2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 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 that harkened back to 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 high-quality HVAC controls. The Elite A-Spec trim offered microsuede inserts, though it lacked ventilated seats, and while it didn't match the bespoke refinement of German competitors, it was well-constructed and offered a premium feel.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, a familiar name since 1993, retained much of its sixth-generation design from 2019, with a new grille introduced in 2023. In Canada, it was offered in four trims: S, SR, SR Premium, and Platinum, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The Altima's styling was conservative, with LED projector headlights and optional rear spoiler adding some flair. Inside, the Altima felt a bit outdated, with soft yellow lights and wood trim reminiscent of older vehicles. However, the seats were notably comfortable, and the layout was practical, with easy-to-reach controls and a wireless phone charger. The leather upholstery was somewhat underwhelming, and there was a noticeable presence of cheap plastic parts. Despite these drawbacks, the Altima's interior was functional and comfortable for everyday use.

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. This lively engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission on the Elite A-Spec trim, featuring automatic rev-matching for smooth downshifts. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension, wide track, and long wheelbase providing a sporty yet comfortable ride. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra's drive modes—Comfort, Normal, Sport, and an individual mode—allowed for a customizable driving experience, with Sport mode enhancing the car's dynamic capabilities.

The 2024 Nissan Altima was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While not exhilarating, it provided adequate performance, with a 0-96 km/h time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The Altima's "intelligent" AWD system offered traction when needed, contributing to its fuel efficiency of 9.1 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway. The steering was light, but the car's low centre of gravity minimized body roll. The CVT managed power output well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration. Overall, the Altima's performance was competent, if not particularly exciting.

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 was spacious and comfortable, with a logical dashboard layout and smartly placed storage options. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. Despite these limitations, the Integra provided a comfortable and functional environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2024 Nissan Altima boasted impressive interior space, with front seats offering more room than several competitors. The rear seat provided 895 millimetres of legroom, matching the Kia K5 and surpassing the Hyundai Sonata. Trunk space was 437 litres, with a wide opening for easy loading. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and well-placed storage options, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

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 phone connectivity, and a head-up display. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided an exceptional listening experience. The Integra's technology offerings, especially in the Elite A-Spec trim, made it a standout in its segment.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch display available on higher trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and an organized interface, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, but the NissanConnect suite provided useful telematics features. Overall, the Altima's technology was functional, though not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control standard across all trims. The Elite A-Spec 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, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2024 Nissan Altima earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored lower in frontal crash tests. It did not receive a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS due to poor side-impact test results. Despite this, the Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard ADAS, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was available on all trims except the base, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities.