The Ford Explorer Sport Trac got an interesting start. In the 1990s, a member of the Ford team made the decision to displace the existing cargo area offered in the Explorer and to take on a small bed. The vehicle was marketed in 2000, and it was the first of its kind: a sport utility truck.
Since that time, the Sport Trac has received a redesign, following the redesign of the Ford Explorer. Changes put into the Sport Trac include the addition of a V-8 engine option. A trendier Adrenalin configuration was created for 2008 that was slated to replace the F-150 SVT Lightning.
The Sport Trac's four foot bed is somewhat compromising, even if the driver opts for the bed extension; the bed's utility is relatively limited. What's more, the F-150 Supercrew host a larger bed, a spacious cabin, and its fuel efficient, the consumer can get all the latter by paying a bit more. Basically, the Sport Trac is an offering no one called for, and there are better, vehicles that are more efficient offered by Ford as well.
The Range
Bodystyles: Truck
Engines: 4.0L V-6, 4.6L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Models: XLT, Limited, Adrenalin
What's New
The only change for the Explorer Sport Trac for 2010 is the addition of Trailer Sway Control and MyKey as standard features.
Exterior
All Sport Tracs come with a short 49.6-inch bed. XLT models come with 16-inch wheels, Limited models with 18s. Adrenalins get 20-inch wheels and a distinct black crosshatch grille with a sporty front fascia.
Interior
The five-passenger Sport Trac offers a mere 36.9 inches of leg room for rear-seat passengers and less than 40 inches of head room for either row. Interior options include a 190-watt stereo and a navigation system.
Performance & Handling
The Explorer Sport Trac's 4.0-liter V-6 makes just 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque and comes with a 5-speed automatic. The optional 4.6-liter V-8 makes a more respectable 292 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque and comes with a 6-speed automatic. Sport Trac V-6 models can pull up to 5,280 pounds, V-8 models up to 7,160 pounds.
Safety
The Sport Trac comes standard with six airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats. Other safety features include standard traction and roll stability control, trailer sway control, and seatbelt pretensioners.
EPA Fuel Economy
V-6 RWD: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
V-6 4WD: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
V-8 RWD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
V-8 4WD: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Truck-like capability
- It has a truck bed
You Won't Like
- Underpowered V-6 engine
- Poor fuel economy
- The bed is tiny
Sum Up
Answers a question nobody asked
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Avalanche
- Honda Ridgeline