The 2024 Acura Integra Type S has received as much, if not more, attention than the fabled Honda Civic Type R in recent months. It’s essentially the same car, after all – with the addition of some luxuries. But is the Integra Type S destined to be a future legend, or is it just full of hype?

Fortunately, I’m getting behind the wheel of one this week and can find out for myself. Here are my initial impressions of the performance-oriented Acura Integra.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is far more impressive than its lower-class brethren

Sitting in the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, I noticed some stark differences between it and the Integra A-Spec I tested last year. The most obvious changes are the perforated red and black Ultrasuede-trimmed seats. They’re comfortable and supportive, but I wish they were a little more race-like, like the ones in the Civic Type R.

They look nice, nonetheless, and they match the red and black theme that extends to the door panels and dashboard. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels nice in my hands, although I wish it were a little thicker. Again, a little more racecar would be great.

However, the shifter is amazing, just as I would expect. The metal shift knob has some heft to it, which helps the short shift action feel buttery smooth. That’s where the main differences between the Type S and A-Spec end, at least on the inside of the car. The biggest difference lies under the hood.

The Integra Type S’ powertrain is as good as everyone says

The biggest news when the Acura Integra Type S debuted was its powertrain. Under the hood is a turbocharged engine that puts out a whopping 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s 120 more horsepower than the Integra A-Spec and the most power ever produced by an Integra or Civic.

But the power on paper is one thing; driving the car is another. The 320 power rating sounds great, but some of that power is robbed when it goes through the six-speed manual transmission and out to the front wheels. Fortunately, I’m happy to report that the engine feels every bit as strong as it sounds.

There’s plenty of torque in the mid-range, and it pulls hard to the 6,500-rpm redline. The noise from the tri-tip exhaust sounds good but a little raspy from inside the cabin. There are three different modes to drive the car in – Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus. After playing with all three, I will say that comfort mode is good for driving around town.

However, Sport Plus does amp things up a bit – including the throttle responsiveness, suspension damping, and exhaust note. But you’re better off keeping in comfort so you don’t rattle your brains.

Is the Integra Type S comfortable on the road?

Don’t get me wrong, the Acura Integra Type S isn’t unbearable on the road by any means – but it’s not a TLX. It rides on large 19-inch wheels with super thin Michelin Pilot Sport tires. These rollers enable it to handle well in the corners and stick to the road like a train to its tracks, but the handling prowess comes at a price.

There’s plenty of road noise to be heard, and the ride can be a little stiff – even in comfort mode. But that’s the price you pay for getting the Type S. It is a sports sedan, after all.

Is the Acura Integra Type S worth its hefty price tag?

Acura priced the 2024 Integra Type S at $50,800, which puts it around $6,000 more than the Honda Civic Type R and $14,000 more than the Integra A-Spec. Is it worth the extra cash? My initial impressions say yes, considering it comes with a lot of tech and aero features the other cars don’t have.

All of that stuff allows the car to live up to the hype as well. Considering its rarity and overall uniqueness in the sports sedan segment, I think the Acura Integra Type S could be a future legend. But I’ll spend a few more days in it to make sure.

Stay tuned for a future full-length Acura Integra Type S review.