Acura will suspend production of the MDX Type S crossover after the 2026 model year. The company confirmed that this decision is a temporary hiatus rather than a permanent cancellation of the model nameplate. Standard versions of the MDX will continue to be manufactured at the East Liberty plant in Ohio.
The primary reason for the pause is regulatory uncertainty surrounding the EPA Tier 4 emissions framework, which covers vehicles for the 2027–2032 model years. The EPA has proposed delaying the phase-in of these standards from 2027 to 2029, creating certification challenges for niche, low-volume performance trims.
Acura stated that the cost of certifying the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine twice—once for the current rules and again if the timeline shifts—is not viable for the Type S. This engine is also used in the TLX Type S, meaning its discontinuation will remove factory-boosted six-cylinder options from the brand's lineup.
Despite the production halt, dealerships are expected to maintain inventory of the 355-horsepower Type S models into early 2027. Acura has not yet determined if or when the trim will return to the market, but the company plans to incorporate some Type S styling elements into other MDX trim levels.
