Integra vs IS 350
Choosing between Acura and Lexus often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact luxury car class, that pair is the Integra and the IS 350. The choice here comes down to priorities: fuel economy & range favors the Integra, while engine & performance favors the IS 350. On top of that, the IS 350 asked $12,100 more at launch.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance IS 350 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Integra wins
- Space & Practicality Integra wins
- Off-road & Towing IS 350 wins
- Safety & Tech IS 350 wins
- Price Integra wins
- Engine & Performance1.6
- Fuel Economy & Range9.9
- Engine & Performance8.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Integra has 125% more cargo space
Put simply, the Integra is far ahead here: 24.3 cu ft compared with 10.8 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The IS 350 has 111 hp more power
The IS 350’s 311 hp leaves the Integra’s 200 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The IS 350’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Integra has better fuel economy
Not a close call. The Integra lists 32 mpg and the IS 350 lists 22 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. The Integra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The IS 350 has 88 lb-ft more torque
Among all the differences on this page, 280 lb-ft against 192 lb-ft is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the IS 350. The IS 350’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Integra has better city fuel economy
The IS 350 gives up a lot on fuel economy (city): 19 mpg, compared with 29 mpg on the Integra. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
- Integra 185.8 in × 72 in × 55.5 in
- IS 350 185.8 in × 72.4 in × 56.5 in
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds.
Dimensions
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 55.5 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | 110.2 in |
Engine & Performance
IS 350 leads
No contest in engine & performance: the IS 350 is the stronger of the two. The IS 350 stands out with 111 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the IS 350.
Total system output
Integra: 200 hp IS 350: 311 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Integra: 192 lb-ft IS 350: 280 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Integra leads
This is one of the Integra’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the IS 350 falls well short. The Integra steps ahead thanks to better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If this section decides it for you, choose the Integra.
Fuel economy (combined)
Integra: 32 mpg IS 350: 22 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Integra: 29 mpg IS 350: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Integra starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Integra leads
The space & practicality numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Integra. The Integra scores with 125% more cargo space. The Integra’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Integra is the stronger car.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Integra: 24.3 cu ft IS 350: 10.8 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
IS 350 leads
By a small margin, the IS 350 is the stronger of the two in this area. The IS 350 brings available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. Weighing only off-road & towing, the IS 350 comes out ahead.
AWD / 4WD available
Integra: no IS 350: yes The IS 350 offers all-wheel drive; the Integra doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
IS 350 leads
A modest lead on safety & tech belongs to the IS 350. The IS 350 gives you a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. In short, the IS 350 is the better-equipped car for safety & tech.
Largest touchscreen
Integra: 9 in IS 350: 12.3 in The IS 350’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 200 hp | 311 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft Least torque in class | 280 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT (6-speed manual available) | 8-speed automatic (6-speed automatic with AWD) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 22 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 29 mpg (winner) Best city economy | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 17.4 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.3 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 10.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 55.5 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | 110.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Integra | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,400 (winner) Lowest price in class | $45,500 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Compare the launch prices and they sit 36% apart, or $12,100 in real money. Both have their wins, which makes the Integra’s $12,100 lower launch price more meaningful.
Based on US launch pricing as of launch. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Integra if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (24.3 cu ft vs 10.8 cu ft)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (32 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (29 mpg vs 19 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (37 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you’d rather keep $12,100 in your pocket
Choose the IS 350 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (311 hp vs 200 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (280 lb-ft vs 192 lb-ft of torque)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.3 in vs 9 in)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Integra or the IS 350?
For most buyers, the Integra makes more sense: it launched $12,100 below the IS 350.
Is the Integra bigger than the IS 350?
The Integra and the IS 350 are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Is the Integra cheaper than the IS 350?
At launch, the Integra undercut the IS 350 by $12,100. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Integra and the IS 350 chase the same buyer. In the details, Acura and Lexus made different calls. The biggest reason I lean toward the Integra is simple: it has 125% more cargo space. There’s more, too: the Integra offers better fuel economy. Credit where it’s due: the IS 350 offers 111 hp more power.
I think of the Integra as the one for fuel economy & range and the IS 350 as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: the Integra. I’d rather keep $12,100 than pay for extras I might not use.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.