Acura will start taking pre-orders for the forthcoming 2023 Integra, but don’t expect it to come with the brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. Sure, the Civic-based Integra would be pretty sweet if it could be powered by all four wheels, but don’t get your hopes up. Rumors circulated around the web earlier this month that the entry-level car will receive the AWD treatment, but it turns out that they are false.

A Wisconsin-based Acura dealership first broke the news, then Acura set the record straight

Believe it or not, the rumor that the 2023 Acura Integra will have the brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system didn’t stem from one of us brazen auto journalists. Well, technically, it was first reported by the Truth About Cars. But to their credit, they sourced the information from Acura of Brookfield (Wisconsin), which stated in a “First Look” article on its website:

“When winter rolls around and covers the roads with rain, ice, and snow, you’ll be happy to have the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, to increase your traction in these circumstances to prevent any sliding.”

That quote was pulled by Edmunds, courtesy of the Wayback Machine, because it has since been deleted. Acura ended up responding to a number of outlets to set the record straight about the Integra. The Japanese automaker told Car Scoops, “The Integra will continue a tradition of being one of the best driving, front-drive vehicles on the market. We look forward to sharing additional details on the Integra soon.”

Does this mean the Acura Integra will never have an all-wheel drivetrain?

We wouldn’t completely dismiss the possibility. The Acura ILX was never offered with an all-wheel drivetrain, but if the Integra gets enough interest, then it could be spinning all four of its wheels in the future. But for now, we won’t hold our breath.

As the histories of the ILX, TSX, and RSX show, Acura doesn’t like putting its SH-AWD system in its entry-level models. Instead, that type of capability is reserved for larger stablemates like the TLX, RDX, and MDX. Of course, the latter two being SUVs may have something to do with it.

What will the 2023 Acura Integra come with?

For now, all we know is that the 2023 Integra will be equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential. Yes, it sounds like it could be a rebadged Civic Si or a more traction-grabbing version of the regular Civic Hatchback. Either way, those drivetrain components sound like the making of an excellent road-going compact performer.

At least Acura didn’t automatically saddle it with a hybrid powertrain. Although, that could be in the works for the future Integra as well. For now, if you want to reserve your own Integra, head over to Acura’s 2023 Integra page to sign up.

Don’t worry, you won’t be sliding your credit card to reserve one yet as the sign-up page is merely to get people to sign up for updates. Don’t be surprised when a local dealership calls you to confirm your interest in an Integra. However, if you want to throw them off a little, just make sure to ask them if it will come in all-wheel drive.