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The redesigned-for-2007
Sport Trac is Ford’s Explorer SUV with a bed instead of an enclosed cargo area
and third-row seat. The rest is shared between them. For this reason, it is
not surprising that the Sport Trac has many of the same qualities and faults
as the Explorer: it is comfortable, reasonably quiet, and safe, but not agile
or especially high-quality inside. But in the conversion process from SUV to
pickup, the Sport Trac ended up with a bed that is over ten inches shorter
than the next-smallest Chevrolet Colorado, and nearly two feet shorter than
the group-leading Toyota Tacoma. It’s one of the pricier vehicles in this
group as well. But for its blend of passenger comfort and refinement with a
high towing capacity, it is worth a good look.
The Sport Trac has a
very comfortable, absorbent ride by this group’s standards, though it can be
prone to high-speed floaty motions and isn’t quite as smooth as the Explorer.
Despite its lower weight, it feels no less clumsy in corners than the heavier
Explorer, and the overboosted steering is completely numb, though adequately
responsive. The standard V6 provides adequate acceleration off the line, but
lacks extra passing punch. The V8 is much quicker, the Sport Trac’s mass
prevents it from feeling quicker than some competing V6 models, particularly
from a stop. The V6 model can tow up to 5,140 pounds, capable by this group’s
standards, and the V8 can tow 1,500 more, and is probably much better at it.
The rough-sounding V6 roars under acceleration, the V8 sounds much better.
Wind and road noise are acceptably muted. The V8’s six-speed automatic
transmission helps minimize the gas mileage deficit compared to the V6, but
neither have especially good fuel economy for this class.
Inside, the Sport Trac’s
front seats are large and comfortable, though they could be a bit firmer and
could use some extra lateral support. The rear is roomy, but the cushion
should be mounted higher. The rear seat folds flat to offer the most in-cab
cargo space in this group, but that can’t hope to make up for a bed that is by
far the smallest. The three in-bed cargo boxes are convenient but small.
 The interior
is generally well-constructed, but a few cheap materials and instances of poor
panel fit limit the effectiveness of those strong points in providing an
overall feeling of quality. The gauges are adequately clear, but the odd
instrument panel leaves the climate controls too low and the audio controls
too high. Drivers sit high and comfortably, but rearward visibility would be
clearer with slimmer roof pillars. Entry/exit is easy.
The Sport Trac V6 was
one of the more expensive vehicles in this group at $28,290, and the V8 was
the most expensive at $29,181, identically equipped. The two Sport Tracs were
the only two vehicles in this group to have all of the expected features
listed on the introduction page, and also came with power adjustable pedals, a
tire-pressure monitor, rollover sensors, and Ford’s exclusive keypad entry
system.
The V8 has a relatively
small cost over the V6 in price and gas mileage, and outranks that model for
its improved towing capacity, acceleration, and refinement. And overall, the
Sport Trac’s refinement, ride comfort, excellent safety ratings, and roomy
interior make it a good family-friendly pickup, and despite its tiny bed, the
impressive towing capacity makes it a more capable family vehicle than its
closest competitor, the Honda Ridgeline. It doesn’t have the agility, gas
mileage, or interior quality of some competitors, the V6 is a bit weak and
noisy, it isn’t inexpensive, and the size of the bed could easily be a
deal-breaker for many potential buyers, but it does a reasonable job at
bringing the virtues of the Ford Explorer to this group, and is worth a look
from consumers looking for a capable pickup to use as a family vehicle and who
are aware of its shortcomings.
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