Lipstick On A Dinosaur? Lexus LX570 Test Drive

For 2009, Lexus made its vastly improved top-of-the-line SUV more luxurious.

Lipstick on a dinosaur? Far from it -- no matter what some groups may shout in an overly shrill voice. SUVs still serve a purpose. They still have unmatched capabilities and still can do things crossovers and cars can only dream about.

During January's heavy snowfall, I hopped into the new Lexus LX 570 and burrowed my way down the road without a problem. The full-time four-wheel drive ate up snow and ice like "Survivor Man" in the Canadian Rockies. Detroit's unplowed streets were a mild urban safari that might have disabled lesser vehicles. But this SUV provides confidence in bad weather and can easily handle much more dire conditions. From behind the wheel of the LX 570, you can hum "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" all day long.

While it has the raw power to muscle its way through most problems, it uses a much more sophisticated approach.