New 2023 Acura Integra

Hatchback vehicles are becoming hot again, and if you are in the market for a new compact vehicle this year, the 2023 Acura Integra and the 2022 VW Golf GTI might be on your list! Both are longtime fan favorites that have now morphed into premium hatchback sports cars and are fierce competitors in the compact car market.

Our team at Delray Acura compares these two premium hatchbacks. Which do you think will come out on top?

Overview

Today's all-new Integra is a four-door hatchback, but it might not look like the traditional hatchbacks that you are used to. From just about every angle, it resembles a sedan. It shares the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic and is equipped with the same engine as the Civic Si. An upscale grille and sleek headlights go a long way to add a premium touch to the 2023 Integra.

The 2023 Integra is available in:

• Base
• A-spec
• A-spec with Technology package

A manual transmission is only available on the A-Spec with the Technology package where it is upgraded at no cost.

The VW Golf GTI was first introduced in the mid-1970s when a team of engineers at Volkswagen wanted to create a better version of the GTI that replaced the Beetle. There is still quite a bit of resemblance to the old models, and its boxy aesthetics attract a set of long-time fans in the hatchback market.

With a wide mouth front bumper, sleek headlights, and a cleaner exterior, the new 2023 Golf GTI feels more mature and upscale than its predecessors. It is also notably smaller than the Integra.

The 2023 Golf GTI is available in:

• E
• SE
• Autobahn

Performance

The 2023 Integra comes with a 200-HP 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VTEC Turbo engine that delivers a smooth yet peppy driving experience. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available.

On the A-Spec model, you will find an adaptive suspension system as well as the Individual drive mode which allows you to save a customized driver setting. The Integra comes standard with Sport, Comfort, and Normal drive modes.

The 2023 Integra is estimated to offer 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg combined.

The Golf GTI comes equipped with a 2.0-liter Turbo I-4 that creates 241 HP and has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Interior

The cabin interior of both vehicles mimics their exteriors in that the Integra has plenty of curves and interesting lines inside, with the Golf GTI, being more reserved. The Integra borrows some style cues from the Civic, but they are enhanced with nicer more luxurious materials.

Every Integra comes standard with:

• A digital gauge cluster
• Heated seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Automatic climate control
• Either a 7.0 or 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Available ambient lighting

The hatchback design of the Integra creates a wide opening so you can access the 60/40-split rear seats quite easily. These seats fold flat providing enough cargo room to fit any lifestyle or any cargo. Five passengers can sit inside comfortably, and it has 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.

The VW Golf GTI has a nostalgic feel and even has retro plaid seat patterns. But the interior is full of hard plastics-not very luxurious! It does have a modern digital gauge cluster and an infotainment unit that is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. The Integra's touchscreen is much easier to use, and the Golf GTI's display can be frustrating to use and is unresponsive at times. Plus, there are touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel which are easy to accidentally activate while driving.

Technology

If you love technology, you'll find that it is not lacking in the 2023 Integra. It comes with a 10.2-inch digital gauge display and a 7.0-inch infotainment display for access to maps, music, and apps. You can upgrade to a 9.0-inch infotainment display as part of the Technology package in the A-Spec model.

All Integra models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but you can only get wireless connectivity with the A-spec Technology package for these features. For tunes on the road, an eight-speaker stereo system comes standard, and a premium 16-speaker ELS Studio stereo is an available upgrade.

The 2023 Golf GTI has a 10-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a pair of charging ports as standard technology features.

Safety

The 2023 Integra received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but other safety ratings are not yet available.

Safety features are many on the 2023 Integra and include:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Collision mitigation braking system
• Road departure mitigation
• Traffic sign recognition
• Traffic jam assist

Front and rear parking sensors come with the A-Spec Technology package as well.

The Golf GTI comes with:

• Lane-keeping assist
• Forward collision mitigation
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blindspot intervention
• Front Collision Assist
• Forward-facing camera

Bottom Line

Though these compact sports sedans are similar in many ways, the all-new 2023 Acura Integra edges out the 2022 VW Golf GTI in this comparison. With different driving modes to choose from, luxurious standard interior features, ample safety features, and numerous enhanced upgrades, the 2023 Acura Integra is our top choice!

Visit Delray Acura Today

Get behind the wheel of a 2023 Acura Integra for a test drive today at Delray Acura! We know you are going to love this all-new iteration of the fan-favorite hatchback.

Give us a call at (888) 221-4506 to learn more about the 2023 Integra!