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.

The four-wheel active traction control employs the vehicle's brakes and throttle to control wheel spin, while the stability control helps keep the LX 570 moving in the right direction. But the power is there.

Using the same powertrain as the Toyota Tundra pickup, the LX 570 has 383 horsepower and a stump-yanking 403 pound-feet of torque at its disposal. The low-end torque (90 percent is available at 2,200 rpm) is especially useful. While I imagine most Lexus owners keep their boats in a slip, they could tow one (up to 8,500 pounds) with the LX 570.

The beauty behind this brawny powerplant is the science involved. It uses all kinds of gee-whiz gadgetry to push performance and efficiency. There's the dual variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves to create more power without producing more emissions. There is an acoustic control induction system to improve torque throughout the engine's range. These are just a few reasons to love science.

The end result is a 6,000-pound SUV that can go from 0-60 mph in just 7.4 seconds. It still manages to get 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 mpg on the highway -- respectable numbers when you look at serious competitors such as the all-wheel-drive Cadillac Escalade (12 mpg city / 19 mpg highway) and Mercedes Benz GL 550 (13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway).

The six-speed automatic transmission remains silky smooth despite the high torque numbers. There's a manual override on the system for downshifting or sportier driving, though most of the time that feels unnecessary. The LX 570's height makes it uncomfortable to push hard through corners. The body rolls like a yacht on rough waters. However, the braking, which I expected to be underwhelming due to the vehicle's size, was remarkably good.

Like most LX 570 drivers, I never tested the vehicle's real off-road prowess, though I have no doubt it would perform quite well. Built on the same underpinnings as the Toyota Land Cruiser -- an extreme off-roader proven under real-world conditions in some of the most desolate places on Earth -- this Lexus should offer the same extreme capabilities with luxury appointments.

For war-torn landscapes or just steep trails, the LX 570 includes a crawl feature that allows the SUV to transverse rugged conditions. Crawl Control monitors vehicle speed, engine output and braking to maintain one of three speeds. The system can work in conjunction with the vehicle's hill-start assist feature, which prevents the LX 570 from rolling backward when starting from a stop on a steep hill.

Perhaps the most interesting feature on the LX 570 is the Active Height Control, which can lower the LX 570 by 2 inches to make ingress and egress easier. The system can also lower the LX 570's body by about an inch when on the highway. This is the equivalent to an airplane that changes its wings as it flies faster -- and something you should expect to see a lot more of in future vehicles. Switch the LX 570 into a low gear and the SUV will lift up the body. This can change the vehicle's approach angle, that measure that determines if you'll clear a big rock, by 2 degrees, from 29 degrees in normal mode to 31 degrees in high.

Polishing the inside of the LX 570 was a tall order. After all, it was pretty nice to begin with.

There's a relaxing curve to the current generation of Lexus vehicles. All of the materials are high-end and the touch points are soft. Even the old-fashioned turning dials for the heated seats feel right -- plus there's the bonus of the seat always remaining in the on position when you start this SUV. Nothing is more annoying than realizing your heated seat is off and you lost 15 minutes of toasty goodness on your drive to work.

For the 2009 model year, Lexus added a Bubinga wood trim around the cabin. There's also a new cool box in the big center console to keep soda at a drinkable temperature.

But the luxury doesn't end there. When you're cruising along at night, bathed in cool blue lighting, looking down at the six dash-mounted dials and center display screen, you feel as if the world is at your finger tips. For the most part, it is.

Lexus knows how to make American drivers feel comfortable. From the push-button start and the cooled seats to the rear entertainment system and the 30-gigabyte hard drive system, the interior caters to luxury customers.

The Mark Levinson surround sound stereo belts out 450-watts of music and the system's hard drive can store 2,000 songs. The second row is as comfortable as the front and Lexus keeps the climate throughout at just the right temperature. There are 28 vents to make sure everyone is comfortable. The third row is a little snug for adults, offering 28.3 inches of legroom, but otherwise there are few complaints.

I really liked the way Lexus has included the power retractable third row. Just open the liftgate with the remote and press a button and watch the seats fold up and out of the way. With the third row folded up, there is 41 cubic feet of space. Fold down the 40/20/40 second row and there is more than 83 cubic feet of space. That keeps the U in SUV.

Another advantage to this big vehicle is all of the safety features. Lexus has loaded it up with 10 standard air bags, including front and second-row side mounted air bags and side-curtain air bags for all three rows. There is also active head rests in the front, a pre-collision system that prepares the vehicle for an accident before it happens.

There is also the wide-view front and side monitor that allows the driver to press a button for better front and passenger side views to squeeze into tight spots.

Of course, this is needed because of the vehicle's size. The lines of sight are limited and the cameras help in places like parking spots and garages. It can take a week getting used to driving a big vehicle, but the LX 570 takes less time.

As soon as you adjust to driving this SUV, you'll never want to go back to something less luxurious. That's one of the beauties of these big vehicles. The high riding position, the available power, that wonderful leather smell every time you open the door, they all play a part in improving your day.

This is an SUV that comes without apologies: So why should its drivers say they're sorry?