The 2025 Acura Integra and 2025 Lexus IS are tangible proof that compact luxury cars remain desirable and enjoyable. Not only that, these two start out with prices appreciably below similar offerings from German companies.
Reintroduced for the 2023 model year, the Acura Integra lineup is topped by the sporty Type S variant with a snarling 320-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Integra’s standard powertrain is no slouch, though, employing a zippy 200-hp turbo 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to either a continuously variable automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. There are no changes to the Integra for 2025.
The Lexus IS receives a few changes this year (see below). We enjoy the wide range of IS powertrain choices, such as the IS 500 with its muscular naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. This generation of IS dates back to the 2014 model year, benefiting from a steady stream of updates since then — including a facelift for 2021.
Let’s explore the highlights of each car for a better idea of which might be the winner.
2025 Acura Integra
The 2025 Integra starts at $33,595, including the destination charge. This front-wheel-drive 5-door hatchback is available in base, Integra A-Spec, Integra A-Spec w/Technology, and Type S trims. The range-topping Type S rings in at $53,795. For those old enough to remember, the Integra first served as Acura’s entry-level model from 1986 to 2001.
Acura Integra Highlights
Solid value compared to the competition: Acura gives the 2025 Integra a tempting price. It’s thousands less than almost every direct rival, including the Lexus IS. Despite such budget-friendliness, the Integra doesn’t require loading on options to make it feel worthy of its premium badge. Standard features include heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a moonroof.
Performance from Type S: The regular turbocharged 200-hp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers plenty of pep and great fuel economy. Yet the 320-hp turbo 4-cylinder unit of the Type S proves how well the Integra’s finely balanced chassis copes with a lot more muscle. That the Integra Type S is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission also gives it a ton of street cred.
Practicality: One important word to remember when considering a small luxury sedan is the “small” part. That often translates to cramped rear seats and a tiny trunk. Not the Integra. There’s adult-friendly rear legroom, along with more than 24 cubic feet of cargo space under the hatch and behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see 2025 Acura Integra models for sale near you.
2025 Lexus IS
The 2025 Lexus IS starts at $41,335, including the destination charge. This is for the rear-wheel-drive IS 300, which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (with 241 hp) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Generally speaking, the three primary IS models are the IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500. Sitting at the top of the IS range, the IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (say that three times fast) commands $64,820. Changes for 2025 start with F Sport versions of the IS 300 and IS 350 gaining more standard equipment (self-dimming/power-folding side mirrors, powered steering column adjustment, memory settings for the driver’s seat/steering wheel/side mirrors, and a dark chrome trim for the windows and mirrors). A heated steering wheel becomes standard in F Sport Design variants of the IS 300 and IS 350. The 2025 IS 500 F Sport also receives power-folding mirrors as standard, with the Premium version becoming eligible for a limited-edition (180 units) Special Appearance package. This bundle includes 19-inch alloy wheels from BBS, Flare Yellow exterior paint, upholstery of black simulated leather with suede inserts and yellow stitching, plus a Smart Access Card Key. BBS wheels are also available with the IS 350 F Sport.
Lexus IS Highlights
Powertrain choices: Luxury sedan shoppers who like plenty of engine choices will be intrigued by the IS range. A 241-hp turbo 4-cylinder engine propels the standard IS 300. Adding all-wheel drive brings a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6. This same engine is found in the rear- or all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the IS 350, where output increases to 311 hp. The IS 500 manages to squeeze a 472-hp V8 into its engine bay. Rear-wheel-drive IS sedans come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. AWD versions have a 6-speed automatic.
Old-school V8 thrills with IS 500: As you can guess, our car-loving hearts beat quicker when considering the IS 500. How (or why) Lexus managed to fit al V8 into the engine bay, we’re not exactly sure. But we’re not complaining. This growling engine enables the IS 500 to hit 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds.
Cabin quality: Lexus continues to craft refined interiors that are equal parts robust and elegant. True, the overall layout of the cabin is showing its years. Yet the materials themselves are first-rate. They’re reminders that this is a true Lexus luxury sedan, even if it’s the most affordable one.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see 2025 Lexus IS models for sale near you.
Similarities
Despite a big difference in starting price, the Integra and IS are remarkably close in overall dimensions. And each has seating for five, although the rear quarters are much more bearable with only two people back there. Also, both cars are aimed at first-time luxury car shoppers, or perhaps folks looking for a premium sedan that’s agile and easy to park.
Pricing
Used Prices
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Original MSRP
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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TBD |
TBD |
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TBD |
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TBD |
New 2025 Lexus IS Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,610 |
$39,358 |
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$43,580 |
$40,333 |
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$44,935 |
$42,149 |
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$45,655 |
$43,052 |
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$47,010 |
$44,358 |
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$60,595 |
$58,510 |
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$65,095 |
$61,989 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and New 2025 Lexus IS vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Acura Integra | 2025 Lexus IS | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 1.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined | 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway/25 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual | 3.5-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 inches | 110.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.8 inches | 185.4 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 55.5 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 34.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 37.6 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 36.4 inches | 36.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 44.8 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.4 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.0 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.0 inches | 53.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 23.4 cubic feet | 10.8 cubic feet |
Conclusion
To determine a winner here, we’ll focus primarily on the lower and mid-range offerings, not the powerful and pricier outliers like the Integra Type S or IS 500.
The Integra holds the advantage in rear legroom, fuel economy, cargo space, and tech features like available wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless charging. These last two features, while optional in the Integra, are not even offered in the older IS.
The Lexus has an impressive array of standard driver aids, and it’s the only one here to offer all-wheel drive. Some driving enthusiasts also believe a true sport sedan should have rear-wheel drive.
Even so, the more modern Integra is considerably less expensive and more practical than the IS, giving it the nod here. It’s also one of the few remaining luxury vehicles available with a manual transmission.
