S-S-T
It's a truck! It's an SUV! It's Super Sport Trac!Another one of my friends is trading in his pickup for an SUV, which really annoys me. "Why should you care," you ask? Because so many people don't think they need to own a pickup as long as they have friends who are truck owners. If you are thinking about downsizing, I'd like to suggest a very versatile alternative: the 2007 Sport Trac by Ford.
GOT BOX?
Although the new Sport Trac is patterned very closely after the Explorer, which went through some big changes for the 2006 model, there is one very obvious difference. The Sport Trac has a 4-foot cargo box that gives it some serious pickup capabilities.
This all new bed is constructed of corrosion-proof sheet molded composite (SMC). Lots of guys put bed liners in their trucks right away. This is not necessary with the Sport Trac as the black inner liner is molded-in and resists scratches and dents. Also molded-in are notches for 2x4s to span across the box to create two levels of storage, including 4x8 sheets of plywood. The outside of the box has integrated tie-down anchors, which can be very handy for strapping down your stuff.
The Sport Trac box also features three storage compartments in the floor of the cargo area. While these bins have weather-resistant lids, we would like to see some locks on them so tools could be kept in them full-time. The bins do have drain plugs, which makes them useful as six-pack sized ice chests.
Optional tubular aluminum cargo cage bed extender and tongue twister.
Interior details are much improved over the molded plastics of the predecessor.
The Ford guys know that a 4-footer is not a big box as trucks go, so they offer a tubular aluminum cargo cage as a bed extender when the tailgate is down. When flipped back inside the bed with the tailgate closed, the cage functions as a cargo divider, which can be helpful to keep grocery bags from traveling around in the cargo box.
Also available is a locking, hard-shell tonneau cover to keep gear out of the weather and out of the reach of unwelcome guests (like friends who want to get into those built-in coolers). You might want to know that the tonneau surface can support up to 600 lbs (300 each half) for race viewing or for displaying big game.
BIGGER BONES
The new, much stiffer frame of the Sport Trac is also very similar to the Explorer. This new frame, which gave the Explorer a much improved ride and better handling, is patterned after the F-150. "Conceptually, the fundamental architecture [of the Sport Trac} is the same as the 2006 Explorer," says to John Davis, Sport Trac vehicle engineering manager. "However, we added almost 17 inches in wheelbase to the frame as well as minor modifications such as the spare tire carrier, a unique driveshaft carrier, and a unique, integrated tow bar."
"Although the chassis hardware is identical, it is tuned differently," says Davis. "We really created a new product, and needed to tune the chassis as a system. For example, we use a unique steering ratio to accommodate the longer wheelbase, and stiffer dampers, coil springs, and roll bars to accommodate the changes in weight distribution."
The shifter moves from steering column to floor.
Side storage bin and power point.
The results are remarkable. The stability is evident when throwing the Sport Trac into corners. Cornering is also improved by the all new suspension set up. For 2007, the Sport Trac features the same independent rear suspension (IRS) assembly showcased on the Explorer. Suspension features include a short-/long-arm, coil-over shock design. Stamped-steel upper and lower control arms are both stronger and significantly lighter.
What the Ford engineers did for strength, ride and stability also greatly reduced road noise, a common complaint of the old Sport Trac. Because the new Sport Trac adopts the F-150's tube-through-tube frame design, the cross beams pass through the frame rails, creating inherently stronger joints which are completely welded around the perimeter. This results in a reduction in frame flex which means body panels and trim pieces stay put, reducing squeaks and rattles.
ADDED POWER
For the first time, the Sport Trac is available with a V-8 engine. The 4.6-liter, three-valve V-8 delivers 292 horsepower, which is good news for those of us who want to haul and pull stuff. It also makes it more fun to drive and, as I tell my wife, safer — you know for merging into traffic and stuff.
Coupled to this engine is a new six-speed 6R automatic transmission that features transmission technology usually found only in luxury vehicles. The wide ratio span and the extra gear of the 6R enable the engine to spend more time at optimum rpm for peak power or for fuel economy.
The 4.6-liter, three-valve V-8 delivers 292 horsepower.
Door and window controls are ergonomically available with the exception of the pull handle, which is a bit more challenging.
The added power also helps the Sport Trac improve its payload capacity to 1,390 pounds and towing limits to 6,800 pounds. To match the increased capability, the 2007 Sport Trac now features sizeable, four-wheel-disc brakes: 305- x 30-millimeter vented front discs, and 301- x 12-millimeter solid rear discs. The two-piston front calipers measure 51 millimeters for increased pad surface area. In addition, these new caliper's housings are stronger for less flex under full brake pressure. This provides increased braking effectiveness and improved heat control.
TRACTION
All Sport Trac 4x4 models now feature the advanced Control Trac® four-wheel-drive system with electronic logic controlling a two-speed transfer case. Control Trac allows a driver to select between three driving modes:
- The 4x4 AUTO (or A4WD) mode engages the transfer case clutch as required to provide maximum traction in all driving conditions. The system constantly monitors throttle, steering, and wheel speeds to determine the required level of clutch activation. This mode is appropriate for any driving condition.
- The 4x4 HIGH (4H) mode effectively locks the transfer case clutch, maintaining the same speed for the front and rear driveshafts. It is intended only for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice and shallow sand.
- The 4x4 LOW (4L) mode locks the transfer case clutch and engages a torque-multiplying gear set in the transfer case. It is intended only for off-road conditions that require extra power, including deep sand, steep grades, or towing a boat trailer out of the water.
Composite cargo box extended with front storage bin open.
SAFETY
While the Sport Trac is very crash ready with all kinds of airbags, bumper functions and a tough frame, it’s better to avoid using these features. That’s what AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control is all about. It’s an integrated system of four major components that includes:
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): ABS regulates brake pressure to help prevent wheel lockup when trying to stop the vehicle.
- Traction Control: When the system detects a loss of traction, this quickly responds by reducing engine power when necessary and selectively applying brake force to the slipping wheel while transferring power to the opposite wheel.
- Yawl Control: When understeer (which leads to skidding) or oversteer (which leads to fishtailing) is detected, the system selectively applies individual brakes and modifies engine power to maximize control.
- Vehicle Roll-Motion Sensor: This is the Ford-exclusive gyroscopic roll-rate sensor that helps monitor vehicle roll motion approximately 150 times per second. If it detects a significant roll angle, it automatically engages AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control to help keep all four wheels safely on the ground.
We found the Sport Trac to be capable off road on steep terrain, loose dirt and rock. However, we got it into some situations which indicated full-locking differentials would be helpful. ARB, for one, says they have lockers that will fit the new Sport Trac.
The 2007 Sport Trac is designed knowing that we often spend hours a day in our vehicles. All new interior designs, which follow many features of the Explorer, are a nice blend of comfort, sport and utility. For example, two-tone cloth or leather-trimmed seats are available with10-way power-adjustments, but you can still hose out and wipe down the floors. Ford calls this the "tough luxury" concept and it really works.
If you are looking for a rig that supplies comfort for those everyday drives but can get some work done when pressed into service, the 2007 Sport Trac delivers.
For more information on tonneau covers, visit 4 Wheel Parts.