The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is part SUV, part pickup truck. Essentially a Ford Explorer with an open cargo bed installed over the rear wheels instead of a closed cargo and passenger space, the Explorer Sport Trac originally debuted for 2001 and was last redesigned for 2007, when it migrated away from traditional truck-style underpinnings to a more modern platform complete with an independent rear suspension. The Explorer Sport Trac seats five passengers, tows as much as 7,160 pounds, and carries a payload up to 1,450 pounds.

Here is what changed on the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac:
• Ford Sync is standard, featuring hands-free communication and entertainment functions
• The optional navigation system now offers voice recognition technology
• Side curtain airbags are now standard
• Fog lights are now standard
• A power rear window is now standard
• A drop-in storage bin with power points is now standard
• A leather-wrapped steering wheel is now standard
• New colors include Stone Green, Vapor Silver, and White Suede

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is sold in XLT and Limited trim levels, with a choice between rear- or four-wheel drive. The Limited adds features such as automatic headlights, 18-inch machined-finish wheels, unique exterior trim detail, a 6-way power driver’s seat, and a different floor console. Given the slight differences between the two models, the options list is rather lengthy. The XLT is offered with Convenience and Appearance Packages as well as a remote engine starting system, a variety of alloy wheel choices, power adjustable pedals, a cargo cage bed extender, a hard tonneau cover for the bed, a power moonroof, a trailer towing receiver, and other items. In addition to several of these options, items exclusive to the Limited include a premium Audiophile sound system, a navigation system, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, two-tone leather, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated windshield, dual-zone automatic climate control, and steering-wheel mounted controls for the stereo.

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac’s standard engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 engine making 210 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 3700 rpm on regular unleaded fuel. An optional 4.6-liter V-8 engine makes 292 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm on regular unleaded fuel. The V-6 is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission while the V-8 is connected to a 6-speed automatic. Interestingly, EPA fuel economy estimates for the V-8 are better than for the V-6, showing a gain of 1 mpg each in the city and on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac include four airbags: dual front airbags and side curtains for front and rear passengers. Antilock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control system with traction control and roll stability control are also standard.

J.D. Power and Associates says the Ford Explorer Sport Trac competes against mid-size pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.

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