The 2026 Acura Integra Type S is a sport compact car that has been on my radar for a while. With its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission, I was eager to see how it would handle on snowy roads. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of driving the previous generation of the Integra Type S, and I was excited to revisit the current model.
As I pulled out of my driveway, the snow-covered streets of New York City greeted me. The car’s Double Apex Blue Pearl paint job looked sweet in the snow, but I knew I had to put its capabilities to the test. I began by driving at a reasonable speed, feeling excellent traction, turning, and gentle acceleration. The ITS has a good balance of responsiveness and comfort, making it a great daily driver in snowy conditions.
However, as I pushed the car harder, things started to fall apart. The Blizzak tires spun into oblivion in first gear, and I had to ease off the accelerator to avoid losing traction. The tach would surge as the front tires lost grip, and I felt a little gun-shy about pushing the limits of cornering cohesion. But in a big, empty parking lot, I prodded the car a bit and felt mostly good. For a 320-hp front-wheel drive car, it felt pretty composed as I flung it around.
While acceleration traction was probably the most disappointing, winter braking on Blizzaks was solid. The ITS has some mean-business Brembo four-piston monobloc aluminum calipers clamping 13.8-inch rotors on the front axle, and even in low traction, the Bridgestone tires helped the car reel itself in quickly and consistently in a straight line.
Overall, the 2026 Acura Integra Type S is a great sport compact car, but it’s far from the snow-beast status of something like an all-wheel drive Audi RS3 or Subaru WRX. It’s a great daily driver, but it’s not the most aggressive car on the market. The price tag of around $55,000 is also a bit steep for what you get. However, if you’re looking for a fun and responsive driving experience, the Integra Type S is definitely worth considering.
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