screen, moving away from the previous centre-mounted display. While the cabin prioritized function over form, it remained a comfortable space for occupants.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, featuring a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder that delivered 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission in the Elite A-Spec trim, while lower trims came with a CVT. The manual transmission offered a lively driving experience, aided by automatic rev-matching technology for smooth downshifts. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a wide track that provided a sporty ride. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system adjusted the steering feel based on wheel position, offering a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—plus an individual mode, with Sport mode enhancing the car's adaptive dampers and steering feel.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, combined with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering 196 total horsepower in AWD models. This was a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius achieved excellent fuel economy ratings, with 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 4.7 on the highway, and 4.8 combined. The new powertrain provided a more athletic and eager driving experience, with improved acceleration and reduced 0-100 km/h times. The Prius's handling was agile, thanks to a revised suspension and longer wheelbase, and it offered a comfortable ride over harsh roads. While the brakes had a slight squishiness typical of hybrids, the overall driving experience was engaging and suitable for daily use.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality, with 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, 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 and convenient storage options. Rear legroom was decent, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline, making it less suitable for taller passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its larger exterior, had a slightly smaller interior compared to the previous model. Headroom was reduced due to the sloping roofline, but legroom increased, allowing taller passengers to fit comfortably in the rear seats. The Limited trim featured a fixed glass roof, enhancing the cabin's openness. Cargo space decreased to 575 litres, and rear visibility was somewhat hampered by the loss of the split rear window. The cabin included practical features like multiple cupholders, a wireless charging pocket, and USB-C ports, while the cargo area had small underfloor storage cubbies.

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 smartphone integration, a head-up display, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 16 speakers. This trim also included additional USB ports and a wireless charging pad, enhancing the technological experience.

The 2023 Toyota Prius XLE models featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Limited trim offered a larger 12.3-inch screen. The Limited also included a JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and wireless smartphone charging. The Prius had six USB-C ports and offered subscription-based connectivity bundles for remote access, safety features, and cloud navigation.

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+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Prius included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure alerts, and more. The Limited trim offered Advanced Park for hands-free parallel parking. The Prius received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though a rating from the NHTSA was not available at the time.