Acura to discontinue MDX Type S performance trim after 2026

Acura has confirmed that production of the MDX Type S performance trim will be paused after the 2026 model year. While the standard MDX lineup will continue, the high-performance flagship will be removed from the portfolio.

The decision is reportedly linked to uncertainty regarding new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations scheduled to take effect in 2027. The MDX Type S utilizes a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that is not currently used in any other Honda or Acura models, which may complicate the business case for maintaining its certification under stricter standards.

Following the discontinuation of the TLX sedan, the ZDX electric SUV, and the manual-transmission Integra, this move marks a further contraction of Acura’s current lineup. Acura stated that some of the Type S model’s “features and styling” will be integrated into the standard MDX models moving forward.