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2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Full Review
Date Published: 8/14/08
Also in the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Full Review
7.
8.
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review
This crew-cab pickup truck is redesigned for 2007, adding safety features, available V8 power, and independent rear suspension. Like the 2001-2005 Sport Trac, it's based on Ford's Explorer SUV, but has a 4x5-ft open cargo bed. Sport Trac seats five and offers a power rear window. Wheelbase grows by 5 inches vs. the previous Sport Trac, and is 16 inches longer than Explorer's. Like Honda's Ridgeline, Sport Trac has independent rear suspension designed to provide a more carlike ride than the solid rear axle common to pickups. XLT and uplevel Limited models are offered. A 210-hp V6 is standard. A V8 is optional for the first time; it has 292 hp. Both team with automatic transmissions, the V6 a 5-speed, the V8 a 6-speed. Sport Trac offers rear-wheel drive or Ford's Control Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS and antiskid control with rollover sensors are standard. So are front side airbags. Optional are curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and include rollover deployment. The cargo box, now made of dent-resistant composites, has three in-floor covered bins with drain plugs. Other options include heated windshield, rigid bed cover, frame bed extender, DVD entertainment, and rear obstacle detection.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.
Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.
New or significantly redesigned is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.
New or significantly redesigned is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
News
Though just redesigned, Sport Trac has suffered as much as the Explorer wagon from slow sales caused by fuel-price jitters. Accordingly, sources say it, too, will see no big changes through decade's end, and could face termination if sales don't pick up in the meantime.
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2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (w/V8) | Fuel economy |
| Ride | Rear-seat comfort |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only 4WD Limited V8 made available for test so far. It's lively. Sport Tracs weigh a bit less than comparable Explorer SUVs, so expect under 7.5 sec 0-60 mph with V8. Automatic transmission smooth, but can be slow to kick down at midrange passing speeds. Towing capacity: 5310 lb with V6, 6800 lb with V8.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Only 4WD Limited V8 made available for test so far. It's lively. Sport Tracs weigh a bit less than comparable Explorer SUVs, so expect under 7.5 sec 0-60 mph with V8. Automatic transmission smooth, but can be slow to kick down at midrange passing speeds. Towing capacity: 5310 lb with V6, 6800 lb with V8.
Fuel Economy
Test V8 4WD Limiteds averaged just 12.4-13.5 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.8 |
Test V8 4WD Limiteds averaged just 12.4-13.5 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Mimics Explorer wagons' fine, truck-type SUV comfort, and bests all rival pickups except Ridgeline. Solid structure enhances ride even with Limited's 18-inch tires (XLTs use 16s or 17s). Rear end resists hop over sharp bumps, even unloaded.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Mimics Explorer wagons' fine, truck-type SUV comfort, and bests all rival pickups except Ridgeline. Solid structure enhances ride even with Limited's 18-inch tires (XLTs use 16s or 17s). Rear end resists hop over sharp bumps, even unloaded.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Again mimics its SUV parent, but longer wheelbase makes Sport Trac slightly less maneuverable in close quarters. Cornering lean moderate, steering a bit slow, numb. Stopping power good, though brakes slightly grabby on test example.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Again mimics its SUV parent, but longer wheelbase makes Sport Trac slightly less maneuverable in close quarters. Cornering lean moderate, steering a bit slow, numb. Stopping power good, though brakes slightly grabby on test example.
Quietness
A close second to Ridgeline for overall compact-pickup refinement. Wind noise low up to 70 mph, but coarse-surface tire thrum at most any speed. V8 roars at full throttle, quiets down nicely for cruising.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
A close second to Ridgeline for overall compact-pickup refinement. Wind noise low up to 70 mph, but coarse-surface tire thrum at most any speed. V8 roars at full throttle, quiets down nicely for cruising.
Controls
Most interior features come from Explorer SUV, including basic dashboard with clear gauges, mostly convenient controls, though transmission shift lever blocks easy access to climate system and turn signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Optional navigation system, also shared with SUV, easy enough to use, but needs larger screen. Test Limited's cabin has classy, durable decor, but also a few rough edges and few soft-touch surfaces.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
Most interior features come from Explorer SUV, including basic dashboard with clear gauges, mostly convenient controls, though transmission shift lever blocks easy access to climate system and turn signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Optional navigation system, also shared with SUV, easy enough to use, but needs larger screen. Test Limited's cabin has classy, durable decor, but also a few rough edges and few soft-touch surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Slightly shorter seat tracks give a bit less leg room than in Explorer SUVs, but most occupants won't want for space. Seats comfortable, though cushions a bit short in the thigh. Good visibility despite thickish rear-roof posts. Step-in fairly lofty, but manageable, though running boards hinder as much as help.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Slightly shorter seat tracks give a bit less leg room than in Explorer SUVs, but most occupants won't want for space. Seats comfortable, though cushions a bit short in the thigh. Good visibility despite thickish rear-roof posts. Step-in fairly lofty, but manageable, though running boards hinder as much as help.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Ford says rear seat space equals that of Explorer SUV, but Sport Trac feels a bit tighter for foot and head room. Three medium-sized adults can ride with little cramping, but uninviting bench seat is low to floor, flat, not well-padded. Entry/exit OK, but no easier than in SUV despite Sport Trac's longer rear doors.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 2.9 |
Ford says rear seat space equals that of Explorer SUV, but Sport Trac feels a bit tighter for foot and head room. Three medium-sized adults can ride with little cramping, but uninviting bench seat is low to floor, flat, not well-padded. Entry/exit OK, but no easier than in SUV despite Sport Trac's longer rear doors.
