Earlier this year on a spring-like day in January at the Detroit Auto Show, Ohio Gov. John Kasich was spotted on the floor of the COBO Convention Center making his way to the Honda display. Was it for the new Accord, which was one of the buzz vehicles at the show and is assembled in Ohio?

Nope. It was the unveiling of the 2013 Acura RDX which has its own impressive Buckeye roots.

The RDX is assembled at the East Liberty, Ohio, plant. So I was very excited to get behind the wheel of this Buckeye-built crossover.

My tester was the RDX Tech with front-wheel drive. There are only two trims available, and the other includes all-wheel drive.

This model year represents a complete redesign of the RDX, which was first introduced in 2006. Although slightly wider and longer than its predecessor, the RDX manages to improve fuel efficiency. Even more remarkable is that it does all of this with a new 6-cylinder engine, instead of the previous 4-cylinder. Honda’s engineers employed a cylinder-deactivation system to maximize fuel economy and still deliver more horsepower.

The 3.5-liter engine generates 273 horsepower, a net gain of 33 HP from the previous model, so it’s more powerful and more fuel-efficient, both of which are good in my book.

The RDX’s redesigned look is less sporty and more refined. Some at the Detroit Auto Show thought it lost its looks. But with a wider wheelbase and longer appearance, this RDX just has less of a squatty appearance and more resembles many other crossovers on the road. It’s less distinctive now, perhaps, but the RDX still has the familiar Acura grille.

Despite the 273-HP output, the RDX does not feel overly powerful, perhaps because of the cylinder-deactivation system, which keeps some of the engine performance at bay. The RDX comes with a new 6-speed transmission which delivers excellent timing.

The front-wheel drive RDX handled itself quite well through turns, despite a stiffer-than-I- prefer steering performance.

Inside, comfort rules, as can be expected from any luxury brand. Leather is standard.

Passenger and cargo room are increased, too. A power moonroof brings in the natural light and gives the RDX a sophisticated feel. And that’s the best way to describe this new RDX — all-around sophistication. The interior lacks any wow factor, but does have a downplayed sophisticated quality to it. And thanks to increased noise-reducing materials, the RDX is quiet for all passengers.

My tester included the tech package with voice-activated searching and navigation as well as real-time traffic and weather systems.

As mentioned, the improved fuel economy is one of the best features. In a week’s worth of driving, I averaged 25 MPG. The Acura RDX is rated for 23 city and 28 highway, which is near the top of the luxury crossover segment.

The 2013 RDX has a competitive price. Starting MSRP is $34,320, which puts it in line with non-luxury brand crossovers and ahead of luxury-brand competitors like the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.

Showing off new looks, improved fuel economy and a new engine, the Acura RDX also displays a little Buckeye sophistication.

Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115. Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor