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 components and offering a more car-like driving experience than its larger, body-on-frame siblings. It occupied a niche market segment, competing with vehicles like the Chevrolet Colorado and the Nissan Frontier, offering a unique combination of features and capabilities.
Ford Sport Trac II: A Detailed Overview
The Sport Trac II was a mid-cycle refresh of the original Sport Trac, introducing updated styling and some mechanical improvements. While not a revolutionary redesign, the changes were enough to keep the model competitive in a rapidly evolving truck market. The vehicle was exclusively offered with a four-door cab configuration and a relatively short bed, prioritizing passenger space and maneuverability over outright hauling capacity. It was primarily sold in North America, and did not see significant sales volumes in other global markets.
Engine & Performance
The primary engine offered in the Ford Sport Trac II was a 4.0-liter V6 engine. This engine produced 210 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 339 Newton-meters (250.03 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine featured a naturally aspirated design with multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, operating with a compression ratio of 9.7:1. The engine’s bore and stroke measured 100.3 mm (3.95 in) and 84.3 mm (3.32 in) respectively, resulting in a total displacement of 3996 cm3 (243.85 cu. in.).
Power was delivered to all four wheels via a standard all-wheel-drive (4×4) system. A five-speed manual transmission was the only transmission option available, providing drivers with direct control over gear selection. While the 4.0-liter V6 offered adequate performance for everyday driving, it wasn’t designed for heavy-duty towing or hauling. The engine oil capacity was 4.7 liters (4.97 US qt / 4.14 UK qt), and the cooling system held 11.5 liters (12.15 US qt / 10.12 UK qt). The engine’s power-to-litre ratio was 52.6 hp/l.
Design & Features
The Ford Sport Trac II was a four-door pickup truck with a unibody construction, a design choice that contributed to its more comfortable ride quality compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. The vehicle’s exterior styling was a blend of truck and SUV cues, with a relatively sleek front end and a short, enclosed cargo bed. The interior offered seating for five passengers and featured a relatively spacious cabin for its class.
Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM stereo. Available options included leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and a sunroof. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, included anti-lock brakes and front airbags. The Sport Trac II’s design prioritized practicality and ease of use, with a focus on providing a comfortable and convenient driving experience. The relatively short wheelbase of 3315 mm (130.51 in) contributed to its maneuverability in urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Sport Trac |
| Generation | Sport Trac II |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 L V6 (210 Hp) |
| 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 | 11.5 l / 12.15 US qt | 10.12 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, manual transmission |
The Ford Sport Trac II, despite its relatively short production run, offered a compelling alternative to traditional pickup trucks for buyers seeking a blend of utility and comfort. Its unibody construction, car-like driving dynamics, and available features made it a unique offering in the compact pickup segment. While it didn’t achieve the sales success of some of its competitors, the Sport Trac II remains a noteworthy vehicle in Ford’s history, representing an attempt to redefine the pickup truck experience for a broader audience.
