Acura is halting production of the performance-oriented MDX Type S SUV ahead of an expected tightening of emissions rules in the United States. Industry publication Automotive News reported the automaker will drop the model after the 2026 model year, though supplies are expected to last through early 2027.
The MDX Type S is Acura’s hottest SUV, offering 355 hp from a turbocharged V6 engine, 65 more than the standard model’s naturally aspirated V6. That powertrain apparently puts the Type S at odds with upcoming changes to U.S. emissions rules, which are scheduled to take effect in 2027. The EPA proposed delaying the changes until 2029, but Acura isn’t waiting for that decision to move.
Acura’s lineup will look significantly different by the decade’s end, as it has already cut the manual transmission option from the standard Integra lineup, and it discontinued the TLX and ZDX in 2025. The automaker’s compact SUV, the RDX, has also been put on pause, but it’s expected to return in 2028 with hybrid power.
The MDX Type S was never as exciting or powerful as higher-end Mercedes-AMG or BMW M SUVs, but its departure is disappointing for those looking for strong performance at a reasonable price. One dealer told Automotive News, “First they killed the TLX Type S, and now the MDX Type S is gone. Acura’s identity is supposed to be ‘Precision Crafted Performance.’ There goes the performance.”
While the turbocharged powertrain won’t be sticking around, Acura plans to incorporate some of the Type S SUV’s other features into the standard MDX lineup. A spokesperson said, “We plan to apply many of the premium Type S features and styling to the other trims in the MDX lineup.”
