DecodedCarsAcura Integra vs Lexus IS
2026 Acura Integra vs 2026 Lexus IS — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Acura Integra is more fuel-efficient: 32 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,200 a year less in fuel for the Acura Integra (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Acura Integra has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 15).
The two cars
The 2026 Acura Integra is a large car offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,084 lb (5dr Sedan).
The 2026 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,913 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 Integra and the 2024 IS have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2023 Integra and the 2015 IS.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Acura Integra if…
- You want lower fuel bills (32 vs 22 MPG)
- You put reliability history first (4 vs 15 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Lexus IS if…
- You want more power (up to 311 vs 200 hp)
- You need AWD or 4WD
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Pros & cons of each
2026 Acura Integra
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2026 large car (25.9 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 200 hp, versus about 288 hp for similar 2026 models.
2026 Lexus IS
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 25% below the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Acura Integra specs →Full 2026 Lexus IS specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →