The 2026 Acura MDX Type-S is a fast, tech-laden three-row SUV that tries very hard to be both family shuttle and performance car. So does it pull it off?
Performance
Engine – For 2026, the Acura MDX Type-S is still powered by a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine which produces 355 hp & 354 lb-ft of torque (265 kW & 480 Nm). With the SUV tipping the scales at 2,169 kg (4,781 lbs), this engine has enough grunt to accelerate it from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Thing is, it’s not the most exciting turbocharged V6 engine around and that is mostly due to the fact that it is very muted. Thanks to government regulations, the exhaust doesn’t let this engine scream its performance when you put your foot down. But this is a remarkable engine when the mood for excitement takes you. It has a very flat torque curve and peak torque is reached at just 1,400 rpms. This allows it to respond quickly and effortlessly when you put your foot down on the throttle pedal.
Fuel Economy – With this being a sporty oriented 3-row SUV, the fuel economy does take a bit of a hit compared to the standard MDX. Officially the 2026 Acura MDX Type-S is rated for 13.8 L/100km (17 MPG) in a city and 11.2 L/100km (21 MPG) on a highway. I managed to average 13.1 L/100km (17.9 MPG) during my time with the SUV which is pretty respectable given the power and weight of the MDX Type-S.
Transmission – The 3.0L turbo V6 is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that has been beefed up to handle the extra grunt of the motor. The programming has also been changed to allow for 40% faster shifts in Sport+ mode. In everyday driving situations, it is just as smooth as the other 10-speed automatic in Acura vehicles. It’s a bit slow when you stab the throttle and demand a burst of acceleration in the Normal or Comfort modes. While in the Sport+ mode, the shifts are noticeably faster. When changing up a gear, there is just an ever so slight delay when using the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. When downshifting, it seems to be a bit more responsive.
Braking – Again, because of the added power of the engine, the brakes have had to be upgraded as well. The MDX Type-S receives 4-piston Brembo calipers on the front axle with larger discs. These binders clamp down hard on the discs but the great thing is, they don’t make city driving any less unbearable. If you’re smooth with the brake pedal, you can have smooth stops.
Handling – The 2026 Acura MDX Type-S comes standard with SH-AWD. This is a front-biased AWD system but Acura’s clever engineers have done wonders to reduce the amount of understeer a system like this naturally induces. In the Type-S, the SH-AWD can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and up to 100% of that to either wheel when driving through a corner. The result is real torque vectoring which can better rotate the big SUV around twists and turns.
The 2026 MDX Type-S also benefits from adaptive and air suspension. This was the first Acura car to receive this type of suspension system. This air suspension setup can dynamically limit more body roll through corners and more quickly settle the body after a big bump or road undulation. There is also the added benefit of raising the body when you find yourself on rougher terrain.
There are also a few drive modes to choose from. These are Lift, Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ & Individual. These not only change the characteristics of the engine and transmission but also of the steering weight and suspension dynamics.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – With the aid of the air suspension, the ride of the MDX Type-S is good. Bumps like potholes or manhole covers are still going to be evident but they won’t feel harsh as the tires drive over them.
I do have to mention the seats that come with the MDX Type-S. They are soft and have a lot of adjustments including thigh extension and bolster adjustments. They also have a massage feature built in that genuinely feels good after a long day at the office.
Interior Space – First and second row occupants have a generous amount of space. Tall adults like myself at 6’4” can easily find a comfortable seating position in the front seats. The second row seats have just enough legroom behind my driving position for someone of my height. Also, you can remove the center seat for a pass-through. The third row, however, is to be only used by children. Legroom & headroom is extremely tight for an adult, even an average height adult. But getting into the back is super easy because there’s a button at the bottom of the second row seat. Push it and the seat springs into its most forward position.
