What do approach and departure angle mean? Which is better?

I have never owned a SUV before and GX (on order) will be my first SUV. I was looking at the specs for GX470 and ran into these terms and didn't know how to interpret.

Thanks

 

Approach angle is the steepest slope (measured from horizontal) that the vehicle can start up without plowing the front bumper. It is primarily determined by the front overhang, eg, the amount of car/truck that is forward of the front wheels.

Departure angle is essentially the same thing, applied to the rear of the vehicle as it drives down a grade onto horizontal surface; max angle that can be driven OFF of w/o dragging the **** end.

Bigger numbers are better, but I doubt most Lexus owners are going to take their $50k GX into serious off-road harm's way!!! I know SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED in my household certainly won't be.........and one can imagine how delighted she'd be if I did (we'll be replacing her RX in the next 12 mos, most likely with the GX).:eek:

 

Check out this page:
http://skidplate4x4.tripod.com/The_B...xplanation.htm

 

Perfect! Thanks!!