The 2023 Acura Integra returns to the performance-inspired sedan segment by borrowing the Honda Civic drivetrain. Some would say the 1.5-liter’s 200 horsepower is adequate, but many disagree. A 7.0-second 0 to 60 mph time is also something most wouldn’t think to see in sporty luxury sedans. While nearly all peppy family cars boast better performance figures than the Integra, here are five to start with.

1. 2023 Audi A4

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder power’s the Audi A4, putting down 201 horsepower. Although it’s just one more than the Integra, the Audi will hit 60 mph 0.7 seconds quicker. That’s probably thanks to the quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Or it could be the A4’s standard all-wheel drive—something you can’t get in the Integra.  

It’s a bit pricer than the Integra, though. The A4 starts at $40,300, about $10,000 more than the Integra. But potential buyers will get better interior quality than the Acura, which lifted the cabin from the Civic. Furthermore, Audi has more options to spec up the A4, even if they’re rather expensive.

2. 2023 BMW 3-Series

The BMW 3-Series comes standard with a similarly-sized 2.0-liter. It’s a turbocharged four-cylinder, but it’s good for 255 horsepower. That’s in the entry-level 330i, at least, which starts at $43,000. With a sharp eight-speed transmission, the rear-wheel drive 330i will hit 60 mph from a standstill in 5.6 seconds, BMW says. The all-wheel drive 3-Series (a $2,000 optional extra) is 0.2 seconds quicker.

Whereas the Acura Integra was expected to be fast and isn’t, the 3-Series isn’t expected to be fast but is. As well, there are about a dozen configurations of 3-Series BMW that are. From the base 330i to the sporty M340i to the track-focused M3 and back to the electrified 330e—there’s one for everyone. With the Acura, it has two rather boring packages and a Type-S spec that still isn’t on sale.

3. 2023 Kia Stinger

Many think the Kia Stinger only comes with the 368-horsepower turbocharged 3.3-liter V6. It has a much smaller available powerplant—but it’s still more potent than the Integra’s. The Stinger GT-Line has a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed auto, and each can be paired with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Stinger has a 4.7-second 0 to 60 mph time in the twin-boosted GT2 spec. But the turbo-four will snap a speedo in 5.3 seconds, seemingly days before the 2023 Acura Integra. With a starting MSRP of $36,690, the Kia is not that much more than the Integra. Plus, potential buyers get a much better, more lively interior and the best warranty in the business.

4. 2023 Lexus IS 300

The Lexus IS 300 barely beats out the 2023 Acura Integra in performance. Yet another turbocharged 2.0-liter, the IS 300 puts down 241 horsepower and 259 pounds-feet of torque. An unresponsive eight-speed automatic gearbox is the reason it makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in a lazy 6.9 seconds. But for a starting MSRP of $40,985, what you’re getting is the substance behind the firewall.

The Lexus has what you would expect. It has one of the most well-appointed cabins in the segment. While the Integra and the IS 300 each have elegantly aggressive exterior styling, the Lexus looks don’t come from Toyota. And unfortunately, the Integra is far too much like the Honda Civic.

5. 2023 Volvo S60

Speaking of nice interiors, the Swedes are here with the understated yet lavishly modern Volvo S60. It features best-in-class navigation, a Bowers & Wilkins high-fidelity audio system, a cabin air purifier, among many others, all of which start at $41,300. And that includes speed. 

The S60 has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine—a 2.0-liter of course—that puts out 247 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. It isn’t expected to excite anyone. The Volvo is built for serenity, not speed. Regardless, it will hit 60 mph from a standstill in a shave under seven seconds.

How much is the 2023 Acura Integra?

The base 2023 Acura Integra as a starting MSRP of $31,300. It’s exceedingly low for the luxury sedan segment. However, the Integra doesn’t offer much over what the Honda Civic does in opulence.

Each Integra comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Unfortunately, it’s even slower to 60 mph than the stick-shift variant. Car and Driver said the CVT is 0.1 seconds slower than the six-speed. The problem is the manual is only offered in the A-SPEC w/ Technology package—a $5,000 option. That puts the Integra much closer in price to much better sports sedans.