Honda just canceled the Acura RSX EV. Could the next Integra save the brand?

Honda just canceled the Acura RSX EV.
A brand-new electric crossover that was supposed to go on sale in just a few months.

In other words, a nearly finished Acura EV we will probably never see. And that says a lot about Honda’s uncertain electric future.

That also means Acura will be without new EV models for a while. Possibly longer than expected. The larger 3-row EV SUV was canceled last year as well, leaving a noticeable gap in Acura’s future lineup. Now, Acura will rely more heavily on the upcoming V6 Hybrid platform and updated versions of existing models. Including Acura-branded versions of Honda vehicles like the Integra sedan.

Meanwhile, a new Honda Civic is due for a new generation in 2027. And it will hopefully look better. Much better. Since the current generation was, in my uninformed and unprofessional opinion, a design step back compared to the previous generation. The upcoming model is expected to sit on a heavily revised and stiffer architecture. It could also shed almost 200 pounds, which should help both performance and efficiency.

The next Civic will reportedly be powered by a next-generation hybrid system. One that could generate about a 30% improvement over the current Civic Hybrid. That could mean around 65 MPG combined for the next-generation Honda compact sedan. Which is not bad at all. But hardly earth-shattering. Especially since the current Toyota Prius is already averaging about 57 MPG.

A regular hybrid also means you are using gas all the time. And still dependent on gas prices. That’s the problem. I think not offering EVs, or at least REV models, could end up being a terrible decision for Honda in the near future. Many competitors are already moving aggressively toward electrification. Honda risks looking cautious, or even late, in a market that is quickly changing.

The Integra itself has not been a huge success for Acura. With just over 20,000 units sold last year. Far below the 23,000 units sold in 2023. And nowhere near the numbers Honda manages with the Civic every year.

It seems buyers never really saw the point of getting the Integra over the Civic hatchback. Especially for about $5,000 more. The cars share much of their engineering, and the value difference is not always obvious to shoppers.

Acura needs to make the Integra more compelling to buy. With more distinct styling, more technology, and perhaps new powertrain options. If Honda can move about 240,000 Civics a year, Acura could probably do much better than selling only about 23,000 Integras annually.

With a standard hybrid powertrain, improved efficiency, and especially a more interesting and modern design, they could easily double that number. A stronger performance version would not hurt either. Acura has always built its reputation on sporty compact cars.

The illustrations above show what a next-generation Acura Integra could look like. One that could be introduced about a year after the new Civic. While it does show a 2-door coupe version, that is still a long shot. But not impossible, since Honda just introduced a new Prelude.

A new 2-door hatchback hybrid Integra would actually be a great follow-up to the classic models from the 1990s. Something emotional, efficient, and fun to drive. Exactly the kind of car Acura used to be known for.

I think there is still hope for Acura. The brand just needs the right product at the right time.

The real question now is simple:
Can Acura reinvent the Integra and finally give buyers a reason to choose it over the Civic?