Compare the2025 Acura IntegraVS 2025 Lexus IS

The Integra’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The IS doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Integra and the IS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Acura Integra is safer than the Lexus IS:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Acura Integra is safer than the Lexus IS:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Acura Integra achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The IS has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

There are over 12 percent more Acura dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Integra’s warranty.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Integra’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the IS’ camshafts. If the IS’ belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

On the EPA test cycle the Integra gets better mileage than the IS:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Integra (except Type S)’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The IS doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura Integra uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The IS requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Integra has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The IS doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Acura Integra at emission levels ranging from “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Lexus IS is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

The Integra offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The IS doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Integra has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The IS doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Integra stops much shorter than the IS:

For better traction, the Integra Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the IS (265/30R19 vs. 235/40R19).

The Integra Type S’ tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the IS F Sport’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

The Integra has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The IS doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Integra Type S handles at 1.02 G’s, while the IS 300 AWD pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Integra Type S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the IS 300 AWD (24.5 seconds @ .76 average G’s vs. 25.9 seconds @ .7 average G’s).

The Acura Integra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 pounds less than the Lexus IS.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Integra a Large car, while the IS is rated a Compact.

The Integra has 5.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the IS (95.8 vs. 90.2).

The Integra has .4 inches more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, 5.2 inches more rear legroom and 2.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the IS.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Integra’s hatch uses gas strut supported hinges that don’t intrude into the cargo area. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the IS’ useful trunk space.

The Integra’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the IS.

The Integra A-Spec Technology/Type S has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and warning readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The IS doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Integra’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The IS’ cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Integra’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The IS’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Integra has standard extendable sun visors. The IS doesn’t offer extendable visors.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura Integra A-Spec Technology/Type S has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The IS doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Insurance will cost less for the Integra owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Integra will cost $1795 to $10300 less than the IS over a five-year period.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Acura Integra, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lexus IS isn't recommended.

The Type S was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024. The IS has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Integra as the 2023 North American Car of the Year. The IS has never been chosen.

The Acura Integra outsold the Lexus IS by 23% during 2024.