2023 Acura Integra vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had a long-standing presence in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES remained a staple for the brand. Lexus faced a challenge with the ES, as it was popular among an aging demographic, which the company needed to balance with attracting younger buyers. This balancing act led to a design that was both safe and a bit quirky, trying to appeal to a broad audience.

The latest generation of the ES, launched in 2018, utilized the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. This platform supported a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with an option for all-wheel drive. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its prominent "spindle" grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES had a well-assembled but asymmetrical dashboard, with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model. The interior was functional but cluttered, with a small analog chronometer adding to the dated feel.

The 2023 Acura Integra, on the other hand, showcased a cohesive design language that aligned with Acura's larger models like the TLX sedan and RDX and MDX crossovers. With its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharp character lines, the Integra fit seamlessly into the Acura family. Replacing the ILX compact sedan, the Integra featured a five-door liftback design, a nod to the third-generation Integra. Its wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a touch of nostalgia.

Acura offered the 2023 Integra in three trim levels: base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Technology. The base model came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the A-Spec trim added 18-inch Shark Gray wheels. The Integra's rear end was distinctive, with a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and large taillights. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its own identity. The dashboard featured honeycomb grilles for the climate control vents, and the HVAC system's physical controls had a premium feel. The A-Spec with Technology trim included a 9-inch color touchscreen, a thin steering wheel, and excellent exterior visibility, though rearward visibility was limited. The microsuede upholstery in the A-Spec trims provided good support but lacked breathability.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph.

The ES 350, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This model was front-wheel drive only and had an EPA rating of 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. The ES 350 could go from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with the same top speed as the ES 250 AWD. The F Sport trim had slightly lower fuel efficiency.

The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, resulting in a net 215 hp. It used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and was front-wheel drive. The hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, while lower trims came with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The manual transmission featured automatic rev-matching technology, making downshifting smooth and easy.

The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, with a wide track and long wheelbase enhancing its handling capabilities. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system adjusted the steering feel based on wheel position, offering a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—plus an individual mode, with Sport mode stiffening the adaptive dampers and adding weight to the steering.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered practical advantages over SUVs, with a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, which remained unchanged in the hybrid ES 300h. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, providing additional cargo space. The ES had a lower center of gravity and ground clearance than the Lexus RX, contributing to better handling and fuel economy. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, including big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a large center console storage bin. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided practicality, with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the lift-over height made loading and unloading heavy or bulky items challenging. The front seats had a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, a phone tray, and a decently sized center console cubby. Rear passengers had decent legroom but limited headroom due to the steeply sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were soft, providing comfort for passengers.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa+Lexus compatibility, a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, USB audio input connections, Bluetooth, a CD player, HD radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial. Upper trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt surround sound audio, and navigation. The ES also featured a 10-inch head-up display, a Panoramic View Monitor, and Intuitive Parking Assist with auto braking. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote, WiFi, Dynamic Navigation, and Destination Assist.

The 2023 Acura Integra included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and at least one USB-A port. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard. The Technology package added a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, a USB-C port for the front seats, two USB-A ports for the rear seats, and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS (Top Safety Pick+) and NHTSA (five-star overall rating). Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign assist, Enhanced Lane-Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Additional standard features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 10 airbags, and three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, a rear-seat reminder, hill-start assist, and automatic brake hold. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The NHTSA awarded the Integra five out of five stars overall, while the IIHS had yet to test it.