Ford pioneered the sport/utility pickup truck in the 2001-model year with its Explorer Sport Trac, a V-6-only version based on the now-defunct two-door Explorer. It looked like Ford had trumped Nissan, which showed its SUT concept first. But perhaps not. The Sport Trac didn't exactly take the market by storm. Now, with the {{{Honda Ridgeline}}} floundering in the marketplace, Ford thinks it has a better idea: Offer a V-8. Thus, the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac.
This time, it's based on the popular full-size Explorer and includes its independent rear suspension and optional V-8 engine. All the sheetmetal forward of the B-pillar is from the Explorer, and the 2007 is more than five inches longer and nearly two inches wider than the Sport Trac it replaces. The new model's wheelbase is 16.7 inches longer than its donor platform Explorer. It has a 4.5-foot sheet-molded composite cargo box with a molded-in, black inner liner and tie-down anchors, plus three cargo bins with removable drain plugs. The interior features rubber floor covering, optional two-tone leather seats and a heated windshield. Standard audio includes a CD-player with MP3 capability. Safety features include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD and optional Safety Canopy side air curtains. Is an optional V-8 enough to ensure that the new Sport Trac doesn't get lost in the woods, like the Ridgeline or the 2001 model? We'll know some time after it goes on sale next spring. n
Engines/transmissions
• 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6, five-speed automatic
• 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8, six-speed automatic
Drive Systems
• Rear drive or
• Control Trac all-wheel drive
Payload
• Up to 1430 pounds
Towing Capacity
• Up to 6800 pounds