Acura will pause production of the MDX Type S after the 2026 model year. The regular MDX continues. The 355-hp turbo V6 flagship will not return for 2027 until U.S. emissions rules become clearer.
Acura spokesperson Andrew Quillin confirmed the halt. There is no return date. Dealers should still have 2026 Type S inventory into early 2027.
The same emissions uncertainty already paused the manual Integra A-Spec and the Honda Civic Si.
What Acura Confirmed
Acura’s statement covers five points:
- MDX Type S production stops at the end of the 2026 model year
- Dealer stock should last into early 2027
- Type S features and styling will move onto other MDX trims
- Full 2027 MDX details arrive later this year
- Hybrid-electric Acuras are still planned in the coming years
This is a trim pause, not a cancellation of the MDX nameplate.
2026 Acura MDX Type S Specs
| Item | MDX Type S | Regular MDX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo V6 | 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 |
| Power | 355 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) | about 267 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drive | Super Handling All-Wheel Drive | FWD or SH-AWD |
That 3.0-liter turbo V6 is unique in the current Honda and Acura U.S. lineup. Low-volume, one-off powertrains are the first to get cut when certification rules move.
Why EPA Tier 4 Rules Matter
The EPA’s Tier 4 / multipollutant standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles were finalized in 2024. Model year 2027 was the original start date.
In May 2026, the agency proposed delaying the Tier 4 phase-in to 2029 and keeping Tier 3 in place for 2027 and 2028. A final decision is expected around February 2027.
Acura is not waiting. Certifying a niche turbo V6 against a rule set that may or may not apply next year is expensive. Pausing the Type S avoids that cost.
What Happens to the 2027 Acura MDX
The volume MDX stays on sale with the 3.5-liter V6.
Acura says Type S look and equipment will filter down. Expect some mix of:
- Type S grille and fascia cues
- darker exterior trim
- sport seats or interior finishes
- extra standard safety or audio kit
It will not be a 355-hp MDX with a new badge. Power stays at 290 hp unless Acura announces otherwise later this year.
Pricing, exact trims, and official 2027 photos are not out yet.
Acura’s Shrinking U.S. Lineup
The Type S pause sits on a thinner showroom:
- TLX sedan — discontinued
- ZDX EV — discontinued
- RDX — production paused until the next hybrid generation around 2028
- Integra A-Spec 6MT — paused after 2026
- MDX Type S — paused after 2026
Still on sale for now: ADX, regular MDX, CVT Integra, and Integra Type S. Civic Type R and Integra Type S were not part of the 1.5T / 6-speed pause.
Should You Buy a Leftover 2026 MDX Type S?
Buy one if you want:
- the only current Acura three-row with a turbo V6
- SH-AWD and the 10-speed in its strongest tune
- a scarce used-market example after early 2027
Wait if you want:
- a 2027 refresh with Type S styling on a cheaper trim
- a hybrid MDX (not confirmed for this generation)
- a guaranteed Type S comeback (Acura has not promised one)
Once 2026 allocations are gone, there is no 2027 Type S to order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acura MDX Type S discontinued?
Officially, it is a production pause, not a named cancellation. There is no 2027 Type S and no return date.
Is the regular MDX still coming for 2027?
Yes. The 3.5 V6 MDX continues. Type S styling and features will spread across other trims.
Why did Acura pause the MDX Type S?
Uncertainty around EPA Tier 4 emissions rules and the cost of certifying a unique 3.0-liter turbo V6 for a low-volume trim.
How long will dealers have MDX Type S stock?
Acura expects inventory into early 2027.
Did the same thing happen to the Integra manual?
Yes. The Integra A-Spec 6-speed and Honda Civic Si were paused after 2026 for the same emissions-certification planning.
Will there be an MDX Type S hybrid?
Acura has only said hybrids are coming to the brand. No MDX Type S hybrid has been confirmed.
Bottom Line
The Type S was the MDX that felt like a performance product instead of a three-row appliance. Until EPA timing is locked, Acura will not spend certification money on that engine. If you want one new, the window is leftover 2026 stock — not the 2027 order book.
