Acura Integra Type S to be Reverse-Imported to Japan in 2026
In a noteworthy shift, Honda will begin exporting the Acura Integra Type S to Japan in the second half of 2026, marking the first time an Acura-branded vehicle will be officially sold in the Japanese market. Alongside the Integra Type S, the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite will also be exported to Japan.
A Historic Reversal
This decision represents a full-circle moment for the Integra, which originally debuted as a Honda model in Japan in 1986 before being launched as an Acura in the United States alongside the Acura Legend . Currently, the Integra Type S is exclusively manufactured in Ohio, with no domestic Japanese equivalent.
U.S. Specifications for the Japanese Market
Both the Integra Type S and the Passport TrailSport Elite will retain their U.S. Specifications, including left-hand-drive configurations. This is expected to potentially limit sales volume in Japan, but Honda anticipates interest from automotive enthusiasts . The fourth-generation Passport was designed in California, developed in Ohio, and is built in Alabama.
Integra Type S: Performance and Features
The 2026 Acura Integra Type S boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a six-speed manual transmission and a helical limited-slip differential . Reviewers have praised its precise and enjoyable manual gearbox . The MSRP for the 2026 model is $54,695 .
Passport TrailSport Elite: Off-Road Capability
The Passport TrailSport Elite trim features all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, and reinforced steel skid plates for enhanced durability .
Looking Ahead
While Honda doesn’t anticipate large sales numbers for either model due to the left-hand-drive configuration, the export of the Integra Type S and Passport to Japan signifies a unique opportunity to cater to a niche market of enthusiasts in Honda’s home country. The move also highlights the strong manufacturing capabilities of Honda’s U.S. Facilities .