The Sport Trac is offered with two different--a 4.0L V6, making 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, and a 4.6L V8 engine making 292 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The V6 comes with a five-speed automatic, while the V8 gets a six-speed auto. Either engine can be specified with the Control Trac four-wheel-drive system, which transfers torque to the front wheels only as needed to maintain traction, yielding better fuel economy than true full-time systems. Control Trac also includes a 4x4 Low range.
With interior comforts and features shared with the Explorer SUV and cargo-bed features similar to the F-150 full-size pickup, the Sport Trac can fill many different uses and needs. Towing is another one of them--with the available V8, the Sport Trac can tow up to 6,800 pounds.
The 4.5-foot-long cargo box is lined in a corrosion-proof, sheet-molded composite material for dents and scratch resistance in hard use. Also available are a cargo-bed extender for especially long items and a tonneau cover, of use for improved security and protection in wet and winter weather. Other useful features available inside include a Tuflor rubber floor covering and heated windshield for quick defrosting and defogging.
The Sport Trac has a four-wheel independent suspension, for a better ride and improved handling versus traditional pickups. Safety features are covered as well, with Advance Trac with roll stability control, to help prevent a loss of stability on slippery roads or in sudden maneuvers, plus four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags.
XLT and Limited models are offered for the Sport Trac. The XLT includes air conditioning, keyless entry, fog lamps, cast-aluminum wheels, a bed storage system, an MP3-compatible sound system with auxiliary input, while the Limited adds larger 18-inch machined alloy wheels, upgraded seats and center-console storage, and the Sync system. Sync provides an innovative, hands-free interface for media players and cell phones through either wirelessly through Bluetooth, or through a USB cable; the system also provides text-to-speech capabilities and will announce tracks or even recite text messages. Sync is also available on the XLT, as an option.
An Adrenalin Package is new for 2008. It pairs all-wheel-drive with either the V6 or V8. Unique heated leather front seats, 20-inch wheels, running boards, dual exhaust tips, and other exterior visual enhancements complete the look.
Convenient Mix Of SUV And Pickup
Better Ride And Handling Relative To Pickups
Standard Safety Features
Lofty Towing Ability.
For 2008, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac gets expanded standard features. Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags, fog lamps, and a power rear window are now on the standard-equipment list. The Limited model now includes an illuminated-entry keypad and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The optional navigation system has newly available voice activation, and the Sync voice-activated communication and entertainment interface is available for 2008.
An all-wheel-drive Adrenalin model also debuted for 2008. Available with either a V6 or V8, the trim includes 20-inch wheels, all-season tires, and unique interior and exterior treatments.
Three new exterior colors are added: Stone Green Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic, and White Suede Metallic.
Part pickup and part SUV, the Sport Trac bridges the gap between Ford's mid-size Explorer SUV and the Ranger compact pickup. Its versatile setup includes seating for up to five passengers with cargo capacity similar to a short-bed pickup. It has electronic stability control and side air bags, both features that are not widely available on pickups, and has a four-wheel independent suspension, for better handling and a smoother ride.