BY Randi Payton
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—Essential for pulling out of tight, blind parking spots. Standard features across the board include Collision Mitigation Braking and Blind Spot Information.
Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.
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