2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
- 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
- Used Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Based on analysis of 60 Explorer-Sport-Trac reviews and test drives.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac ranks 4 out of 5 Sport Utility Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 60 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a competent jack-of-all-trades for outdoorsy buyers who need to carry passengers and gear comfortably, but its fun factor is pretty small.
Like most SUTs, the Explorer Sport Trac tries to cover the ground between SUVs and trucks. For those who'd like a truck, but haul more people than gear, the Sport Trac remains a good choice for its respectable performance and versatility.
However, while the Explorer Sport Trac is good all around, so are its closest competitors. The Sport Trac can't compete with the interior refinement of the Cadillac Escalade EXT or the off-road chops of the Hummer H2 SUT -- but those two can't compete with the Sport Trac's price tag. When shopping the Explorer Sport Trac against the two SUTs that match its price point -- the Chevrolet Avalanche and the Honda Ridgeline -- buyers should note that that most reviewers see the three as about equal in areas like performance and interior accommodation. When making a choice in this class, your personal preference is likely the best guide.
Based on the Ford Explorer SUV, the Sport Trac replaces the SUV's covered cargo area with a short truck bed. However, the truck bed has a lockable, watertight bed cover, as well as an in-bed storage compartment.
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has two available trims: the base XLT and the Limited. Both are available as a 4X2 or as a 4X4 and with your choice of a 4.0 L V6 or a 4.6L V8. The Sport Trac was last redesigned in 2007. For 2010, Ford's SYNC infotainment system is available, but otherwise the Sport Trac is largely unchanged. Because of the minimal changes, this review uses some data from earlier model years.
If you're interested in an Explorer Sport Trac, check out our Ford Deals page, where we've done the research to find the best deals on a new Ford.
- "The Sport Trac is an Explorer SUV with a pickup bed out back. The cargo bed is just four feet long but does have a watertight, lockable tonneau. Although the short bed limits utility, it's a decent light-duty compromise and a bit of a unique choice in a world chock-full of F-150s." -- Car and Driver
- "If you desire a truck's utility but don't want or need a traditional full-size model, this "Explorer pickup" deserves a look." -- Consumer Guide
- "A good all-around utility vehicle that's worth a close look in this specialized segment." -- Edmunds
Explorer-Sport-Trac Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
Reviewers have mixed opinions on the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac's performance and driving experience. MSN enjoys the ride, saying the Sport Trac "is fun to drive, even for a truck, with precise steering, almost car-like handling and brakes that provide decent stopping distances." Read More
Explorer-Sport-Trac Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac's exterior received mixed reactions from reviewers. The exterior strikes "that delicate balance between street style and off-road character, and the Ford designers have managed to make it look not exactly like a work truck, but not exactly like a soccer-mom sport utility vehicle, either," says Kelley Blue Book. Read More
Explorer-Sport-Trac Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac receives general praise for its interior, which AutoWeek calls "the highlight of this ride." Kelley Blue Book says, "On balance, the Sport Trac's interior accommodations and cargo versatility are so appealing that every new owner will probably just love the thing." Read More
Explorer-Sport-Trac Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac boasts favorable crash test scores and a plentiful list of safety features. Read More
Explorer-Sport-Trac Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Explorer Sport Trac comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More
