In the event something does go awry, Ford has wisely stocked each
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| Flip up the bed's floor and you get more useable, weatherproof space. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Sport Trac with dual-stage front airbags and front row seat-mounted side airbags as standard equipment. Side head curtain airbags are optional. Hopefully before the need to deploy any inflatable occupant protection measures, the Sport Trac's strong, four-wheel antilock disc brakes will have averted the concern. If not, occupants will be pleased to know that the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) gave the 2007 Sport Trac its highest rating of five stars for frontal and side impact crash testing.
Sport
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| Extra structural rigidity makes Sport Trac a much more safe, and squeak-free vehicle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Trac occupants will also be pleased - and more readily so - by the vehicle's smooth, controlled ride. As with the latest Explorer, the Sport Trac is independently suspended at each corner - no longer is there a solid-beam rear axle to jar the backside when things get rough. The independent rear setup admirably soaks-up heaves and holes without lurching violently, this I know thanks to the Quebec contingent. On the road the Sport Trac is well-behaved and very composed, riding more like a smooth SUV than a pickup truck. Adding to the vehicle's well-balanced, structurally sound ride is a boxed frame that has 427-percent (an appropriate number for a Ford - Ed.) more torsional stiffness than the previous generation Sport Trac. The solidity of the structure eliminates rattles and squeaks so effectively, it makes rough roads worth searching for.
Regardless of the road chosen, the 2007 Sport Trac is not likely
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| Is it a truck? Is it an SUV? Does it matter? New Sport Trac is extremely capable for either category. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
to disappoint; in fact its build quality and operational refinement pleasantly surprised me. Ford is offering the Sport Trac in two distinct trim levels, XLT and Limited. A number of comfort and convenience features and option packages allow purchasers to equip their Sport Trac their way. Our Limited Edition testers were loaded with goodies such as a navigation system and a "killer" audio package, not to mention a power-down rear window, Michael's weather-resistant box cover and a class IV trailer hitch. Ford has done a remarkable job of elevating the Sport Trac to a new stratum of SUV-come-pickup, or SUT, one that improves upon the previous generation in every aspect and is fully deserving of a close inspection by those seeking segment-leading versatility and performance in a recreational 5-occupant vehicle.
Specifications (Explorer Sport Trac):- Price Range: $30,599 - $40,929
- Body Type: 4-door pickup truck
- Layout: front engine, 2WD (opt. 4WD)
- Engine: 210-hp, 254 lb-ft of torque, 4.0L, SOHC, 12-valve V6
- Optional Engine: 292-hp, 300 lb-ft of torque, 4.6L, SOHC, 24-valve V8
- Transmission: 5-speed auto (V6), 6-speed auto (V8)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
- Curb Weight: 2,130 - 2,178 kg (4,687 - 4,793 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Payload: 636 - 645 kg (1,400 - 1,420 lbs)
- Towing Capacity: 2,336 - 3091 kg (5,140 - 6,800 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy, 4.0 L V6): 15.6 / 11.2 L/100 km
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy, 4.6 L V8): 16.8 / 11.7 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive; 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab, Dodge Dakota Crew Cab, GMC Canyon Crew Cab, Honda Ridgeline, Isuzu i-350 Crew Cab, Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab
- Web Site: www.ford.ca
