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The original RDX seemed to lead a wave of manufacturers adopting small, turbocharged four-cylinder engines in lieu of a conventional six-cylinder engine, but the 2013 RDX doesn't follow in its footsteps.

While other automakers are downsizing their engine portfolios, the 2013 RDX eschews the old 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 in favor of a 3.5-liter SOHC V-6, similar to that offered in the front-wheel-drive Acura TL and the Honda Odyssey.

In RDX guise, the 3.5-liter produces 273 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the old turbo-four, that's an increase of roughly 33 horsepower, although torque does drop roughly 9 lb-ft. It is, however, fairly comparable to many of its six-cylinder competitors, including the Audi Q5 3.2 (270 hp), the Lexus RX350 (270 hp), the outgoing BMW X3 xDrive28i (240 hp), and the Volvo XC60 (240 hp)

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Despite the increase in power and cylinder count, the new RDX is more fuel efficient than before. A new six-speed automatic not only provides a wider gearing spread than before, but the V-6 itself also features cylinder deactivation, allowing it to run under on three or four cylinders when under light load.

Another gain came by revising the optional all-wheel-drive system. Though the previous SH-AWD system, which was capable of sending 70 percent of torque to the rear axle and shuffling that power between the rear wheels, the new system -- which is biased towards the front wheels but capable of splitting power 50/50 once wheelslip is detected -- is less expensive, less complicated, and considerably lighter than the old SH-AWD system.

These revisions add up to a noticeable decrease in fuel consumption. Acura says the 2013 RDX front-wheel-drive model should earn EPA ratings of 20/28 mpg (city/highway) once testing is completed. That's a mild increase over the previous RDX, which was rated at 19/24 mpg, but it's one of the best ratings for a front-wheel-drive CUV in the segment. All-wheel-drive models are expected to clock in at 19/27 mpg -- a big increase over the previous all-wheel-drive RDX, which was rated at a meager 17/22 mpg.

the new RDX looks more upscale than before. While the previous model's lanky, long-nosed proportions almost mimicked a tall hatchback, the new RDX looks more balanced. Stretching the wheelbase by 1.5 inches allowed designers to place the standard 18-inch wheels at the corners of the vehicle, lending it an aggressive and planted stance. Ginsu-sharp character lines no longer dominate the RDX's exterior; instead, fenders, fascias, and shoulders are softer and more fluidic than ever before.

The 2013 RDX may look considerably larger (in fact, it's almost easy to mistake it for an MDX), but that's little more than an optical illusion. Overall length is only an inch greater than the previous model, while its width only increased by a tenth of an inch. Subsequently, the 2013 RDX is roughly in the middle of a diverse group of premium small crossovers: it's about an inch and a half longer than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35, but roughly three inches shorter than the Lincoln MKX, four inches shorter than the Lexus RX350, and seven inches shy of the portly Cadillac SRX.

Acura does lead the class in terms of weight: a base front-wheel-drive 2013 RDX tips the scales at only 3717 pounds, while an all-wheel-drive model weighs in at 3838 lbs.