Not sure whether you'd prefer a sport utility vehicle or quad-cab pickup? Well, the
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac may be your answer. It combines attributes of Ford's best-selling SUV, the Explorer, and Ford's best-selling pickup, the F-150.
For 2007, the Sport Trac is new from the ground up, including its innovative cargo box with tiered storage and a trio of integrated storage bins, complete with drain plugs.
The first thing you notice about the 2007 Sport Trac is its contemporary new look. Really like Sport Trac's tough new look. Ford did well at blending styling cues from both the Explorer and F-150.
From the B-pillar forward, the Sport Trac design is shared with the Explorer, including the standard chrome-finished grille and pronounced wheel arches.
Sport Trac's rear doors are unique, and the C-pillar arch serves as a visual separation between the cabin and the pickup bed.
The 4-foot cargo box is constructed of corrosion-proof sheet molded composite (SMC) with a molded-in black inner liner that resists scratches and is dent-proof. The box is notched, allowing customers to place two 2x4 boards across the span to provide tiered storage of materials.
Inside the box are three integrated cargo bins designed to maximize cargo-carrying ability and contribute to Sport Trac's versatility. The bins are recessed into the bed floor, with two six-pack-sized bins in the right and left rear of the box and one large bin that runs the length of the box headboard. The bins are equipped with weather-resistant lids and removable drain plugs for storing wet gear or ice.
While I like the bins, the front bin is difficult to reach and there are no foot steps on the side of the bed to aid in access.
To accommodate large loads, and to also act as a divider, a tubular aluminum cargo cage is available. And to keep your gear secure from the elements, an optional, locking hard tonneau cover is available.
If the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac looks bigger than its predecessor, that's because it is five inches longer and almost two inches. Sport Trac's overall length (210.2-inches) is about 18-inches longer than the Explorer.
Powering the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac is either a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 or optional 292-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. The V6 is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, which provides a 5,310-lb towing capacity. The V8 is teamed to a 6-speed automatic, designed to provide a 6,800-lb towing capacity.
Either power plant can be equipped with the Sport Trac's advanced Control Trac four-wheel-drive system. Control Trac automatically transfers torque to the front wheels as needed, to maintain maximum traction at all times. This increases safety and security without compromising fuel economy. In addition, the Control Trac system features a torque-multiplying gear set (4x4 Low) in the transfer case for off-road applications that require extra power including deep sand, steep grades, and towing a boat trailer out of water.
For being a large utility vehicle, the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac features a nice, comfortable ride, thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension system.
And to give you confidence on and off the road, the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac comes equipped with Roll Stability Control as standard equipment.
SportTrac's cabin is comfortable with room for five passengers. I like the clever inside door handles that blend into the door panel, but there's a bit much hard plastic used inside the Sport Trac. Having tested the top-of-the-line Limited model, I didn't expect to find much plastic.
My Limited model's two-tone leather seats added to the luxurious look and were quite comfortable. The standard audio system features a CD player with MP3 compatibility, and can be upgraded to the available six-disc, in-dash CD player with powered subwoofer. Integrated SIRIUS satellite radio is also available.
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4x4
Engine: 4.6-liter (292 hp) V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive Type: 4WD
Fuel Economy: 15 city/21 highway
Base Price: $29,540
As Tested: $35,175 (including $695 for destination)
Website: http://www.ford.com