The Acura Integra is back! Well, sort of. A few days ago Acura unveiled the “Integra Prototype”, which gives us a very good idea of what we can expect from the sedan that’s set to launch next year.

“The Integra is one of the most iconic models in Acura’s history,” said Jon Ikeda, Acura’s brand officer. “This new Integra, will continue to deliver on the original’s unique aspirational yet attainable market position, with emotional performance and style, combined with the versatility and utility sought after by today’s buyers.”

While there are still some unknowns, the brand did reveal that the car will cost about $30,000. It will also be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, probably the one also found in the Civic Si and come with a manual gearbox. All of which got us wondering about how it compares to other similarly priced enthusiast-oriented cars.

Read Also: 2022 Subaru WRX Vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra N: How Do They Compare?

Although the Integra holds a special place in the hearts of many enthusiasts, there have been big moves in the sporty sedan space since the previous-gen left us in 2006. So, can the new version of the rad classic live up to expectations, or will it sink under the weight of its own history and a tightly packed field?

2023 Acura Integra

› Price: $30,000 (EST)
› Engine: 1.5-liter turbo
› Power & Torque: +200-hp / +192 lb-ft  (EST)
› Transmission: 6sp Manual / CVT
› On Sale: 2022

Although no power output has been officially announced, we know that the Civic Si’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 200 hp (202 PS/149 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque, so we have some idea of what’s coming. While we expect more from the Type S, that’s a pretty good basis from which to start.

We also know that Acura will be offering the Integra with a six-speed manual transmission, another move that will garner goodwill from the enthusiasts it hopes to court. A limited-slip diff should help make it fun to drive, but it’s not the only model offering that kind of experience.

2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI

 

2022 Honda Civic Si

› Price: $27,300
› Engine: 1.5-liter turbo
› Power & Torque: 200-hp / 192 lb-ft
› Transmission: 6sp Manual
› On Sale: Now

As we’ve learned, many of the Acura Integra’s performance bona fides are borrowed from the Civic Si. Whether Acura will choose to boost performance to justify the extra three grand, or will simply rely on the extra luxury implied by the Acura brand, remains to be seen.

Honda promises, though, that the 11th-gen Civic Si is the “best-handling, best-equipped, and most fun-to-drive Civic Si ever.” Again, the Integra Type S may introduce more power, but will people care about the base Integra when there’s a perfectly good Civic Si for less?

2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI

 

2022 Hyundai Elantra N

› Price: $30,000 (EST)
› Engine: 2.0-liter turbo
› Power & Torque: +276-hp / 289 lb-ft
› Transmission: 6sp Manual / 8sp Auto
› On Sale: 2022

Hyundai is back up to its old tricks, underpricing and overdelivering on power and performance. The Elantra N is a performance bargain that delivers 276 hp (279 PS/205 kW) and 289 lb-ft (391 Nm) of torque to the front wheels, though that can be upped to 286 hp (289 PS/213 kW) for brief periods with a boost function.

That’s a lot more power than both the Honda and, in all likelihood, the Acura, albeit U.S. pricing hasn’t been officially revealed yet, so that estimate may be generous. Regardless, the Elantra N should be a serious competitor and although it doesn’t have the name recognition of the Integra, does that matter when it delivers so much power in a pretty competent package?

2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI

 

2022 Subaru WRX

› Price: $30,000 (EST)
› Engine: 2.4-liter turbo
› Power & Torque: 271-hp / 258 lb-ft
› Transmission: 6sp Manual / CVT
› On Sale: 2022

Subaru has a new WRX coming in early 2022 and it’s also expected to ring in at around $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer that will churn out 271 hp (274 PS/202 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. That’s a little less than the Elantra N, but a healthy figure all the same. Plus, as ever, it comes with Subaru’s full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Drivers are also offered the choice of a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission. The reception to the new WRX has been tepid, at best, but the iterative improvements and the AWD could make it a lowkey track weapon.

2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI

 

2022 VW Jetta GLI

› Price: $30,995
› Engine: 2.0-liter turbo
› Power & Torque: 228-hp / 258 lb-ft (EST)
› Transmission: 6sp Manual / 7sp Dual-Clutch
› On Sale: Now

Updated only slightly for the 2022 model year, the Jetta GLI, starts at $30,995 and is offered with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its 2.0-liter engine, meanwhile, makes 228 hp (231 PS/170 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque, which is yet again more than the Integra.

It’s also only offered in one, fully-loaded trim for 2022. Whether VW content will be able to take on Acura luxury remains to be seen, but the Jetta GLI offers meaningful performance and you could head out and take one home today.

2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI

 

2022 VW Golf GTI

› Price: $29,545
› Engine: 2.0-liter turbo
› Power & Torque: 241-hp / 273 lb-ft
› Transmission: 6sp Manual / 7sp Dual-Clutch
› On Sale: Now

Unlike in days gone by, the Jetta GLI is no longer just a Golf with a trunk. That means that although they’re powered by the same engine, the U.S.-spec Golf GTI gets 241 hp (244 PS/179 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque out of it. It also starts at just $29,545, making it a bit of a bargain, albeit one with less standard equipment.

Offering the very latest technology directly from Volkswagen’s European headquarters, the GTI may divide opinions with its newfangled infotainment, but it at least offers an old-school manual transmission and track-proven performance. And who cares if it’s not a sedan when it’s a GTI? Whether or not the Integra can take on the measuring stick of such a model will likely be one of its biggest tests.

2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI
2023 Acura Integra Vs $30,000 Rivals: Civic Si, Elantra N, WRX, Jetta GLI And Golf GTI

So far, Acura looks to be making decent choices with the Integra, but will its name and history be enough to make a mark in a very busy and very competitive market? Which of the aforementioned models would you park in your driveway?