The 2026 Acura MDX Type S SH-AWD stands out in the three-row luxury SUV segment. While others in the class focus on luxury, the Acura MDX has become a practical family vehicle with great performance. I spent a week with the top-tier Type S Advance, and I can tell you: if you need to carry passengers, kids, and cargo, this ride is for you.
There are no significant upgrades this year, since the 2026 Acura MDX received a major refresh last year. However, the price of the Type S Advance increased by $600, and two new colors were added, including Solar Silver Metallic and Double Apex Blue. A rear seat belt reminder is now standard, and the Type S features a subtle tailpipe diffuser and darker lighting elements.
Power/Performance: The Type S is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 in approximately 5.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the standard MDX produces 290 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6.
It handles excellently thanks to the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) chassis, which actively powers the outside rear wheel during cornering, literally pulling you through the turn. It is paired with the adaptive air suspension (standard on Type S Advance) and massive Brembo front brakes, and this 4,500-pound SUV feels smaller than it looks.
Interior/Exterior: The Type S design is aggressive without drawing too much attention. The “Diamond Pentagon” grille is bordered by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights. Other design features include 21-inch wheels, larger exhaust outlets, and subtle “Type S” badging.
The interior atmosphere is sporty, featuring plush Milano leather, contrast stitching, and open-pore wood trim. The bolstered seats keep you secure during sharp turns while also providing heating, ventilation, and massage.
The dashboard features a sharp 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built in, making Google Maps the default navigation. It far surpasses clunky proprietary systems. The test vehicle came with the “Advance” package that featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Google, and a 10.5-inch head-up display.
Fuel Economy: Let’s be real. A three-row luxury SUV with a turbocharged six-cylinder that produces 355 horsepower will not deliver hybrid-like efficiency. According to the EPA, the Type S is rated at 17 city/21 highway MPG, and 19 combined MPG.
City/Highway: This is where the air suspension proves its worth. In Comfort mode, the MDX smoothly handles expansion joints and potholes, while a 360-degree camera system makes parking a breeze. However, driving on the highway is the MDX Type S’s natural setting. At 75 mph, it remains impressively quiet, and the SH-AWD system guarantees stable lane changes.
Safety: My favorite addition to the Type S is AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features that make driving safe and stress-free. It includes: Active Lane Change Assist – Hit the turn signal, and the car smoothly merges for you; Traffic Jam Assist—In stop-and-go traffic, the car manages steering, gas, and brakes; and Front Cross Traffic Warning—Essentialfor pulling out of tight, blind parking spots. Standard features across the board include Collision Mitigation Braking and Blind Spot Information.
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