The Ford Sport Trac II, produced from 2007 to 2010, represented Ford’s attempt to blend the practicality of a pickup truck with the comfort and features of an SUV. Positioned as a compact pickup, it aimed to appeal to buyers who didn’t require the full size and capability of a traditional Ford F-Series truck, but still desired open-bed utility. The Sport Trac II was based on the Ford Explorer platform, sharing many of its components and features. It occupied a niche market segment, competing with vehicles like the Chevrolet Colorado and the Dodge Dakota, offering a more manageable size and a focus on on-road comfort alongside its cargo-carrying abilities. This second generation built upon the original Sport Trac, refining its design and enhancing its features to better meet consumer demands.
Ford Sport Trac II: A Detailed Overview
The Sport Trac II was primarily marketed in North America, filling a gap between larger, body-on-frame pickups and smaller, car-based trucks. It distinguished itself with a unibody construction, contributing to a smoother ride and improved handling compared to traditional body-on-frame designs. The vehicle’s design incorporated styling cues from the Ford Explorer, creating a familiar and approachable aesthetic. The Sport Trac II was available in both 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations, catering to a range of driving conditions and customer preferences. It was offered with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6, paired exclusively with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Ford Sport Trac II was a 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 210 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 339 Newton-meters (250.03 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. This engine, while not exceptionally powerful by modern standards, provided adequate performance for everyday driving and light-duty hauling. The engine featured a longitudinal front-engine layout, a V-engine configuration with 6 cylinders, and a displacement of 3996 cm3 (243.85 cu. in.). It utilized multi-port manifold fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with 2 valves per cylinder. The naturally aspirated engine delivered a power-to-liter ratio of 52.6 hp/l. The 5-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifting and contributed to reasonable fuel economy for a pickup truck. The Sport Trac II’s all-wheel-drive system, available as an option, enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. Engine oil capacity was 4.7 liters (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt), and the cooling system held 13.2 liters (13.95 US qt | 11.61 UK qt).
Design & Features
The Ford Sport Trac II was a four-door pickup truck with a seating capacity of five passengers. Its body style was characterized by a relatively short wheelbase of 3315 mm (130.51 in.) and an overall length of 5339 mm (210.2 in.). The width measured 1872 mm (73.7 in.) and the height stood at 1819 mm (71.61 in.). The vehicle’s unibody construction contributed to a more refined ride quality compared to traditional body-on-frame pickups. The interior featured a typical Ford Explorer-derived dashboard and seating arrangement, offering a comfortable and functional cabin. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an audio system. Higher trim levels offered options such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. Safety features, while not as advanced as those found in modern vehicles, included anti-lock brakes and front airbags. The Sport Trac II’s bed, while shorter than those found on full-size pickups, provided sufficient cargo space for many everyday tasks. The design prioritized a balance between utility and comfort, making it a versatile vehicle for both work and leisure.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Sport Trac |
| Generation | Sport Trac II |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 L V6 (210 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 210 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 52.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 339 Nm @ 4000 rpm / 250.03 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 3996 cm3 / 243.85 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 100.3 mm / 3.95 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 84.3 mm / 3.32 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l / 4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt |
| Coolant | 13.2 l / 13.95 US qt | 11.61 UK qt |
| Length | 5339 mm / 210.2 in. |
| Width | 1872 mm / 73.7 in. |
| Height | 1819 mm / 71.61 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3315 mm / 130.51 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
The Ford Sport Trac II, despite its relatively short production run, offered a unique combination of pickup truck utility and SUV comfort. While it didn’t achieve the sales success of some of its competitors, it remains a notable vehicle in Ford’s history, representing an attempt to cater to a specific segment of the market seeking a versatile and manageable pickup truck option. Its unibody construction and comfortable interior set it apart from traditional body-on-frame pickups, making it an appealing choice for buyers who prioritized on-road refinement alongside cargo-carrying capability.