Further behind the 3rd row, the trunk has quite a bit of cargo capacity. 513 L (18.1 cu-ft) with all rows of seats up, 1,368 L (48.3 cu-ft) with the 3rd row folded, & 2,690 L (95 cu-ft) with the 2nd & 3rd rows folded. There’s also a pretty sizable compartment underneath the floor that will easily fit a backpack and camera equipment.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – The cabin is pretty quiet when driving around a bustling city. Engine noise is muted, unfortunately, and road noise is subdued. However, at higher speeds, the regular 21-inch summer tires can induce a lot of noise into the cabin. It’s not too bad if you listen to the radio while driving. This demo car was already fitted with Winter tires which were not as noisy as the Summer tires from the last time I drove the MDX Type-S.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – The 2026 Acura MDX Type-S is no longer available in two different trim options like the previous model years. For the Canadian market, it’s only available in the Ultra trim which will cost you $90,380 CAD. In the United States, it’s only available in the Advance trim which costs $75,850 USD.
Gadgets – For the money, this MDX Type-S is fully loaded with everything in the Acura features catalog. Leather upholstery, heated & ventilated & massaging front seats, heated 2nd row seats, panoramic sunroof, power programmable liftgate, head-up display, surround view cameras, satellite navigation, wireless CarPlay & Android Auto, a new Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless phone charging, and the list goes on and on.
The big improvement for the MDX is the new infotainment system that does away with the old trackpad. The 12.3” infotainment display has been moved closer to the occupants and it is now a touchscreen. This is a big deal because if you’ve used the previous iteration while launching wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto, you probably know how frustrating it was to use the touchpad. Now, it is much, much simpler with your fingertips. The native infotainment system has been redesigned slightly to accommodate the touch controls and it is simpler than ever to use. Great job Acura!
Interior Design – The MDX Type-S has an interior that is identical to the MDX A-Spec. In fact, the only way to tell that you’re in a special version of the MDX is by looking at the Type-S badge on the door sill or the little Type-S badge on the steering wheel. Apart from those two things, the Type-S receives the same steering wheel, the same contrast stitching (with white, red, or black leather interior), the same ambient lighting system, the same trim pieces, everything is the same as the A-Spec. It’s not a bad looking interior by any means. But for a special trim like the Type-S, I was expecting something a bit more unique.
For the most part, the materials are of good quality. Most touch surfaces have leather or high quality plastics. But there is some gloss black trim across the passenger side of the dashboard and across the center portion. This will not look good after a year or two unless it is meticulously maintained. As for the center console where the touchpad used to be, it has been opened up a bit. The wireless phone charging pad is a bit bigger, the volume knob and radio tuning buttons have been moved closer to the driver and there’s a small cubby next to them for change or smaller items.
Exterior Design – On the outside, it is a little bit easier to distinguish the Type-S MDX from other trim levels. Last year, the car received a slightly different front bumper from the previous model years which looks very different from the regular MDX. There are 4 exhaust pipes out the back which again, are not as loud as I’d want them to be. And finally, the large and bright red Brembo calipers behind the unique 21-inch wheels. There’s also the front grille which is actually functional. Normally, the diamond shapes in the grille are covered pieces. On the MDX Type-S, they are hollow to allow for more air that gets directed into the air box for the turbocharger.
Safety – The Acura MDX receives all of the available standard and advanced safety systems now that it is only available in the Ultra trim. So the MDX Type-S already has all of the available safety features to keep you and your family safe.
Warranty – The 2026 Acura MDX Type-S has a 4 year / 80,000 km new vehicle warranty and a 5 year / 100,000 km powertrain warranty. This powertrain warranty is 6 years & 70,000 miles in the United States. For more information on Acura’s Canadian warranty, click here. For USA warranty information, click here.
Conclusion – So the 2026 Acura MDX Type-S is quick, comfortable, well‑equipped, and actually fun to drive, while still hauling your family and all their assorted chaos. The fuel economy is nothing to brag about, and the cabin, while nice, won’t out‑glitz some European rivals, but it more than makes up for that with value and everyday usability.
Thank you to Acura Canada for providing the MDX Type-S. www.Acura.ca
2026 Acura MDX Type-S Gallery
