The Explorer Sport Trac SUV/pickup crossover expanded Ford’s Explorer lineup and brought a fresh face to the company’s best-selling SUV when it debuted for 2001. It got larger dimensions, more safety features and an available V-8 engine in a 2007 redesign, and for 2008 the Explorer Sport Trac gains standard side curtain airbags and newly optional entertainment features, including Ford’s Sync communication system and voice-activated navigation. Competitors include crew-cab pickups like the Honda Ridgeline, Dodge Dakota Quad Cab and Nissan Frontier Crew Cab.

The five-passenger Explorer Sport Trac adapts an independent rear suspension from the Explorer — a setup that usually trades offroad capability for on-road handling prowess — that’s only matched by the Ridgeline. Explorer Sport Tracs are built in Louisville, Ky.

Convenient power windows. The power rear window and one-touch up/down driver’s window (late availability) are effective conveniences to increase comfort.
Fog lamps. Now standard, the fog lamps help punch up the rugged exterior styling while providing increased driver confidence.
A touch of leather. The leather-wrapped steering wheel gives a more comfortable grip and a feel of greater interior sophistication.
Added storage. The drop-in storage bin with power point enjoyed great customer demand, prompting its integration as a new standard feature.
Safety Canopy?. This side curtain air bag system gives a greater sense of security to the driver and passengers.

Ford’s exclusive Sync hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system will be available late in the model year. Ford Sync™ allows seamless integration of mobile phones and handheld media players via Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. Voice activation is added to Sport Trac’s available navigation system for 2008 as well.

All-disc antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with rollover mitigation are standard. Rollover mitigation, in the form of Ford’s Roll Stability Control, senses impending rollovers and attempts to prevent them by applying individual brakes. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats are also standard.

The Explorer Sport Trac is outfitted standard with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. The available, class-exclusive, 4.6-liter V-8 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission provides a power boost attractive to many customers.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Models:
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4.0L 4X2 
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4.6L 4X2 
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4.0L 4X2 
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4.0L 4X4 
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4.6L 4X2 
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4.6L 4X4 
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4.0L 4X4 
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4.6L 4X4