2008 Ford Sport Trac Review

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The Ford Sport Trac is an SUV for those who really want a pickup. Or is it the other way around?

The Ford Sport Trac shares platforms, powertrains, and many features with the standard Explorer SUV (the Sport Trac used to be called the "Explorer Sport Trac"). It’s offered in two trim levels, XLT and Limited, and was redesigned for 2007.

The Ford Sport Trac debuted in 2000 as something of a novelty — an SUV that swapped its cargo hold for a pickup bed. In theory, it’s similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche, but it doesn’t come with that model’s fold-down midgate that opens up the passenger cabin to extend the pickup bed and haul longer items. Four-door Club Cab pickups have since become top sellers, and the Sport Trac essentially gives Ford a midsize entry in this segment.

• Ford Sport Trac Vehicle Summary

The basic advantage of the Ford Sport Trac is its ability to carry taller objects that won’t otherwise fit under the roof of a traditional SUV, and that it can carry sports equipment and other active-lifestyle items without soiling the interior. Unfortunately, the short 4.5-foot bed isn’t long enough to haul things like motorcycles, personal watercraft, or building materials — i.e., anything you’d want to own a pickup in order to carry. Unless it fills a very specific need, the Sport Trac is not much of a happy compromise between an SUV and a pickup.

The Ford Sport Trac’s base engine is a barely adequate 4.0-liter V6 that comes mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 4.6-liter V8 is alternately offered and is fitted to a smoother and more sophisticated six-speed automatic; fuel economy is roughly on a par with the V6. Neither powertrain is particularly fuel-efficient, however.

The Ford Sport Trac is offered in both rear- and four-wheel-drive models; the latter includes low-range gearing for off-roading. When properly equipped, a V8-powered Ford Sport Trac can tow up to 7,160 pounds, which is sufficient for pulling a boat or trailer of moderate size.

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Though the Ford Sport Trac boasts a four-wheel independent suspension, it doesn’t ride as smoothly or handle as well as a standard Explorer. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake distribution and electronic brake assist are standard, as is Ford’s AdvanceTrak stability control system with Roll Stability Control to provide added road-holding abilities, especially around sharp curves. Front, front-side, and Safety Canopy head-curtain airbags that cover both rows of seats are also standard.

The Ford Sport Trac offers assorted convenience options, including a voice-activated navigation system, Reverse Sensing System for easier parking, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system. Also available is the Sync entertainment system that was developed in conjunction with Microsoft. Sync makes it possible to operate multiple systems, from audio to navigation, on a hands-free basis; external devices can be connected either via a standard audio input, USB port, or Bluetooth wireless interface.