2013 Acura RDX (pictures)

Acura's smallest SUV grows an inch in length and height for the 2013 model year, gets an engine swap, and has its all-wheel drive dumbed down.

New styling on the body is apparent from the grille, which assumes a more subtle posture. The front bumper is molded completely into the front of the car, and at the rear the exhaust pipes are invisible, hidden underneath the car.

Acura went from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to this naturally aspirated V-6, giving the RDX more power and better fuel economy.

The RDX is designed as a five-passenger SUV with a reasonable amount of cargo space.

The RDX can be had with front- or all-wheel drive, although Acura got rid of the more advanced SH-AWD (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive) found on the previous generation of the RDX.

Even with the rear seats up, there is plenty of cargo space. The RDX could easily take a family of four on a road trip.

Acura maintains its premium level with the RDX, with good noise insulation for the cabin and leather-covered, power-adjustable seats.

The rear seat is a typical bench, but it does offers a surprising amount of legroom.

Acura offers all of its tech in one big package. Without the tech, the LCD comes off the dashboard, along with the main interface controller.

Acura uses an electric power-steering system in the RDX. The steering wheel offers a little resistance.

Buttons abound on the steering wheel and dashboard. Acura could take lessons from other automakers in better consolidating such buttons.

The six-speed automatic is the only transmission available. It has a Sport mode, and the gears can be selected manually, but its shifts are too slow for fast driving.

The big control in the middle is a hybrid dial/joystick/button that controls most cabin tech functions.

The navigation system's maps offer only a 2D, top-down view.

The navigation system includes Zagat restaurant listings, and even shows comments for each restaurant.

A nice feature of the navigation system is a set of scenic drives, at least one for every state.

The infotainment system brings in weather forecasts, along with this severe-weather map.

The Bluetooth phone system is capable of receiving text messages, although this only works with some phones.

The iPod play screen shows album cover art along with track information.

The iPod music library screen shows categories for album, artist, and genre. You can also use voice command to request songs by name.

Bluetooth audio streaming shows track information, and includes Pause/Play controls.

Acura reserves 15GB on the car's hard drive for a music library.

The audio setting gives level control over the subwoofer and center channel, as well as bass and treble.

This 10-inch subwoofer is part of the ELS audio system, which delivers crisp, excellent sound.

The rearview camera offers three different views to aid in parking.