Compare the2026 Acura IntegraVS 2026 Lexus ES

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Integra are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The ES doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Integra Automatic has standard Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The ES doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Integra and the ES have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

The Acura Integra achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The ES has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

There are over 12 percent more Acura dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Integra’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Integra first among small premium cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The ES isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Integra has more powerful engines than the ES:

The Integra has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The ES doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the Integra Type S’ front brake rotors are larger than those on the ES:

For better traction, the Integra Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the ES (265/30R19 vs. 235/55R19).

The Integra’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the ES’ standard 55 series tires. The Integra Type S’ tires have a lower 30 series profile than the ES’ optional 45 series tires.

The Integra has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The ES doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Integra offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The ES’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Acura Integra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1650 pounds less than the Lexus ES.

The Integra is 1 foot, 4.5 inches shorter than the ES, making the Integra easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Integra has .4 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the ES.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Acura Integra, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Type S was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024. The ES has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Integra as the 2023 North American Car of the Year. The ES has never been chosen.