2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Thanks to the fully independent suspension, the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac proves a pleasure to drive when compared to traditional pickup trucks. The ride quality almost matches that of a luxury car, and the liberal deployment of a noise insulation system creates a very quiet cabin. With regard to acceleration, the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, powered by a V-8 engine, gives a smooth ride quality. The V-8 in itself has a broad power band and offers similar performance to the V-6-powered Japanese-style crew cab pickup trucks. The V-6 marks another issue, though, and it feels heavy and coarse when compared to the gentle V-8. Besides, it gets worse fuel economy.

On the exterior, the 4.5-foot cargo box employs corrosion-proof material and has a molded-in liner that averts dents and scratches. Three cargo bins are built into the vehicle’s load floor. They have convenient drainpipes that enable drivers to use them as storage for wet items and as iceboxes.

The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac’s interior remains almost identical to the Explorer. It comprises a solid build quality and has an uncomplicated dashboard with simple controls. The rear seats can be folded 60/40 for covering the seat bottoms, revealing a flat cargo area.

The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a pickup-like cargo space located separately behind the second row of seats. The vehicle comes in two trim levels: the XLT and the Limited.

The finely equipped XLT variant offers 16-inch alloy wheels, a composite cargo box, power rear windows, full power accessories, keyless entry, fog lights, air-conditioning, cruise control, a drop-in storage bin with power points, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a CD player.

The Limited variant features heated side mirrors, color-keyed fenders, 18-inch alloy wheels, sidestep bars, power-adjustable pedals, a Sync multimedia system, heated leather seats, HomeLink, and a power driver’s seat. Opting for the Adrenalin package fetches 20-inch wheels, a specialized interior, and exterior trim detailing.

Major options that depend on the selected trim include a sunroof, heated windshield, rear parking sensors, automatic dual-zone climate controls, a voice-operable navigation system, an upgraded music system, and a cage-like bed extender.

The standard power to the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac derives from the 4.0-liter V-6 engine that can generate 210 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. This tried and tested engine pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission system. Options include a 4.6-liter V-8 engine that can generate 292 hp of power and 300 lb-ft of torque and mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both models come with either four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, except the Adrenalin package.

Acceleration with the V-8 engine is commanding for a 2.5-ton truck. The vehicle notches up to 60 mph in just 8.1 seconds. The towing capacity marks another strong point. The four-wheel drive version has a maximum 6,990-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.

Stability control with the trailer sway control, anti-lock disc brakes, and side curtain and front seat side airbags, all come as standard safety equipment on the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. In crash tests conducted by government agencies, the Explorer Sport Trac earns five stars with regard to both side impact and frontal crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards it the highest possible ""Good"" rating for frontal offset crash tests.

• Comfortable cabin
• Superior towing capacity
• Superior V-8 power
• Top-notch safety scores

• Small cargo bed
• Les fuel-efficient V-6 engine

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