Acura Integra vs Toyota Camry

The 2026 Toyota Camry was available in Canada in four trim levels: SE FWD, SE Upgrade FWD, SE Upgrade AWD, and XLE AWD, with prices ranging from $36,935 to $47,690, including destination charges. The SE Upgrade AWD trim with the Nightshade package, priced at $40,630, featured trendy satin black 19-inch wheels and gloss black exterior detailing, available in white, Midnight Black, or Supersonic Red. Despite updates in 2025, the Camry retained its lineage to the 2018 model, evident in its proportions and design elements. Inside, the Nightshade mirrored the SE Upgrade with a black interior, SofTex artificial leather upholstery, and fabric accents, offering a more pleasing environment despite some inexpensive plastic.

The 2026 Acura Integra was offered in A-Spec, Elite A-Spec, and Type S trims, with prices from $44,810 to $62,035, including destination charges. The Elite A-Spec test car, priced at $51,210, featured a six-speed manual transmission and Double Apex Blue Pearl paint. The Integra showcased Acura’s “diamond pentagon” grille, “jewel eye” LED headlights, and sculpted bodywork, sharing its wheelbase with the Honda Civic Hatchback but with a more balanced look. A-Spec models had a new exterior body kit, gloss-black detailing, and new paint colours. Inside, the Integra offered quality and subtle luxury, with revised interior trim, ambient lighting, and contrasting microfibre trim, providing a slightly smaller but comfortable cabin compared to the Civic Hatchback.

The 2026 Toyota Camry transitioned to a hybrid-only powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 225 horsepower in FWD models and 232 hp in AWD versions. Fuel economy ranged from 5.0 to 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with the FWD Nightshade averaging 5.3 L/100 km on a test loop. The Camry, based on the TNGA platform, offered a balance of ride and handling, though it lacked the communication and sophistication of the Honda Accord Hybrid. The hybrid system used an eCVT, which, despite efficiency, resulted in a droning sound under hard acceleration. The Camry’s sport-tuned suspension and driving modes provided a decent driving experience, though not as engaging as its rivals.

The 2026 Acura Integra Type S featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering thrilling performance. The rest of the lineup used a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT or an optional six-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential. The Integra’s adaptive damping suspension and Active Sound Control system enhanced the driving experience, though it lacked AWD and a hybrid option. The Integra’s turbocharged engine was lively, but the manual transmission didn’t significantly improve daily driving performance. The adaptive suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the Integra felt soft and squishy in Sport mode, with room for improvement in suspension stiffness and tire performance.

The 2026 Toyota Camry offered comfortable front seats with power height adjustment, wrapped in SofTex artificial leather with fabric inserts. The back seat provided adequate leg and foot room, though not as spacious as the Accord. The Camry featured heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors, with ventilated seats available in higher trims. Storage space was ample in the front, with a large bin beneath the centre armrest, though the trunk was small at 428 litres, with luggage-crusher trunk lid hinges and no inside grab handle.

The 2026 Acura Integra, slightly smaller than the Civic Hatchback, offered a comfortable and practical interior. The Elite A-Spec featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, though without height adjustment. Heated front seats and outboard rear seats were standard, but ventilated seats and rear air conditioning vents were unavailable. Interior storage was commendable, though rear cupholders were shallow. The Integra’s liftback provided a 688-litre cargo area, with a high liftover height but ample space for luggage, and a 60/40-split rear seat for added room.

The 2026 Toyota Camry featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected services plans. The larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, available in higher trims, added cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The Camry included a volume knob but lacked a tuning knob, with several connected services plans offering various features, including Safety Connect with emergency assistance and Remote Connect with remote engine starting.

The 2026 Acura Integra offered a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging. The Elite A-Spec added SiriusXM, HD radio, Alexa Built-in, and AcuraLink connected services, along with an ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system and a head-up display. The Integra’s infotainment system was user-friendly, though display legibility was an issue in direct sunlight.

The 2026 Toyota Camry came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Camry received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2026 Acura Integra featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Elite A-Spec added parking sensors. The Integra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a mix of “Good” and “Acceptable” ratings from the IIHS.