Many vehicles were retired that are now making a comeback, and the Acura Integra is one of the latest. The nameplate, which was put to rest in the early 2000s, will replace the ILX, based on the next-gen Honda Civic. So, which 2024 Acura Integra trim level is the best for you? Here’s a look at the one trim favored most by consumers.

The varying 2024 Acura Integra trim levels

There are four trims on the 2024 Acura Integra. The first is the base, with a starting price of $31,500. It is equipped with a 1.5 in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine as every other trim, with the exception of the Type S. 

The A-Spec is the next trim up, and it has an MSRP of $33,500. It has almost exactly the same specs as the Base trim, but it has a more sporty feel to it.

The third available trim is the A-Spec w/Technology CVT. It comes with a six-speed manual and starts at $36,500.

The final Integra trim has a major price jump. It’s the 2024 Acura Integra S Type, and it has an MSRP of $50,800. This is partially due to the 2.0 in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also offers more features, such as a 9.0-inch touch screen as opposed to the standard 7.0-inch, and manual transmission.

Most consumers are interested in the Base trim

While most trims that consumers prefer are often mid-level trims, in this case, shoppers are purchasing the Base Acura Integra trim. If you check out Edmunds‘ drop-down list for trims, the Base is labeled as the most popular.

There are several reasons why this could be the case, with the price being the most obvious. There is also the fact that the Base model offers the same engine as most of the other trims, so you’re not really getting an upgrade in power if you choose a higher trim level.

The Base trim also offers plenty of features that shoppers crave, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. 

Interestingly, Acura reports that the Base trim has the best fuel economy for all five trims. It gets 30/37/33 mpg (city/highway/combined), while the other trims are slightly lower. The Type S only gets 21/28/24 mpg.

Which trim do the critics recommend?

The critics do not agree with shoppers on the best trim. Car and Driver does admit that the Base trim is decent enough but recommends that buyers go with the Type S because it has the very powerful 320 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The problem is that many consumers can’t afford to pay the eye-watering price of $51,995, which is why Car and Driver also recommends the A-Spec Technology.

MotorTrend also agrees that the Type S is the superior option, pointing out that it is much faster than the lower trims. It also addresses many issues plaguing the 2023 Integra when it first arrived on the scene.

U.S. News differs from MotorTrend, Car and Driver, and clearly most shoppers. The news site prefers the A-Spec with the Technology Package. It costs a little more than the Base trim, and yet it’s still significantly cheaper than the Type S.

For most consumers, the Base trim will meet all their needs and many of their wants. If you can afford the Type S, however, it’s definitely worth the upgrade.