Comparing the Ford Ranger with the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is no mean feat as each of them is unique in its way. Essentially a Ford Explorer with a cargo bed, the Sport Trac is a cross between an SUV and a pickup truck. As a result, it gets the best features of both classes, making it a popular choice for those desiring practicality.
The Ranger, on the other hand, being a full-fledged pickup truck, also has its high points. So, it all boils down to what you expect from your vehicle and what purpose it would serve. When you know these, you'll be halfway to being able to choose between these two Ford vehicles. While the Ford Explorer Sport Trac was discontinued in 2010, the Ford Ranger has continued to evolve. Here, we have made a case for and against the Explorer Sport Trac with respect to the Ranger to make things easier for you. Here is how both vehicles compare against each other.
10 Better Than The Ranger: Superb Handling
Built on the same platform as the Ford Explorer, the Sport Trac pickup drives like one too. But if you desire to enjoy a comfortable ride in it, we will advise you to steer clear of the base trim with its V6 engine.
The robust V8 engine delivering through a 6-speed automatic transmission provides a more refined ride even when you decide to take it off-road. Being more of a crossover than a pickup truck, the Sport Trac has more nimble handling that you'll surely love.
9 Better Than The Ranger: Spacious Cabin
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is the better choice if you desire a vehicle that offers more interior space. For starters, it provides seating for five passengers. Since no one can enjoy an excellent ride quality in a cramped space, the Sport Trac offers ample space for the front passengers.
The rear-seat passengers are not left out as they are provided with decent legroom and headroom too. Next time you go away for a weekend in the country, you won't have to worry whether your backseat passengers will develop cramps.
8 Better Than The Ranger: Infotainment System
Although the re-invented Ford Ranger has a more robust infotainment system, the Sport Trac was miles ahead in 2010. The Sport Trac sports a sound system with a 6-CD/mp3 changer with a jack for audio input for your entertainment. The steering wheel is fitted with buttons for you to control the sound system without having to take your eyes off the road.
Apart from the SIRIUS satellite radio and Bluetooth, a USB port is also provided so that you can keep your phone plugged in. Other features you'll enjoy are a 911 assist, navigation guidance, real-time traffic updates, and vehicle health reports.
7 Better Than The Ranger: Convenience Features
The Sport Trac is loaded with enough convenience features to make each drive as comfortable as possible for you. Standard features include steering wheel audio controls, power windows, cruise control, heated front seats, and power driver seat.
Available as optional features are the remote engine start and a navigation system to give you directions to your destination. In contrast to the Ranger with sparse convenience features, the Sport Trac is built to provide you with a level of luxury that is not very common with trucks.
6 Better Than The Ranger: Posh Interior
The interior of the Sport Trac features leather heated front bucket seats with a 10-way power driver seat and a 4-way manual passenger seat. Other things that enhance the elegant look of the interior are the unique center console and the leather-covered steering wheel.
Features like an illuminated glove box, an auto-dimming rear mirror, power windows, and a power door lock combine to give the interior a unique look. This is one cabin that you won't get tired of in a hurry.
5 Worse Than The Ranger: Short Cargo Bed
In terms of volume, the Explorer Sport Trac's cargo bed is the same, if not slightly more extensive, than the Ranger's. Where it is found wanting is in the area of length - a mere four feet compared to the Ranger's six feet.
Some configurations of the Ranger even boast seven feet long cargo beds, which means they can conveniently haul long cargoes. If you were thinking of carrying long pieces of wood in the Sport Trac, bad news, it's not just cut out for that.
4 Worse Than The Ranger: Fuel Economy
Another area where the otherwise excellent mid-size pickup truck trails behind is in the area of fuel consumption. The trim that economizes fuel the most manages a rating of 14mpg in the city and 20mpg on the highway. This falls below the 22mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway offered by the Ranger's 4-cylinder engine.
A fuel tank capacity of 22.5 gallons means that the Sport Trac has a comparably lesser cruising range of 315 miles in the city and 450 miles on the highway.
3 Worse Than The Ranger: Maneuverability
The Explorer Sport Trac, with a wheelbase of 130.5 inches and a width of 73.7 inches, is longer and wider than the Ranger. This larger size makes it less maneuverable than the smaller Ranger, especially on tight city streets.
Finding a parking space in a busy city can be a real pain, and negotiating your vehicle into tight spaces can be a nightmare. While driving the Ranger, you'll be able to maneuver your way more easily around the city, and parking is generally less stressful.
2 Worse Than The Ranger: Limited Off-road Capability
If you plan a trip into the wild, where rocks, mud, and sand hold sway, then the Sport Trac is not your best bet. It is finished with a fully independent suspension and an open differential; it is not suitable for heavy trail duty.
The Ranger, on the other hand, when properly outfitted with the FX4 package, is a competent companion when the going gets rough. Skid plates, Rancho shocks, and a Torsen limited-slip differential all combine to give you an excellent off-road experience.
1 Worse Than The Ranger: Cabin Layout
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac falls short in the overall arrangement of the cabin. The layout of the dashboard means that drivers would always have a hard time reaching certain controls. With so many things going right for the 2010 Explorer Sport Trac, one would expect that the designers of the vehicle’s cabin to be more intentional about functionality.
A significant problem is how the shift lever stands in the way of certain buttons like climate control. In comparison, the Ford Ranger has a well-thought-out dashboard design.