Gallery
Pros
Cons
The Ontario-built MDX three-row serves as Acura’s flagship, and over its three generations has proved to be a reliable and well-built family hauler that can even be fun to drive.
That last part applied to the 2026 Acura MDX Type S, which adds some excitement while delivering on the promise of fine engineering from this top-tier Honda product. Yes, it comes with a considerable price bump, but then it significantly ups both the luxury and performance quotients, too.
Styling 8 / 10
What a difference a colour makes. Dipped in striking Double Apex Blue Pearl paint ($900), the MDX Type S got all kinds of admiring glances during this test. Conversely, my neighbour owns a 2025 MDX in grey, and that one blends into the automotive landscape largely unnoticed. Granted, the Type S gets stylish gloss black and brushed aluminum five-spoke 21-inch alloys, a pair of dual exhaust outlets, red brake calipers, and blacked out trim.
It’s a handsome piece, and that holds true for the interior as well. It’s upgraded in the Type S with stitched quilted leather and faux-suede upholstery, which was finished in an off-white hue here that gave the cabin a bright and upscale feel for its $600 upcharge.
Safety 9 / 10
The MDX comes comprehensively equipped with all the expected safety systems and driver aids. There’s blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and keeping assist, parking sensors, forward collision warning and automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. The top trim also adds front cross-traffic alert, blind-spot collision avoidance, a head-up display, and surround-view cameras, the latter two of which are also part of the cheaper Platinum Elite A-Spec trim.
Practicality 8 / 10
The MDX is not one of the larger three-row SUVs on the market, and as such the two-seat third row is tight for adults, as is access when climbing in behind the second row that slides and folds forward with a push of a button. The centre segment of the second-row bench can be removed, allowing for easier access to the cheap seats. There are no vents for third-row passengers, but there are charge ports.
Cargo volume behind the third row measures 512 L, and that includes a handy underfloor bin. With the third row folded there’s a useful 1,367 L, expandable to 2,690 L with the second row folded. That’s a bit more cargo capacity than direct rivals like the Audi Q7 and Genesis GV80 offer. There’s no power folding for either set of rear seats, but the manual operation is pretty easy. Maximum towing capacity is 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) with the optional equipment necessary to pull a trailer.
User-Friendliness 8.5 / 10
The MDX gets high marks for logical ergonomics and easy familiarity. A pair of large toggles on the dash handle cabin temperature, below which is a panel of physical buttons for other HVAC functions. The steering wheel gets a useful array of physical controls as well. A big metallic rotary controller sprouting from the dash gives quick access to all the drive modes. Pressing it calls up the customizable Individual setting.
Acura’s gear selector system is a bit fussy, being an array of buttons and a pull-back slider for reverse, but I got used to it quickly. The infotainment menu structure is clear and intuitive, and the touchscreen is an easy arm’s reach for the driver. The good old-fashioned volume knob on the centre console falls easily to hand. The MDX is also fitted with an always-appreciated capless fuel filler.
Features 8.5 / 10
This being the top tier model, the Acura MDX Type S Ultra comes fully equipped — all that’s left to ponder are exterior and interior hues. The front seats get ventilation and massage, although second-row riders make do with just heated seats. A comprehensive head-up display and panoramic sunroof are included, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen features Google built-in with Alexa, Google Maps, and more.
The ambient cabin lighting is pleasant but subtle when compared with the dramatic flair of BMW and Mercedes-Benz products. No real complaints with the 31-speaker stereo other than the lack of traditional sound EQ adjustments within the infotainment system. Instead, we have a colourful circular display with areas marked bright, energetic, warm, and relaxed.
Power 8.5 / 10
The MDX Type S packs a turbocharged 3.0L V6 making 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 rpm. It’s a sweet engine — linear, smooth, and eager when pressed. Power wise, it’s mid pack when looking at competitors. Behind the wheel, the MDX Type S is certainly quick enough, and when in sport or sport+ modes the exhaust note gets a bit more gnarly. With a zero-to-100 km/h dash of just 5.5 seconds, this is Acura’s quickest SUV to date.
Comfort 8.5 / 10
With the exception of the tight third row, the MDX Type S delivers on the promise of being a comfortable and luxurious conveyance. The 16-way front seats are comfy and supportive, and spoil riders with ventilation and massage. The second-row seats slide and recline, and passengers get an HVAC control panel with tri-level seat heat control along with slide-up manual window shades. Thanks to active noise cancellation, the MDX’s cabin remains hushed at speed, and the standard adaptive air suspension serves up a wonderfully cushioned ride when in comfort and normal drive modes. Even when buttoned down in sport or sport+, ride quality remains perfectly acceptable despite the Type S’s excellent body control and 21-inch wheels.
Driving Feel 9.5 / 10
For this reviewer, performance SUVs can run the gamut from being too powerful, too stiff, too big, too expensive, or too much of a rolling compromise — but not this one. Acura has arrived at a harmonious cocktail with the MDX Type S that convincingly plays the roles of both cosseting luxurious people hauler and (I can’t believe I’m writing this) a really fun-to-drive three-row SUV.
Credit its dual personality to the expertly tuned air suspension with adaptive dampers that keeps the ride smooth and quiet, then firms up for excellent body control when feeling frisky. Another part of this enticing equation is Acura’s all-wheel-drive system that can send as much as 70 per cent of torque to the rear wheels. There’s nothing like a big snow-covered parking lot for discovering a vehicle’s handling attitude, and here the Type S could be tossed around like a rally car, controllably power-oversteering and four-wheel drifting.
Factor in the natural steering feel and alert 10-speed automatic transmission, all of which translates to a vehicle that, when on the pavement, inspires confidence and real alacrity when hustling down a back road. And this engine delivers just the right amount of power to match the dynamics.
Fuel Economy 7.5 / 10
Running on premium-grade fuel, my wintry week of mixed driving netted 12.8 L/100 km, not quite matching the MDX Type S’s official combined rating of 12.4 (13.8 city, 11.2 highway). For comparison, the Audi Q7 55 is rated for 11.7 combined, and the Genesis GV80 3.5T is good for 12.9.
Value 8 / 10
This tester’s pre-tax price of $94,475 puts it right up against a similarly-equipped Audi Q7 and the top-spec Genesis GV80. But then that’s a serious price hike compared to the Platinum Elite A-Spec that loses the performance chops and luxury amenities but rings in at $79,975. (All prices include a $2,595 freight charge.)
The Verdict
Colour me impressed. I wasn’t expecting the 2026 Acura MDX Type S to win my mind and heart as it did. I can count on one hand the number of large SUVs that I’ve actually looked forward to jumping into and driving. Sure, this Acura is certainly not the most powerful, nor the most opulently appointed in the segment, but it does everything so well. Your passengers will appreciate its smooth ride, comfy seats, and quiet cabin. Drivers will enjoy its smooth power delivery, adept chassis, and natural steering feel.
I am somewhat loath to use the old cliché about a vehicle shrinking in size around you when driven with spirit, but dang if this lengthy three-row doesn’t do just that when you find a winding road and twist the mode dial to sport+. Flick those shift paddles. Carve an apex. Feel the chassis set and the rear end bite when powering out of a bend. An engaging high-performance SUV with no compromises? Acura has nailed it with the MDX Type S.
