Acura doesn’t offer trim-level options the same way that other automakers do. There are distinct levels that offer more premium features for a price boost—but rather than being laid out as trims, they’re sold as different package options. The trend continues with the 2023 Acura Integra, which offers its base Integra model, an Integra with A-Spec package, and an Integra with A-Spec and Technology packages.

There’s one specific package option that a majority of Acura Integra buyers want.

The vast majority of Integra reservations are for the highest trim level

Which 2023 Integra has a manual? You may be surprised to learn that it’s the 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Technology (6MT) model, the most stacked package option. It’s also the package option that 70% of Integra reservations want.

Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President of Acura sales, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the pre-launch response to the 2023 Integra. The total number of reservations has far exceeded our expectations and most exciting is that around 70 percent of Integra reservations are for the 6-speed manual.”

What does the Acura Integra A-Spec w/Technology package include?

Since the Integra is still in the pre-order phase, we don’t have a complete spec list. Acura has shared some key specs and features. This model comes standard with the A-Spec sport-appearance package, one of the best Integra design features for the new generation. More specific design features for this model include LED exterior “puddle lamps.”

Inside, as part of the “Technology” package, the 2023 Integra brings a 9-inch digital touchscreen with built-in Alexa and a 5.3-inch Head-Up Display. Additional tech features include Qi-compatible wireless charging, interior LED ambient lighting, a 16-speaker premium audio system, additional USB connection and charging ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ integration. 

The manual transmission is an option attached to the A-Spec w/Technology package.

Correlation vs. causation: do drivers really want a manual transmission?

The manual transmission is only available on the highest-level and most-expensive package option. So, the question must be asked: are Integra reservations flying in for the most well-equipped model? Or for the manual transmission specifically? 

You can order a 2023 Integra A-Spec w/Technology (CVT) model with the brand’s continuously variable automatic transmission. Acura’s spec sheets show that both the CVT and manual should have similar feature sets. The differences between the top-level CVT and manual models seem performance-based. The A-Spec w/Technology (6MT) package includes Rev-Match Control, and Acura lists a limited-slip differential as a highlight of this model specifically.  

Unless buyers are really interested in Rev-Match Control, the manual transmission seems like the big draw.

Will we see the same trends when the 2023 Acura Integra goes on sale? 

We’re interested to see if this pattern of orders for specific Acura Integra package options stay the same when the model officially goes on sale and some of the hype dies down. There is a chance that the most motivated Integra buyers are those who are most interested in the sport legacy of this model.

MotorTrend shared that past generations of the Acura Integra saw over 50% of buyers choosing a manual transmission, but that was also pre-2002. Love for the manual is steadily decreasing in the auto industry, but maybe it will stay strong in small pockets of the market.

Will drivers continue to favor the Acura Integra with a manual transmission? Or will the tide turn in favor of the CVT base and A-Spec Integra once it’s more readily available?