2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Review | Buying Guide
The 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a four-model lineup that features the capabilities of both trucks and sedans. Like the Chevy Avalanche, the 4-door Sport Trac crew-cab SUV has a luxurious interior that seats five adults comfortably but instead of the typical SUV cargo space, has a truck bed that is more compatible for many more industrial and recreational purposes.
For example, you may have a hard time getting an ATV in the back of your Ford Explorer mid-size SUV but put the gate down on the Sport Trac’s 4-foot cargo bed, or get the optional bed extender, and you can drive that puppy right on board.
New items with this year’s Sport Trac include Sirius satellite radio and MP3 capable audio systems, two new exterior colors, Bright Red and Dark Stone and moonroof availability for the XLT trim.
Under the Hood
The Explorer Sport Trac returns with a single engine offered for all four trims. This durable 4.0-liter V6 delivers 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. 5-speed automatic is the transmission across the board and it combines with either a rear-wheel drive powertrain or with Ford’s ControlTrac 4WD system. This system includes low-range gearing and can be left engaged on dry pavement. All Sport Trac models come with 4-wire trailer harness and can pull 5300lbs.
T he Explorer Sport Trac’s V6 engine has an estimated fuel economy of 16/20 mpg for two-wheel drive models, and 15/20 mpg for four-wheel drive models.
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Sport Trac models. So too are child safety seat tether anchors in the rear seating positions and rear-door child safety locks. Curtain side airbags are optional.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Sport Trac Adrenalin, top-of-the-line, features such things as chrome alloy wheels, fog lights, side step bars and a 510-watt Pioneer AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and 9 speakers! With the moonroof, front tow-hooks, 4WD capability and available heated leather seats, the Sport Trac is clearly an attractive vehicle targeting young-at-heart adventurers with an appetite for off-road fun.
The standard floor console includes two large front cup holders, an open front storage area, convenience clip, two pop-out rear cup holders and a hinged armrest that allows access to a removable soft pack storage bag with adjustable shoulder strap.
Explorer Sport Trac comes standard with an AM/FM/CD stereo. XLT and XLT Premium models have two optional audio systems: an AM/FM/CD and cassette player, or a Pioneer 285-watt audio system that features an in-dash six-disc CD stereo.
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