The redesigned
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a compact pickup truck version of the Explorer SUV and a vast improvement over its dated predecessor.
The new Sport Trac is 16.8 inches longer than the Ford Explorer. It's identical to that SUV from the second roof post -- or "B-pillar" -- forward, but the back doors and rear roof post are different.
The Sport Trac is 4.3 inches longer than the previous model and its wheelbase (distance between axles) is a whopping 130.5 inches, or 4.6 inches longer than its predecessor's. The new model also is about 2 inches wider and looks a lot more handsome.
The longer wheelbase, stiffer construction and a new carlike independent rear suspension help give the new Sport Trac a smooth ride, sturdier feel and above-average handling for a pickup truck. Only the ride of the fairly new Honda Ridgeline, which also has an independent rear suspension, favorably compares.
Steering is precise, and the brakes allow decent stopping distances.
List prices range from $24,245 to $27,940 for XLT Sport Trac versions and from $25,845 to $29,540 for top-line Limited models.
For the first time, some Sport Trac models get a V-8, hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission. It's a 4.6-liter overhead-camshaft unit with 292 horsepower. The V-8 is no fireball, but propels this heavy, 4,516-pound vehicle from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds and provides a decent 65-75 mph passing time.
Other Sport Tracs get a 4-liter V-6 with 210 horsepower and lower torque. The V-6 works with a five-speed automatic and has slower highway acceleration and less towing capacity. Whatever the engine, Ford says the Sport Trac's body-on-frame construction makes it better suited for towing than the Ridgeline's unibody construction.
The Sport Trac comes with rear- or four-wheel drive, which can be used on dry roads and has low-range gearing for off-road use.
The V-6 version delivers an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway with rear-drive and 15 and 20 with four-wheel drive. Figures with the V-8 and rear-drive also are 15 and 21, while those with four-wheel drive are 14 and 20. Only regular-grade gasoline is required.
The Sport Trac has a spacious front seat area and supportive bucket seats. The roomy back seat area accommodates three adults, but the rear seat is only marginally comfortable on long drives. However, rear seatbacks fold for impressive in-cabin cargo space.
Large outside door handles help make it easy to get in the generally quiet interior. Running boards, standard on the Limited, are wide enough to allow easier entry and exit.
The 4-foot-long cargo bed has a rather high floor, but is constructed of rust-, dent- and scratch-resistant composites. Three storage bins below the floor have individual drain plugs.
There's a decent amount of standard comfort and convenience equipment. It includes air conditioning, tilt wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.
Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, front side air bags and an anti-skid system with rollover sensors. Optional are $560 curtain side air bags.
Options include an $850 power sunroof, $125 power adjustable pedals, $195 bed extender and a $595 locking hard tonneau cover for the bed. The cover folds in half, but two people are needed to remove it or put it back in place.
A $995 leather upholstery package with heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment and passenger seat with manual lumbar adjustment are only offered for the Limited, although both the XLT and Limited can be had with a $300 heated windshield.
The silver-on-white gauges in my test Sport Trac were stylish, but a little hard to read under some daytime lighting conditions. Controls are fairly easy to use, and large outside mirrors came in handy when changing lanes.
There is a big, deep front covered storage bin, and front cupholders are nicely positioned. Rear occupants get large dual cupholders. Front visor vanity mirrors are lit.
The hood smoothly raises on hydraulic struts, revealing an engine set way back for better weight distribution and handling. Fluid filler areas are easy to reach without stretching.
The versatile new Sport Trac can be used for a variety of driving chores, from easy commuting to load-toting.
2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
PRICE: $24,245-$29,540
LIKES: Roomy. Decent ride. Good handling.
DISLIKES: Gauges a bit hard to read. Marginal rear seat comfort. Rather high cargo bed floor.