One thing that was very clear was the necessity of the

Though much effort has gone into the LT's cabin, the bed and towing capabilities have not been forgotten. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

parking assistance feature, which made life in the city bearable for the big, elegant brute. Combined with a streak of luck that always had me finding an available parking space on the one unmetered and unrestricted block, I was able to navigate the crowded conditions like a seasoned harbour pilot slipping between sandbars and shoals.

Oddly, parking duties also gave me a good chance to test the LT's 4x4 ability, as I was occasionally forced to use the last spot that was also home to a foot-and-a-half pile of snow kindly collected by plows and residents along the street; which had, by the time I found it, turned into a chunky ice formation over a weekend of semi-freezing weather. Only needing to switch to 4-hi (there is also a 4-lo bull setting for deeper drifts or serious mud and offroading - but then again, who goes offroading in a Lincoln), all of the tires dug in and pulled and tugged and grappled the big LT up and over, and back and forth, then just wiggling around a bit, always feeling completely in control and able to easily exit the mini-fortress of solitude.

The only problem I really experienced up in my 4x4-only snow fort was getting in and out of the truck, but with a leap of faith I was rewarded with firm footing upon exit. Getting back in was more of a dive and crawl experiene, followed by hoisting myself up like I was getting out of a swimming pool, all because the running board is more like a ladder step that kind of runs under the sills, if anywhere, and they don't power out like the trick sliders on the Navigator, so that was a bit of a chore. The solid handles on the A-pillar are a blessing that my girlfriend used every time she got in or out, even when I wasn't parked on any unnatural ice formations.

Mass amounts of chrome did not reflect image of photographer Justin Couture, because he, in fact is invisible. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Now I know it seems like I have a lot of complaints, but this truck can take it, just like it can take up to 3,857 kg (8,500 lbs) of rolling cargo on a trailer. And despite a couple of kitschy bits in the interior, the LT is a high class, roomy den, and it chromes all the right bits on the exterior too, specifically the aforementioned grille, plus the bumpers, mirrors, box rails and a wide swath running from front bumper to rear, interrupted only by the wheel wells... mad chrome. Lest I forget, my LT came with the optional chrome look machined aluminum 18" alloys, also gorgeous. It takes the interpretation of the classic Lincoln waterfall grille to new levels, full-sized pickup truck levels.

Yes, the Lincoln LT has all the accommodations of a premium vehicle, thanks to Lincoln's experience in dressing up Expeditions as Navigators, applied as tastefully and almost as luxuriously, with the notable absence of any navigation system, but I guess that's ironically appropriate. It gives Ford loyalists who still have need of a work truck with convenient open box utility an option with all the mojo Lincoln can muster. Those who like it will like it a lot - as the week went on, I only got more attached and more enamored with that titanic chrome grille - and those that don't... well, I don't think we care what those people think.

Specifications (4x4):

• Price Range (MSRP): $53,899 - $58,754 (2WD starts at $49,999)
• Price as tested: $58,754
• Body Type: 4-door pickup
• Layout: front engine, 4WD (RWD available)
• Engine: 300 hp, 365 lb-ft of torque, SOHC, 5.4L V8
• Transmission: 4-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): 4-wheel vented discs w/ ABS
• Steering: power-assisted rack-and-pinion
• Cargo Capacity (volume): 1,571 L (55.5 cu-ft)
• Towing Capacity: 3,857 kg (8,500 lbs) - class IV
• Safety: dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, BeltMinder safety belt reminder, LATCH system
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): aaahhhhh... who cares... just kidding 17.2 / 12.3 L/100 km 
• Observed Fuel Economy: I averaged close to 17 L/100 km with a good mix of driving that included at least 500 km highway driving, but no heavy hauling
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Cadillac Escalade EXT, Dodge Ram Mega Cab, GMC Sierra Denali, Honda Ridgeline
• Website: www.ford.ca