By SEMA News Editors
SEMA, in collaboration with Acura, revealed a one-of-one '26 Acura MDX Type S Overland Concept, showcasing how modern OEM platforms can be thoughtfully reimagined through purposeful aftermarket upgrades to support off-road and overland adventure--without sacrificing daily comfort and refinement.
Designed and built at the SEMA Garage in Los Angeles, the MDX Type S Overland Concept showcases the innovation and technical expertise of SEMA-member companies. By pairing Acura's high-performance SUV architecture with cutting-edge aftermarket components, the build demonstrates a growing shift in the enthusiast market: the desire for "go anywhere" capability without sacrificing refined "daily driver" performance.
"This project is a perfect example of SEMA's mission in action--bringing OEMs and the aftermarket together to explore what's possible," said SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology & Product Development Luis Morales. "The 2026 Acura MDX Type S Overland Concept shows how the aftermarket can responsibly and creatively expand vehicle capability while retaining the refinement and performance consumers expect from a premium OEM."
Redefining the Modern Adventure Vehicle
Built on the performance-focused foundation of the '26 Acura MDX Type S, the vehicle was transformed into an adventure-ready, overland-capable concept through the integration of off-road wheels and tires, functional lighting, cargo solutions and camping equipment. The build is intended as a design and engineering exercise--not a production vehicle--to inspire enthusiasts and demonstrate fitment, function and integration across a modern OEM platform.
Multiple SEMA-member aftermarket brands contributed components to the project, including:
- Baja Designs – XL Linkable Light Bar and Squadron Pro Ditch Lights
- Black Rhino – Voll Wheels (18x8.5 ET25)
- Falken – WildPeak A/T4W Tires (275/65R18)
- Inspired Overland – Overland Stargazer Duo Rooftop Tent
- NoLo Designs – Ditch Light Brackets
- Prinsu – Roof Rack
- RiG'd – UltraSwing Spare Tire Carrier
Each component was selected to support off-road durability, overland utility and cohesive visual integration--illustrating how aftermarket innovation can extend vehicle capability beyond its original design intent.
Built at the SEMA Garage
The vehicle was assembled at the SEMA Garage–Los Angeles, SEMA's OEM-agnostic facility dedicated to aftermarket testing, product development and advanced vehicle technology. The Garage provided the tools, expertise and environment necessary to develop and validate aftermarket solutions on the MDX Type S platform.
"Builds like this help SEMA and our members better understand new vehicle platforms and develop real-world solutions," said Morales. "It benefits the aftermarket, OEMs, and ultimately the enthusiast."
Public Debut at California's 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
The 2026 Acura MDX Type S Overland Concept will made its public debut in the Acura display at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where attendees had the opportunity to see the one-off build up close.
The SEMA Show: Where Aftermarket Trends Take Shape
At the 2025 SEMA Show, one standout trend was the growing number of performance-focused vehicles being outfitted for off-road and adventure use — a signal that enthusiasts increasingly want builds that don't fit neatly into a single category. While the MDX Type S isn't a supercar, this concept reflects the same go-anywhere mindset, translated into a premium SUV platform that many enthusiasts can realistically picture using every day.
Registration for the 2026 SEMA Show opens May 4, 2026. The Show remains the place where the industry gathers to spot what's next across trucks, SUVs, off-road, performance and lifestyle-driven builds.
For more information on SEMA, the SEMA Garage and OEM partnership programs, visit www.sema.org. For more information on the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.
