Not sure whether your particular automotive needs could best be met with an SUV or a pickup truck? The designers at Ford may have come up with just the solution for you. Starting with their popular Explorer SUV, they've cut away the rear enclosed cargo area and replaced it with a pick-up truck-like cargo box.
The Sport Trac has four full size doors, seating for five, and the open box that adds just over 37 cubic feet of exterior cargo hauling capacity. Although small by truck standards, the 4.5 foot cargo box can be just the right choice for hauling the kinds of things you might not want sharing space with passengers; whether it's just bulky gear like bicycles, or maybe the gas cans for your outboard motor or ATV. When you consider the hard bed cover and bed extender, the convenience factor goes up another notch.
There are two power train choices for the Sport Trac: A 4-liter V6 that that puts out 210 horsepower and 254 pound feet of torque and mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission or the 4.6 liter V8 that produces 292 horsepower and 315 pound feet of torque. The V8 is equipped with 6-speed overdrive automatic. Power is sent to the rear wheels, available 4-wheel drive with low range, or an available full-time all wheel drive system.
Fuel economy for the Sport Trac ranges from 14 miles per gallon city, up to 20 miles per gallon highway.
All five occupants ride in comfort, style and safety in the Sport Trac Limited as Ford includes extensive options and a touch of luxury in the interior. Both models come with AM/FM/CD and MP3 audio systems, power windows and fold flat rear seats that add additional cargo space. Driver/passenger advanced airbags and side seat airbags are provided for front and rear passengers. The Limited also comes with power adjustable seats, a leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel and leather upholstery throughout. Additional options include a power moon roof and navigation system.
18 inch machined Aluminum Alloy wheels shod with fairly aggressive all season tires come standard on the Limited.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is $27,460. Opt for the all-wheel-drive Limited V8 with full options, and you'll pay around $38,000. The Sport Trac is backed by a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Not sure whether you need the versatility of a pickup or the comfort of an SUV? With the Explorer Sport Trac, you don't have to choose- you get the best of both worlds, in a sharply styled pickup...er, SUV.