2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac - Features Review

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Shopping for a new Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

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Compared to most compact and mid-size pickups, the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a longer standard-feature list. The Sport Trac also offers more high-tech options inside than other trucks of its type, including a next-generation navigation system featuring the Sirius Travel Link information service, which incorporates live traffic and weather conditions.

Even the entry-level trim of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is nicely appointed, and Edmunds reviewers find that "the well-equipped XLT features a composite cargo box," along with "full power accessories, power rear window, foglights, keyless entry," and "cruise control." Consumer Guide adds that the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT boasts standard "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls" and "AM/FM/CD/MP3 player" with a "digital-media player connection." Jumping up to the Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2009 in Limited trim brings a "6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, keypad entry, wireless cell phone link, iPod adapter," and "voice recognition," according to Consumer Guide.

For a vehicle that has an MSRP of less than $30,000 even in Limited trim, the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is near the top of the class in terms of standard equipment. Adding to the "wow" factor and the sticker price are the numerous options that Ford makes available on the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Edmunds says that some of the "major options include a heated windshield, a sunroof, leather seating," and a "navigation system (with voice operation)." Unfortunately, some of those features don't score too well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. In particular, Cars.com gripes that some of their reviewers "didn't like how much glare there was" coming off the heated windshield, and they feel that "it's time Ford upgraded to a system with better voice technology" since the current navigation system’s "computerized voice continually mangled the pronunciation of street names" during their test. Other features on the Ford Explorer Sport Trac receive more praise than criticism, and Consumer Guide finds that some of the best are the "DVD entertainment system" and, especially, the SYNC electronics integration package on the XLT trim of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2009 that J.D. Power says "links Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and various MP3 players to a simple voice-activated command system."