Car and Driver gave the Acura Integra a strong 8/10 (roughly 4/5), praising its return as a fun, practical premium compact. They highlight the liftback body style, which adds real cargo versatility compared to the Civic sedan, and the engaging six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching — one of the few affordable manuals left. The standard 1.5-liter turbo (200 hp) is described as adequate but not thrilling, with a tested 0-60 time around 7.0 seconds; the CVT is smooth in daily driving but drones under hard throttle. The interior earns praise for comfortable, well-bolstered front seats and a clean infotainment layout, though lower-cabin plastics disappoint. Ride quality is taut yet compliant, and steering is precise with good weight. Criticisms include noticeable highway road noise and tight rear legroom. The 320-hp Integra Type S received an even better 9/10, lauded as a near-perfect daily-driver hot hatch. Overall, Car and Driver recommends the Integra to buyers wanting Civic Si fun with more premium style and hatchback utility — especially with the manual.

MotorTrend's first-drive and long-term evaluations of the Acura Integra emphasize that it is essentially a more refined Honda Civic Si with a hatchback — which they consider a good thing. They recorded a 0-60 mph time of about 7.2 seconds in the CVT-equipped model and found the turbocharged engine responsive in everyday driving. The adaptive damper system on the A-Spec with Technology package was a standout, offering a genuinely comfortable ride in comfort mode and sharper body control in sport mode. MotorTrend praised the liftback's practicality, noting 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up — far more than a traditional sedan. Interior quality is a clear step up from the Civic, with nicer materials and a premium-feeling steering wheel. Their main criticisms: the CVT saps some enthusiasm, rear seat room is limited, and the price premium over the Civic Si is significant unless you value the hatch and upscale cabin. The Type S later earned effusive praise for its 320-hp engine and track capability.