When you’re shopping for a performance car in today’s market, every dollar counts. The 2025 Acura Integra Type S has been turning heads, but not always for the right reasons. After spending time with this sporty sedan, we’re here to give you the honest truth about whether this car delivers on its promises.
What You’re Actually Getting for $54,000
Let’s talk real numbers. The Integra Type S carries a hefty $54,000 price tag, which puts it $7,000 above its Honda sibling, the Civic Type R. That’s a significant jump, especially when you consider what you’re getting for that extra cash.
The Comfort Upgrades
Your additional investment gets you heated seats, a heads-up display, and an ELS Studio 3D stereo system. The seats themselves have been redesigned specifically for the Type S, though many drivers find them less supportive than the Type R’s excellent buckets. It’s puzzling why Acura didn’t simply add heating elements to the proven Type R seats with some premium leather.
Performance Differences
Under the hood, you’ll find a slight power increase over the Type R. However, this modest bump doesn’t translate into a dramatically different driving experience. The real question becomes whether these incremental improvements justify the substantial price difference.
What You’re Missing Out On
Here’s where things get frustrating for performance enthusiasts. The Type S actually removes several features that track-focused drivers value highly.
Missing Tech Features
The Type R’s functional gauge cluster provides crucial readouts for coolant temperature, intake air temperature, oil pressure, and boost levels. These aren’t just numbers on a screen – they’re essential information for anyone who takes their car to the track or simply wants to monitor their engine’s health.
The iconic shift lights that make the Type R feel so special? Gone. These visual cues that help you nail perfect shifts have been eliminated in favor of a more conventional setup.
No Track Telemetry
Perhaps most disappointing is the absence of LogR, Honda’s telemetry system that records detailed data during track sessions. For enthusiasts who want to analyze their performance and improve their lap times, this omission feels like a significant step backward.
The Market Has Spoken
Sometimes the best indicator of a car’s value isn’t what reviewers say – it’s how buyers respond with their wallets.
Real-World Pricing Reality
While Civic Type Rs continue commanding markups and rarely sell at MSRP, Integra Type S models are trading below their sticker price. This market behavior tells a compelling story about perceived value and consumer priorities.
What This Means for Buyers
If you can find an Integra Type S at a discount, the value proposition changes dramatically. At cost parity with the Type R, you’re essentially choosing between track-focused features and luxury amenities. Your decision should align with how you plan to use the car.
Who Should Consider the Integra Type S?
Despite the pricing challenges, the Integra Type S isn’t without merit. It serves a specific buyer profile quite well.
The Daily Driver Enthusiast
If you need a car that can handle your daily commute in comfort while still delivering thrills on weekend drives, the Type S makes more sense. The heated seats, refined interior, and heads-up display create a more premium everyday experience.
Buyers Prioritizing Comfort
For drivers who want performance but don’t plan to visit racetracks, the missing telemetry and gauge readouts won’t matter. The more comfortable seating position and luxury features become the deciding factors.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Choose the Type R If:
- Track days are in your future
- You value raw performance data
- Every dollar matters in your budget
- You prefer the more aggressive aesthetic
Choose the Type S If:
- Daily comfort is your priority
- You appreciate luxury touches
- You can find one at a significant discount
- The Acura brand appeals to you
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Acura Integra Type S represents an interesting experiment in positioning a performance car toward luxury rather than pure sport. While it delivers on comfort and refinement, it struggles to justify its premium over the more capable Type R.
Your decision ultimately comes down to priorities. Are you buying a weekend warrior that occasionally needs to commute, or a daily driver that can occasionally play? The Type R excels at the former, while the Type S targets the latter.
Market conditions have created an opportunity for savvy buyers. With Type S models selling below MSRP, you might find the value equation finally making sense. Just remember that the best performance car is the one that matches your actual driving habits, not the one that looks best on paper.
Before making your final decision, take both cars for extended test drives. Feel the seats, use the technology, and imagine your daily routine with each vehicle. The extra comfort features might win you over, or you might find yourself missing the Type R’s track-focused character.
The automotive landscape offers plenty of choices, and both of these Honda products serve their intended audiences well. The key is being honest about which audience you belong to.