Acura's MDX Type S Is Going Away After 2026 — Here's What Replaces It

Wouter Smit · 2026-09-17

Acura just made a move that's got a lot of people scratching their heads. The MDX Type S — the sporty, high-performance version of their popular three-row SUV — is getting the axe after the 2026 model year. But here's the twist: Acura isn't abandoning the performance vibe entirely. They're just doing it differently. Let me break down what we know so far, because there's more here than meets the eye. ### What Exactly Is Happening? Acura confirmed that the MDX Type S will be discontinued after 2026. That's the version with the turbocharged V-6, upgraded suspension, and all the aggressive styling that makes it stand out in a parking lot full of family haulers. But instead of just killing off the performance trim and moving on, Acura says they'll be applying Type S "features and styling" to the base V-6 model. So you'll still get some of that sporty flavor — just not the full-blown Type S experience. Think of it like this: you're not getting the whole pizza anymore, but you still get a couple of slices. Better than nothing, right? ### Why Would Acura Do This? That's the million-dollar question. Acura hasn't given us a clear answer yet, but we can make some educated guesses. - **Simplification**: Fewer trim levels mean simpler production and lower costs. In a world where every automaker is watching their bottom line, that matters. - **Electrification plans**: Acura, like most brands, is shifting toward electric vehicles. The MDX Type S might be a casualty of that bigger transition. - **Changing buyer behavior**: Maybe not enough people were willing to pay the premium for the Type S when the base model already does the job just fine. Honestly, it could be a mix of all three. Automakers don't usually make these calls on a whim. ### What About the 2027 MDX? Here's where things get fuzzy. We don't have details on the 2027 MDX yet. Acura is playing this one close to the chest. What we do know is that the next-gen MDX will likely arrive with some significant changes. Will it be fully redesigned? Will it get a hybrid or electric option? Will the Type S styling package actually feel special, or will it just be some badges and a slightly different grille? Those are the questions that'll get answered in the coming months. For now, we're working with breadcrumbs. ### Should You Care? If you're in the market for a three-row luxury SUV, this matters more than you might think. The MDX Type S filled a specific niche — sporty enough to be fun, practical enough for the school run. Losing it means one less option in a segment that's already pretty crowded. But here's the thing: Acura isn't leaving you empty-handed. The base V-6 MDX is still a solid vehicle. It's got plenty of power, a comfortable interior, and that typical Acura reliability. Adding Type S styling cues might be enough to keep buyers interested. Or it might not. Only time will tell. ### The Bigger Picture This move says something about where Acura is heading. They're streamlining, focusing on what sells, and probably laying groundwork for an electric future. The MDX Type S was a statement — a way to say "we can do performance too." Dropping it doesn't mean they're giving up on that idea. It just means they're changing how they deliver it. If you're a fan of the Type S badge, don't panic yet. Acura still has Type S versions of other models, and the styling cues will live on in the MDX lineup. It's not a goodbye — more like a see-you-later. We'll keep an eye out for more details on the 2027 MDX as they come. Until then, if you've got a 2026 MDX Type S on your wish list, you might want to act sooner rather than later.