The 4 foot box, which is the biggest difference between the Explorer Sport Trac and “legendary” Explorer SUV, offers a number of features to make it both practical and efficient. Three weather-resistant integrated tool and gear bins with drain plugs are provided for storage. I thought they were a very good use of space. A 12 volt power point is conveniently placed on the inside of the box on the passenger’s side near the rear. This allows you to power coolers, lights, etc. The standard two-tier storage ability in the box is designed to work with the optional bed extender and hard tonneau cover to help give the customer more flexibility when carrying different loads. The cargo bed tie downs on the outside of the box are a nice touch as well.

The tailgate uses the same torsion spring setup that was designed in the F-150. This helps reduce effort when opening or closing it. I could easily close the tailgate with one finger.

The interior of the Sport Trac shares it’s characteristics with the Explorer SUV and was inspired by the F-150. The layout of the dash and controls is a very simple, yet effective, design. I am 6’4” tall and sometimes have problems, in other vehicles, seeing all the features in the instrument cluster. Usually the top inch or two is cut off by the top of the steering wheel. Not so in the Sport Trac. I could see everything without having to move my head from the straight forward position.

The interior is designed in such a way so that is practical as well as comfortable. The floor of the vehicle is a rubber covering that allows you to either hose it out or wipe it down. This is very good if you live in an area where there is snow and salt or you are getting into the vehicle with muddy boots or shoes. The legroom in the Sport Trac is the highest in its class. The rear offers 36.8 inches and 79.3 inches combined (front and back). Even from a tall person’s perspective I had no problem sitting in the front or the back and was comfortable.

The Limited model of the Sport Trac offered either two-tone leather trimmed or cloth seats. The test vehicle I drove had the leather seats. They were comfortable and looked classy. Because it was the Limited model the driver’s seat was 10-way power adjustable. Very nice! The leather-wrapped steering wheel (Limited model only) had buttons that allowed you to set the cruise as well as operate the radio and some heater controls (fan speed, temperature, etc.)

Dual climate control is offered in the Limited model only. Also, the high-series floor console is offered as well. This puts the leather gear shifter between the driver and passenger and is inspired from the F-150. The doors were nicely setup and had the armrest in the correct position. My only complaint would be that they placed the handle, to close the door, closer to the door hinges. This made it a little difficult to close or made it so I had to open and close it again because it was not closed properly. I would have rather had the cutout in the armrest which would have given more leverage to close it.

The Sport Trac also features a class exclusive heated front windshield. This allows you to melt snow and ice at the push of a button. This is a very nice feature especially for those in the colder climates. Heated front seats are optional as well. The buttons are located on the dash easily within reach of both the driver and passenger.

A single disc CD player with MP3 compatibility and AM/FM radio is standard. An optional 6 Disc CD player with MP3, AM/FM and powered subwoofer is offered. Also available is a SIRIUS satellite digital audio receiver that is integrated into the unit. The audio system is the same one used in the F-150 and Super Duty trucks. It is a nice stock unit.

Those are just some of the features that are available on the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac. Overall, I believe Ford has an EXCELLENT product here that will meet the needs of customers that would like a truck but not require a full-size. Now, if I could just start saving up some money!