Which entry-level luxury sport sedan dominates on the track? We pit the new 2026 Acura Integra Type S against the Lexus IS 350 F Sport to see which one delivers true performance.
Acura Integra Type S Edmunds Review –
Lexus IS Edmunds Review –
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00:00 Intro
00:42 Pricing
01:31 The Numbers
03:45 Track & Driving Impressions
10:57 Interior, Tech, & Storage
12:24 Edmunds’ Take
If you are looking to get the best entry-level performance out of a luxury compact sedan, you might find yourself comparing the 2026 Acura Integra Type S and the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. In this comprehensive Acura vs. Lexus track comparison and review, we push both vehicles to their absolute limits at the Edmunds test track to determine which deserves the crown.
On paper, their specs reveal very different approaches to the sport sedan formula. The front-wheel-drive 2026 Acura Integra features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a highly engaging six-speed manual transmission. In contrast, the rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS relies on a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. When we evaluated their acceleration and braking, the Acura Integra vs. Lexus IS battle wasn’t even close; the Integra consistently outperformed the heavier Lexus in a straight line and on the skidpad.
While the Lexus IS 350 F Sport remains an incredibly comfortable and well-appointed luxury car with premium materials, superior tech features, and an accommodating interior, it falls short where driving dynamics are concerned. Out on the track, the Lexus IS 350 struggles with noticeable understeer and an intrusive traction control system that drastically limits the fun factor.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Acura Integra Type S shines on track. From its crisp transmission to its phenomenal steering feedback and communicative chassis, every dollar spent on the Acura feels dedicated to performance. Ultimately, if you care deeply about driving enjoyment, the choice is simple. The Lexus IS delivers on traditional comfort, but the Acura Integra Type S is the clear winner for anyone seeking an authentic sport sedan experience.
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Disclaimer: This video’s description was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by the Edmunds editorial team. The video itself was created entirely without the use of generative AI.
#AcuraIntegraTypeS #LexusIS #Edmunds
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This turned out to be a lopsided fight, with only the Acura really delivering from behind the wheel if you're seeking performance out of your sport sedan. What would you like to see Lexus change on the next IS to make it more competitive? Let us know in the comments below!
These guys never pick Toyota at least from the videos I’ve watched.
I guess the majority of buyers don’t agree with them.
330i would have been a better comparison for the integra
Lexus all day long go round the world all day long super reliable 😊.
🎉Good comparison 👏
This is probably worst match up of comparing cars…smh
Neither of these are worth it, Acura isn't even trying and the Lexus is an overly overpriced dinosaur. Can't wait for the new M350 though.
Ok Lexus v6 is way more reliable than that 4 cylinder turbo from Acura and fyi to turn off the traction control fully on the Lexus you have to press and hold the traction control button for a few seconds until light appears on dash
Should've been a comparison against the Lexus LBX Morizo RR
In Toyota / Lexus world if that message keeps popping up, then the traction control is briefly turned off. You have to hold down traction control for at least five seconds to be completely turned off
I’m a Lexus and Toyota guy and I can assure with driving the ls460 to the es350. The Camry specifically from 2012-2014 v6 does in fact drive similarly to those variants. It sounds crazy but to me the Camry is smaller version of those cars in terms of luxury and build obviously but however even GS350 from 2008 would have smacked the TYPE S here and as well as a Camry from 2012-2014 or 2017 with a v6 would beat these cars. GS350 is a 13.5-13.8 1/4 while the Camry is a strong 13.8 1/4. I’ve seen an older Camry race a newer is350 2022 and up and the IS could not pass the Camry.
All Lexus has to do is add turbos and it will smoke it.
Lexus is all about safety…comfort….and reliability….acura is more performance based with a luxury package. I work at lexus and Im a huge honda fan…id rather see you compare the accord 2.0t against the IS….not the acura…its not a comparison after that
The Lexus IS is just a 2013 with a 2026 bodykit
One car is made for enthusiasts and the other for people that want an appliance with a badge.
This Chanel is absolutely nonsense Chanel provide no valid information really accura is Honda civic si suit up lexus is in different league
How in the hell you compare a Lexus is with a integra? , is not the same leve, I hate when you use power or price as comparison. How many time will those two cars go to a test track? Do real world test . A USELESS TEST!!!
You can easily tell the guy testing those two car is a 100% Honda guy. To get to have fun on the track with the IS you need to turn off all the safety features like traction control and other features.
Acura is not even trying anymore. The interior looks just like the Civic's
I’m STUNNED ANYONE would still buy the 13 year old Lexus. Nothing but styling to sell it anymore.
I'll take a slightly used m340i for around same price 😊
As a Honda owner, I have to say that even if you ran ten more comparisons and Acura beat Lexus in every single one, I’d still choose the Lexus over an Acura that looks like a Hyundai Veloster.
This was a very good review and after careful consideration I believe that I know my answer: I can’t afford either one of them.
Lexus all day long
IS350 is not a sport sedan.😂 Neither is Integra.
@edmunds how did you get an IS with the handling package but not the 19in BBS wheels?
How much did Honda pay for this ad?
Yea no, that Lexus clearly has issues or a bad driver. 6.5 to 60? lmao comeon
give the is years and it will leak its heart out and still perform like it was made to
the Lexus IS350 is not a track focused car. These car reviewers need to stop.
U drags?
This is a really odd comparison. I have an IS and taking it to the track wasn’t ever a thought when purchasing it. These vehicles are marketed to two different buyers.
IS 350 is positioning itself as a luxurious Sports car, but how come the base model doesn't have lumbar support? Even base Camry has it now. My old 2007 Camry XSE 3.5 FWD with only 266 HP felt faster than today's IS350 AWD with 300+ hp. IS 350 is the outdated dinosaur. Instead of killing 3.5L in ES line they should have used 2.5 Turbo on IS line.
This is an odd comparison. One is a sporty FWD. The other is more of a sporty cruiser with comfort focus.🤷♂️
As a honda enthusiast id pick the Lexus the 3.5 is very reliable vs 2 0 honda turbo blows head gaskets " I'll stick with my 07 8th gen S.i. sedan k20 no turbo no problems ' at 277k miles and purrs like a kitten '
Track testing entry level sedans is dumb.
Drove an Integra – yeah, it's quick, but it's also by far the most overpriced Civic ever… Considering the price the interior materials and ride are cheap.
Apec Acura vs is 350 🎉🎉
I’ve been waiting for a comparison of these two cars
Very on point comparing these two cars. Nice job. I'm definitely leaning towards getting an Integra type s with the next refresh… Hopefully they address some of the interior concerns
If the Integra had rear vents and maybe vented seats, would be an awesome daily. Same if Lexus did a Lexified GR Corolla……I daily a GRC now, but would like a version with a few more amenities for long trips.
I think from now on the GR will be the racing brand of Toyota while Lexus will focus on their "luxury" division.