Ford Explorer Sport Trac Pros |
| The Explorer Sport Trac is built on the same chassis as the Explorer SUV, but with the wheelbase extended nearly 17 inches. This allows room for four full-size passenger doors and a short pickup bed. Two available engines, a 4.0L V6 and a 4.6L V8, tow 5,060 and 7,160 lbs, respectively. Gas mileage is in line with other crew-cab pickups, at 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. |
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Model Highlights |
| There are two levels of trim available for the Sport Trac, Limited and XLT, and one souped-up, tuner-style Adrenaline package for the Limited edition. Each model is available with either a 4.0L V6 making 210 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 4.6L V8 with 292 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic.
Either engine and transmission combo is available in rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The 4x4 comes with ControlTrac, with settings for everyday driving, slippery conditions and a low gear for real off-road situations. The Adrenaline comes with full-time all-wheel drive that delivers power to the wheels that need it most at any given time.
All Sport Tracs have stability control, four-wheel ABS, independent front and rear suspension and a stabilizer bar. They also have front airbags, side curtain airbags, rollover sensor and crash sensor standard. This would probably be how the Sport Trac earned 5-star crash ratings for all passenger positions in front and side crash tests from the NHTSA.
The XLT has a roomy, comfortable interior, with a 6-way adjustable driver's seat, while the Limited has a 10-way power seat. Front seats in the Limited are heated, too. Air conditioning is standard for all models, as is a split-folding rear bench seat. The standard stereo includes CD and MP3 capabilities, plus six months of Sirius satellite radio. Power windows and locks are standard, as are front and rear power outlets and a tilt steering column. Adjustable pedals are optional on all models.
The XLT has 16" alloy wheels, while the Limited ups those to 18-inchers. The Limited also adds heated exterior mirrors and an easy-access hinged tonneau cover for the bed. XLT buyers can add the cover as an option.
The XLT Convenience package adds a few features, like an upgraded driver's seat, SYNC voice-activated audio controls, and a reverse sensing system. The Sun and Sync package extends the XLT Convenience package to include a power moonroof, sunshade and full SYNC entertainment system. The Limited Convenience package adds niceties such as dual-zone climate control, power adjustable pedals and a 4-line message center. The Limited Chrome package dresses up the exterior with chrome on the wheels, mirrors and more.
For the tuner in you, though, Ford has created the Explorer Sport Trac Adrenaline package -- the only model with full-time all-wheel drive as an option. It looks more aggressive than the other Sport Tracs, with a prominent front air dam with fog lamps and a black crosshatched grille. The rear fascia is revamped and includes a single-pipe, dual-tip exhaust. Custom 20" wheels sit inside vented front fenders. The interior is finished in Dark Charcoal with perforated leather seats, but oddly the reverse sensing system is not available with the Adrenaline package. |
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Model News |
| The Explorer Sport Trac, as Ford's Original Sport Truck, was introduced in 2001. There's competition these days from the likes of Honda, Nissan, and Dodge, so the Sport Trac has had to up its game, with a new-for-2009 standard trailer sway control system. New options this year include a voice-activated nav system, satellite radio, and heated side mirrors. |
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Value Writeup |
| SUV and crew-cab pickup rolled into one; available full-time four-wheel drive; standard stability control and rollover mitigation systems |