Ford offers the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac in two grades – regular and extra strength. The base engine is the familiar 4.0-liter, 12-valve V6 common to the Explorer line. Power equates to 210 horses at 5,100 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,700 rpm, all managed by a five-speed automatic transmission. That’s decent power for this rig, which weighs in between 4,500 and 4,800 pounds depending on configuration; however, optional for the first time on the Sport Trac is a 4.6-liter, 24-valve V8 good for 292 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of twist at 3,700 rpm, all mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. With eight cylinders under the hood, the Explorer pickup will pull up to 6,800 pounds, or about 1,500 pounds more than the V6’s 5,310-lb. rating.

Regardless of how buyers outfit a Sport Trac, the independent suspension system will consist of short- and long-arm setups front and rear, complemented by sway bars. Also standard are stability and traction control systems, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and rack-and-pinion steering. XLT models get 16-inch alloy wheels and 235/70 tires, while Limiteds roll on 18s and 235/65 rubber. Four-wheel-drive Sport Tracs use the Control Trac full-time system, with its automatic, high, and low settings. Automatic is for everyday driving, yet pushes some power to the front wheels when things get slippery; high locks the front differential for permanent four-wheel traction; and low is good at maxing out torque for serious grip.