The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac competes with four-door variants from both compact and mid-size pickup segments, although its size is definitely mid-size.
The Chevrolet Colorado and its nearly identical sibling, the GMC Canyon, now have an available V-8 that makes them much more competitive, as their rough five-cylinder engine isn't recommended.
The Nissan and Toyota mid-size trucks are not earth-shattering in terms of performance or versatility, but they are worth a look, as they provide nearly even competition to the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in most every area of consideration.
The Dodge Dakota was updated in 2008, and its longer traditional steel bed might be an advantage for some buyers.
Honda's Ridgeline is an interesting alternative.
Though the Explorer Sport Trac outdoes the Ridgeline in real truck tasks like towing, hauling, or off-roading, it's clearly better for on-road duty with passengers, offering superior ride and handling.
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 2010 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Chevrolet ColoradoBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Dodge DakotaBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Honda RidgelineBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Nissan FrontierBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Toyota TacomaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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If you're torn between an SUV and a pickup and cutting-edge styling isn't important, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac might be the answer. |
The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado is impressive with the V-8 engine and offers a good alternative to people who don't really need a big truck. |
The 2010 Dodge Dakota could be a fine full-size pickup alternative, but its lack of standard safety gear, sloppy handling, and low-grade fit and finish knock it out of contention. |
The 2010 Honda Ridgeline is a more road-friendly solution for those who need occasionally heavy-hauling ability. |
The 2010 Nissan Frontier clearly isn't as large or capable as full-size trucks, but it offers enough toughness for personal use along with an especially good feature list. |
The Tacoma is a workhorse truck that gives a little more space and capability than a true compact, yet offers decent fuel efficiency and a low price. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $28,210 | $16,985 | $22,755 | $28,450 | $17,540 | $15,345 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 13 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas V6 | Gas 4-Cyl | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas 4-cyl | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 4WD Standard Pickup Truck | N/A | N/A |
| Style Name | |||||
| RWD 4-Door XLT | 2WD Reg Cab 111.2" Work Truck | 2WD Ext Cab ST | 4WD Crew Cab RT | 2WD King Cab I4 Manual XE | 2WD Reg I4 MT (GS) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door | Regular Cab | Extended Cab 6'6" Bed | 4 Door Crew Cab | King Cab | Regular Cab |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2010 Ford Explorer vs. 2010 Chevrolet Colorado | 2010 Ford Explorer vs. 2010 Dodge Dakota | 2010 Ford Explorer vs. 2010 Honda Ridgeline | 2010 Ford Explorer vs. 2010 Nissan Frontier | 2010 Ford Explorer vs. 2010 Toyota Tacoma | |
