Ford Explorer Sport Trac Story

The 2008 Ford Sport Trac has a personality all its own. First launched in 2001, while in the midst of its No Boundaries campaign, the innovative fusion of SUV and truck almost instantly caught the attention of the increasingly mainstream extrem-sports crowd. Finally, the ultimate adventure vehicle had landed. Today, the need for a versatile and affordable SUT remains strong.

For 2007, the basis for the Explorer Sport Trac has moved to the midsize 4-door Explorer. The result is a larger, more refined Sport Trac, which boasts superior performance, utility and comfort when compared to its predecessor.

Under the hood of both the entry XLT and upgraded Limited trims resides a standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine that develops 210 hp and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. An optional 4.6-liter V-8 steps up the power to 292 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Delivering power to the wheels on V-6-equipped models is a 5-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly during casual, and even spirited driving. The optional 3-valve V-8 is paired with a new 6-speed automatic.

While power usually gets most of the attention, the key to performance is in the handling. Vehicles that pump out lots of ponies aren't good for much more than stoplight-to-stoplight jaunts, this is, unless they've got the right suspension and chassis tuning to deliver that power to the ground.

Fortunately for Sport Trac buyers, this is where the '07 excels. Forming the foundation of the SUT is a new chassis, which is over five times stiffer. This stiffer chassis is apparent from the moment the wheels begin turning.

Cushioning the ride is a front independent suspension with coil-over shocks that works in harmony with a new rear independent rear suspension. Handling is further improved by AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control), which is standard equipment on all trims. The optional P245/65R17 tires on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels as part of the XLT Appearance Package are a nice upgrade for both performance and style. And great looking 18-inch wheels are standard on the Limited series. P235/70R16 tires and 16-inch cast aluminum wheels are standard. Ford's Control Trac® full-time four-wheel-drive system is especially impressive in wet weather.

Exterior features include a four-foot, grippy, plastic-lined bed with three storage compartments in the bed floor. Outdoor enthusiasts will find these quaint little compartments convenient for tucking away tie-downs, tools and even some muddy clothing after coming off the trail. A total of six, hefty tie-down hooks line either side of the bed for quick and easy securing of cargo. And an in-bed power point comes in handy in the likely circumstance that you find yourself off the beaten path.

Two available accessories worth noting are the locking tonneau cover and bed extender. Both are available on nearly every competitor, but Ford raised the bar with these. The tonneau cover is well designed and fits like a glove to keep your cargo safe. The bed extender is also a great accessory, allowing easy expansion of the bed for larger loads. A quick locking system allows users to latch it in the open or closed position - a much better design than some of the other bed extenders we've tried.

Inside the Sport Trac, the rugged utility theme is carried even further with a rubber floor and Berber-carpeted floor mats for easy cleaning. Roomy front buckets are split by an understated center console complete with cavernous storage under its armrest. Unique ergonomic front door release levers are well incorporated into the door-mounted armrests; however, we found the complementing door handles to be awkwardly low. Air conditioning, AM/FM CD-player and multifunction trip computer are all standard items. Power windows, mirrors and door locks with keyless entry remotes are also included. Power seating, a heated windshield and an upgraded Audiophile sound system with in-dash CD changer are among the list of options. True to the dual-nature of the Sport Trac, exterior cargo space is contrasted by an all-new spacious interior. Seating is comfortable for five adult passengers, with ample head and legroom for front and rear occupants. Inside, cargo carrying is made easy with 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold flat with the simple flick of a lever.

In addition to high marks for handling and utility, the Explorer Sport Trac also offers superior safety with multiple five-star crash ratings awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Along with AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, the five-seater also employs a five-level front passenger sensing system that dictates when and how front airbags will deploy. Front side airbags are standard while Safety Canopy^TM curtain airbags are optional on all trims.

The Sport Trac leads the pack in this unique niche segment where space and comfort of an SUV meet the utility and convenience of a pickup.