2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT

The Sport Trac is Ford's pickup-SUV crossover, a four-door truck with a short bed that splits the difference between an Explorer and an F-150. It drives like a truck with a car's manners; the ride is composed on pavement, though the steering feels a bit vague at speed. Inside, the cabin is roomy for four adults, and the rear seats fold flat to extend the cargo area into the bed. The short bed is handy for hauling dirty gear while keeping the cabin clean, and the tailgate and mid-gate open wide for loading. The XLT is the mid-level trim, adding alloy wheels and power accessories over the base model, while skipping the Limited's leather and chrome. This XLT packs the optional 4.6L V8 making 292 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic that shifts smoothly, though the 16 mpg combined fuel economy is a trade-off for the V8's grunt.