While such high-end safety features are impressive, the RX 330 offers more conventional protection on its lower models. Of course its ABS system is standard, as is Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) that enhances it. VSC and TRAC, previously mentioned, come standard too. Dual front multi-stage airbags join front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and even a driver's side knee airbag.

The new model will be built in Japan, at the Kyushu facility until the fall when it will begin production in its recently upgraded award-winning Cambridge, Ontario plant, the first time a Lexus has been manufactured outside of Japan.

But notwithstanding where it's made, will the new RX 330 perform as well on the sales charts as the old model - that incidentally achieved best selling luxury SUV status in North America while topping all of the brand's models to the tune of almost 40% of Lexus sales? That's difficult to say especially considering the much more competitive crossover SUV field the RX 330 is now playing in. Few alternative SUVs, however, offer the RX 330's high level of refinement, superior technologies and stalwart reliability, nor a $1,700 reduction in price from last year's model - now $49,900. That's not a bad start to another success story.