Acceleration

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.4

The overhead-cam V6 is the best overall Explorer/Mountaineer engine. Smoother and stronger than Explorer's gruff base V6, it doesn't match the V8's muscle, but is thriftier.

Fuel Economy

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
4	4	4	2	3.6

Expect to average around 15-16 mpg with either V6, versus the abysmal 12.4 mpg we got in a test of an AWD V8 model.

Ride Quality

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
2	4	3	3	3.7

Not harsh, but 4-door and Sport models are less-forgiving and have a more trucklike ride than the Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Dodge Durango, or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Sport Trac has a 14-inch longer wheelbase than 4-door Explorers and rides far more comfortably.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
2	4	3	3	3.6

Explorer and Mountaineer corner confidently, with less body lean and more precise steering than many rivals. Sport Trac's newer, stiffer frame and specially tuned suspension helps it ride and handle better than other Explorers.

Quietness

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
3	3	3	3	3.6

Not car-quiet, but not excessively loud for a truck-based wagon. Only the ohc V6 is really smooth, while tire and wind noise rise markedly with speed.

Controls

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6

Straightforward and logical. Explorer and Mountaineer are among the few compact SUVs to offer automatic climate control. Sport Trac's rear window powers up and down at the touch of a dashboard button.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

Good leg and head room, but like other compact SUVs, the interior is no wider than that of a midsize car, so the broadest-shoulder occupants may feel confined.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
2	6	4	4	4.3

Three fit with some squeezing, but the bench has a split seatback that is firm and lacks shoulder support. Sport Trac has more rear leg room than most midsize SUVs and its rear-seat room and comfort far suprassed that of any compact crew-cab pickup truck.

Cargo Room

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
7	6	8	8	7.5

Good, thanks to undercarriage spare-tire storage. And the split rear seatback folds in a single motion without removing the headrests. Liftgate's rear glass opens separately. An available cargo cage effectively extends Sport Trac's 4-foot cargo bed by 23 inches.

Value within Class

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
2	6	5	4	3.8

An array of engine and 4WD choices, sound ergonomics, and competitive prices keep Explorer and Mountaineer among our Best Buys. But competition is tough, and redesigned versions are coming, so angle for a good deal. A slew of SUV/pickup crossovers are on the horizon, but Sport Trac is currently without direct competition, so while its base prices are reasonable, don't expect much of a discount on this newest Explorer.

Total Score

Sport 2WD	Sport Trac 4WD	XLT 4WD, V6	Limited AWD, V8	Class Average
40	51	48	45	46.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		46
High Score		61