Acura is pausing production of the Type S performance variant of its MDX SUV. This is according to Automotive News, which reports that uncertainty regarding evolving American emissions standards is behind the decision. The outlet received confirmation of the decision from an Acura spokesperson.
To be clear, Acura is not killing the popular MDX Type S entirely. Rather, it is choosing not to produce a 2027 edition of the luxury crossover, meaning that the current 2026 model-year is the last one, for now. Further down the road, how the situation evolves in terms of emissions standards in the United States will dictate the next step for Acura.
Specifically, the driver behind the decision to mothball the performance SUV is the set of criteria falling under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Tier 4 pollutant standards, which take effect for the 2027 model-year. Earlier this year, the agency suggested pushing back their implementation to 2029. That would leave the current Tier 3 standards in place for the next model-years.
Given such shifting possibilities, Acura has evidently decided the risk of keeping in production a high-cost, low-volume model like the Type S that it could potentially be unable to sell on the American market is just not worth it.
The latest action is part of run of moves made by Honda’s premium division in recent months. Already cut from the Acura lineup are the TLX sedan, the short-lived all-electric ZDX SUV and the stick-shift option on the Integra. RDX production, meanwhile, has already been put on pause.
The 2026 MDX Type S is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine that helps deliver 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of maximum torque, managed by a 10-speed auto transmission. The model features Acura’s SH-AWD all-wheel drive system and rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. Inside, the three-row configuration allows for seating up to seven occupants.