The Explorer Sport Trac was introduced in 2001 in a bid to cater to the consumer demand for SUVs. Primarily a Ford Explorer SUV with a pickup bed fitted out back, this vehicle combines the comforts of an SUV with the versatility of a pickup.
The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac makes a comeback after a year and has been completely redesigned. The exterior now sports a rugged-spirited design. Considerable upgrades include; an available V8 engine (it mates with a 6-speed AT) that is much more powerful than the V6, a refined ride quality and handling and an improved cargo and towing capacity. Cabin space has been enhanced to make way for more room too.
Other optional features include; two-tone leather seating, power-adjustable pedals, a heated windshield and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. It has a basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles.
Available 292 hp V8
The 2007 Explorer Sport Trac is equipped with a standard 4.0 liter 210 hp V6 that serves up 254 pound-feet of torque. It is partnered with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also on offer for this model year is 4.6-liter V8 that forks out 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It teams up with a 6-speed automatic.
Both engines offer the choice of an RWD or an AWD. Every Sport Trac offers a standard Roll Stability Control (RSC) system. Ford says “RSC covers a new dimension of driving roll. The RSC software – plus Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control and yaw control – dynamically enhance stability and ensure solid peace of mind for real life”.
It offers Class III and IV towing packages. When fully equipped the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac can pull up to 5,310 pounds with the standard V6 engine.
More contoured-bigger-wider
The Explorer Sport Trac is available in two trim levels: the XLT and the Limited. XLT models feature black roof rails, a composite cargo box and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Limited edition sports 18-inch wheels, body-colored bumpers, silver roof rails and fog lamps. Options include a moonroof and a heated windshield.
The 2007 Sport Trac looks larger than the preceding model, and resembles the 2006 Ford Explorer. In point of fact the front fascia of most of Ford’s SUVs and pickups bear a striking likeness to each other.
The wheelbase is stretched by nearly five inches to ensure a steady ride. Ford says that every 2007 Sport Trac is built on a new fully boxed frame with more than 5 times the torsional stiffness; which translates to a more responsive and nimble handling.
Standard exterior features include; front dual sunvisors, vehicle speed sensitive intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear body color bumpers, silver side steps, a rear step up bumper, rear privacy glass, dual-body color-power adjustable-exterior rearview mirrors, metallic paint, SBRP235/65R18 OWL, All-Season Tires, 18-inch x 7.5-inch alloy wheels, body color door handles, an underbody tire carrier, a fold-down tailgate, front dual illuminated vanity mirrors, and power windows with a driver one-touch down.
Plush-roomy with upgraded decor
The Sport Trac combines the flexibility of an SUV with that of a pickup. The interior offers a plush experience with the nouveau décor and upgraded fittings.
Seating is comfortable and spacious. Storage is ample. The bed’s load floor accommodates three cargo bins with drain plugs that allow them to be for wet storage (as an icebox or to store wet objects). The instrumental panel is beautiful in its simplicity with easy to decipher gauges and controls. The center stack is organized and functional too.
Standard interior features include; carpeted floor mats, a shift knob with leather, cruise control, audible warnings (include belt-minder seatbelts unfastened), an exterior temperature gauge, manual air conditioning, AM/FM radio, CD player; MP3 player, a radio antenna, a tuflor rubber floor covering in the passenger cabin, a leather steering wheel, a compass, front driver power seat, a rear 60/40 split folding bench seat with adjustable headrests, front driver side manual lumbar support, front dual seatback storage pockets, cloth seats, front dual reclining sport bucket seats with adjustable headrests, front foglights, a covered lower console storage, cupholders, automatic headlights, halogen headlights, perimeter lighting, cargo area tiedowns, silver exterior rails, and a sheet-molded composite bed with a molded-in black bedliner.
More power- enhanced ride quality
With the redesign, the 2007 has been re-engineered to ensure a great ride. A front and rear independent stiffer suspension soaks up bumps while its hugely responsive steering contributes to the overall driving experience.
Generous usage of noise dampening equipment gives the Sport Trac excellent sound insulation. The ABS makes for better control and helps during panic stops. Brake pedal feels firm too. The Sport Trac takes a corner with minimal body roll. It offers one of the tightest turns in its segment too; especially handy in cramped parking lots.
Impressive crash test scores
In crash tests conducted by the NHTSA the Sport Trac received a perfect 5-Star crash test rating for all four crash seating positions (driver and right front passenger for frontal crash, and front and rear seating positions for side impact). It was also awarded a five star rating in the frontal crash. Furthermore it was rated with five stars in the side-impact crash test as well.
The Sport Trac offers Anti-lock disc brakes, Stability Control, front-seat side airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitor System as standard features. A side curtain airbag system for all outboard passengers is offered as an optional feature on both trim levels.
Other standard safety features include; power door locks, a driver airbag with dual stage deployment, seat mounted front side airbags, a crash sensor, front and rear outboard 3-point seatbelts with a rear center lap belt, pretensioners with force limiters, side guard door beams, a passenger airbag cutoff sensor, a passenger airbag with dual stage deployment, selective locking/unlocking, a vehicle anti-theft securilock engine immobilizer, front and rear seat belt height adjusters, keyless entry, a multi-function remote and child safety door locks on the rear doors.
