Ahead of a full report, MSN Autos reviewers report to Exhaust Notes about their initial driving impressions in our Quick Spin segment. Here, Kirk Bell talks about Acura's newly redesigned RDX, a more luxurious take that still delivers the power.

When Acura developed the RDX for the 2008 model year, the company treated it like a high-riding sports car. It rode hard and handled well, the steering was quick and weighty, and under the hood pulsed a peaky turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. The problem was that most buyers looking for a luxury crossover wanted comfort and refinement, not a buckboard ride and sharp responses. With that in mind, Acura has softened the RDX for 2013.

We drove the new RDX in Phoenix, and here is a quick take on what we think of those changes.

PROS

Smoother ride with agile handling: Acura has softened the ride, which was sorely needed, but the RDX still handles like a capable sedan. That's a good thing.

Plenty of room for five: The rear seat gets more legroom and shoulder room, making it the roomiest in the class. Adults will fit behind adults.

More power with better fuel economy: The last model's 2.3-liter turbocharged engine is replaced by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 33 more horsepower and gets about 10 percent better fuel economy. Plus, it's downright quick.

CONS

Less responsive steering:  Acura has switched to electric assisted power steering and tuned it to be slower and lighter. It doesn't offer as much feel and isn't as sports-car-quick as the last model.

Lacks some high-tech safety features: The 2013 RDX offers SMS text messaging, a rearview camera with three viewing modes, and Pandora streaming, but it lacks some of the features of its competitors, such as blind-spot alert and adaptive cruise control.

Generic looks: We're reaching here, mostly because the RDX is such a good car and a good value. The new take on Acura's corporate face is better integrated, but it now just looks like a crossover version of an Acura sedan.