Cargo Room
Bed floor is high enough to give pause in heavy cargo loading. Tailgate locks. So do covered floor storage wells, but these are a stretch to reach from outside--and two are just six-pack size. Spare tire stows in its own compartment. Ford claims 37.5 cu ft beneath the heavy optional bed cover, which folds in half but needs two people to remove or replace. Plasticlike construction implies good cargo-box durability. External tie-down cleats are handy. Rear seatbacks fold flat for great in-cab cargo room, but don't flip up. Small-item storage just OK.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4.1 |
Bed floor is high enough to give pause in heavy cargo loading. Tailgate locks. So do covered floor storage wells, but these are a stretch to reach from outside--and two are just six-pack size. Spare tire stows in its own compartment. Ford claims 37.5 cu ft beneath the heavy optional bed cover, which folds in half but needs two people to remove or replace. Plasticlike construction implies good cargo-box durability. External tie-down cleats are handy. Rear seatbacks fold flat for great in-cab cargo room, but don't flip up. Small-item storage just OK.
Value within Class
Its 2007 redesign puts Sport Trac in step with its parent SUV for performance and refinement, plus key safety features such as the standard antiskid system and available curtain side airbags. Fuel economy with the V8 is a big negative. Sport Trac is also more "trucky" than the Honda Ridgeline, but this "Explorer pickup" deserves a look.
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Its 2007 redesign puts Sport Trac in step with its parent SUV for performance and refinement, plus key safety features such as the standard antiskid system and available curtain side airbags. Fuel economy with the V8 is a big negative. Sport Trac is also more "trucky" than the Honda Ridgeline, but this "Explorer pickup" deserves a look.
Total Score
| 4WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 55 | 54 | 46 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 31 | |
| Average Score | 46 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/17/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD XLT V6 4-door crew cab | $24,295 | $22,977 | $695 |
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| 2WD XLT V8 4-door crew cab | $25,590 | $24,168 | $695 |
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| 4WD XLT V6 4-door crew cab | $26,790 | $25,272 | $695 |
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| 4WD XLT V8 4-door crew cab | $28,085 | $26,464 | $695 |
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| 2WD Limited V6 4-door crew cab | $26,080 | $24,618 | $695 |
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| 2WD Limited V8 4-door crew cab | $27,375 | $25,810 | $695 |
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| 4WD Limited V6 4-door crew cab | $28,575 | $26,914 | $695 |
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| 4WD Limited V8 4-door crew cab | $29,870 | $28,105 | $695 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLT
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission (V6), 6-speed automatic transmission (V8), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, outside-temperature indicator, compass, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rubber floor covering, floormats, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bedliner, roof rails, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class II trailer hitch, 4-wire harness, 235/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Limited adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R18 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Convenience Pkg.
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XLT
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$250
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$213
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Limited
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$195
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$166
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Keypad entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights (XLT).
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Electronics Pkg.
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Limited
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$595
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$506
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Automatic climate control, steering wheel radio controls, instrument panel message center.
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Appearance Pkg.
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XLT
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$795
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$676
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Side steps, fog lights, 245/65R17 white-letter tires, unique alloy wheels.
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Chrome Pkg.
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Limited
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$795
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$676
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Chrome roof rails and mirror caps, chrome side steps, chrome alloy wheels.
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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Limited, XLT
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$560
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$476
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Includes rollover deployment.
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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Limited, XLT
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$295
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$251
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Limited
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$2,505
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$2,129
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Includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. NA w/heated windshield.
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Power sunroof
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Limited, XLT
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$850
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$723
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DVD entertainment system
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Limited, XLT
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$1,295
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$1,101
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Limited, XLT
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$510
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$433
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Satellite radio
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Limited, XLT
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$195
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$166
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel
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XLT
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$75
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$64
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6-way power driver seat
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XLT
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$295
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$251
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Power-adjustable pedals
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Limited, XLT
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$150
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$128
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Leather upholstery
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Limited
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$995
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$846
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Includes heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, passenger-seat w/manual lumbar adjustment.
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Heated windshield and mirrors
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Limited, XLT
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$325
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$277
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Power-down rear window
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XLT
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$245
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$208
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Limited
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$0
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$0
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Remote engine start
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Limited, XLT
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$385
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$326
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bed extender
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Limited, XLT
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$195
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$166
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Hard tonneau cover
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Limited, XLT
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$595
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$506
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Class III/IV trailer hitch
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Limited, XLT
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$225
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$192
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Includes 7-pin connector.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Explorer Sport Trac crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 130.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 210.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4516 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 37.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1400 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /245 | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5100 | 292 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 254 @ 3700 | 300 @ 3950 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 15/21 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 14/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Explorer Sport Trac crew cab |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | 5/100,000 on Ford Focus only. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Convenience Pkg. (entry keypad, autolamp, electrochromic autodimming rear view mirror), Limited Electronics Pkg. (TEATC air conditioning, redundant steering controls, message center), Safety Canopy, Heated Windshield, Class III Trailer Towing, Audiophile AM/FM/6-CD/MP3, Power Adjustable Pedals, Cargo Cage, Bed Extender, Satellite Radio Receiver, Hard Tonneau Cover, Two-Tone Leather Bucket Seats Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 12.44 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Tom Appel Given the price of gas, driving a trucky truck seems a luxury few can afford. Despite its thirsty V8, Sport Trac is no quicker than the Honda Pilot, and actually trails in drivetrain refinement. Sport Trac is a dinosaur, albeit a pretty nice one. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Full Review
7.
8.
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