The RX 330 loves to play in the mud. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

But it's not just a matter of a few styling modifications and an increase in size that's changed. The RX 330 is a completely updated vehicle, boasting more power, a new all-wheel drive system and refinements in ride and handling.

The latter skill is surprisingly improved. What was a decent handling SUV has now become amazingly agile, especially on gravel or in wet, slippery conditions. While improved structural rigidity does its job to benefit the handling equation, there are a lot of other factors that bear the brunt of road surface irregularities. Just what these components are depends entirely on which suspension system is opted for.

Base models, if the word can be used to describe a Lexus, use a relatively conventional fully independent multi-link setup just like the old RX, but the geometry has been reworked to provide a smoother highway ride and flatter cornering, while the turning radius has been shortened to 12 m (39 ft), making it easier to park. Speaking of parking the outside mirrors can turn down when reversing, a handy feature for protecting the RX's shiny alloy rims.