The Lexus RX series, which spearheaded the luxury crossover segment in 1998, got an upgrade with its 2007 model when the RX 330 became the RX 350 with a new 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. That's a substantial performance boost over the old 223-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6.

The new Lexus RX 350 features a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is a big boost over the old 223-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6.

Yet even with the bigger engine, which is rated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway, the RX's big ace in the hole remains buttery soft comfort and ease of handling and maneuverability in city traffic. I felt well isolated from the noisy, dirty outside environment as I zipped along in traffic and parked with great ease, thanks to the RX's relatively modest size and the optional rear back-up camera.

My test version started at $38,800 but, after adding such options as alloy wheels, navigation, Blue Tooth hands-free phone connection, a leather interior, and power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, it came to $46,583 -- that's BMW X3 and X5 territory and a host of others, too.

That's where personal taste comes into play. While the RX 350 is certainly a stronger performer than the model that preceded it, the emphasis is decidedly on luxury and comfort. So if you're looking for something to tear up the pavement, you're likely to be disappointed. But if you value luxury and comfort, you will be hard-pressed to do better.

The clearest advantage, of course, is the quality construction. Everything on this car is absolutely seamless, and you can't really tell where one joint ends and the other begins. Gaps are almost nonexistent inside and out, and there's utter silence as you drive.

Another advantage for those of us in the snow belt is the "snow mode" on the five-speed automatic transmission, which prepares the gearbox and the car's systems to adapt to the necessary changes to make going on ice and snow easier.

The styling? It took a while to grow on me when I first saw the revised model several years ago, but it's really sharp and rather futuristic, and you certainly would never guess that it shares its platform with Toyota's boxier Highlander.

Disadvantages? Although the latest RX is roomier than the last, I still felt a bit cozy inside, and the back seat can seem a little cramped for larger adults. My children, however, liked it, and we did find that we could fit the two baby seats and still have room for a third person -- a feature I appreciated and one I see all too seldom.