Best Car Reviews - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2WD

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Introduction

The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2WD is an unusual midsize crew-cab pickup that combines Explorer-based passenger comfort with a short, versatile cargo bed. It targets buyers who want room for five, everyday drivability, light towing ability and more open-air carrying capacity than a conventional SUV. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic make this version a practical choice for warmer climates and buyers who do not need four-wheel drive.

Design and Exterior Features

The Sport Trac has a tall, SUV-like cabin mounted ahead of a compact pickup bed, creating a distinctive alternative to traditional body-on-frame pickups. At about 210 inches long, it is substantial without being as difficult to park as a full-size truck. The 2007 redesign gave this generation a stiffer frame, independent rear suspension and more modern styling than the earlier Sport Trac. For 2009, the lineup also gained updated equipment availability and the sportier Adrenalin appearance package on selected models.

Four-door crew-cab body with seating for up to five people.
Composite cargo box with integrated storage areas, tie-down points and available bed extender.
Power-sliding rear window and available hard tonneau cover.
XLT models use alloy wheels, fog lamps, roof rails and a chrome-accented grille.
Rear-wheel drive reduces mechanical complexity compared with four-wheel-drive versions.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is closer to an SUV than a basic work truck, with supportive front bucket seats, a broad center console and a useful rear bench that folds to expand interior carrying space. XLT models were generally cloth-trimmed, while Limited versions added leather, heated front seats and more power adjustment. The elevated driving position provides good forward visibility, and the independent rear suspension helps the Sport Trac feel more settled than many leaf-spring pickups of its era. Material quality is serviceable rather than luxurious, and the cabin has fewer modern storage solutions than newer crew-cab trucks.

Room for five occupants with four full-size doors.
Split-folding rear seat for longer protected cargo.
Air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and remote entry were widely available.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls on XLT models.
Limited trim could add heated leather front seats, power-adjustable pedals and dual-zone climate control.

Performance and Handling

The 2WD V6 model uses a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 producing 210 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm. It drives the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission and uses regular 87-octane gasoline. The V6 is adequate for commuting, weekend projects and moderate towing, but it is not especially quick when fully loaded or passing at highway speeds. Ford rated a properly equipped 2WD V6 Sport Trac for up to 5,250 pounds of trailer weight with the appropriate Class III/IV equipment. EPA estimates for this configuration are 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined, equal to approximately 16.8, 11.8 and 14.7 L/100 km respectively. The 18.6 L/100 km figure sometimes associated with vehicle-data listings does not match the published EPA combined estimate for this V6 2WD configuration.

4.0-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque.
Five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Independent rear suspension improves composure over rough pavement.
EPA combined fuel economy: 16 mpg, approximately 14.7 L/100 km.
Maximum 2WD V6 towing rating of 5,250 pounds when properly equipped.

Technology and Connectivity

For 2009, the Sport Trac offered technology that was advanced for its age but now feels dated. XLT equipment included an MP3-capable CD stereo, auxiliary input and satellite radio. Higher trims could add Ford SYNC voice control and Bluetooth phone integration, a premium audio system, navigation and Sirius Travel Link. These features provide useful period connectivity, although buyers should confirm that individual systems work correctly and remember that original subscription-based services may no longer be supported.

Available Ford SYNC voice-activated phone and entertainment system.
Standard satellite radio availability with a trial subscription when new.
Auxiliary audio input and available USB connectivity.
Available voice-operated navigation system with traffic and travel-information features.
Available rear parking sensors on selected models.

Safety Features

The 2009 Explorer Sport Trac was equipped with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control, traction control, tire-pressure monitoring and front airbags. Side-impact airbags and Safety Canopy curtain airbags with rollover deployment were also part of its safety strategy. Trailer Sway Control was added to the stability-control system for 2009. The IIHS moderate-overlap frontal result applicable to 2007-2010 Sport Trac models is Good, while the front-seat head-restraint evaluation is Acceptable. Contemporary NHTSA listings reported five-star driver and passenger frontal and side-barrier results, plus a three-star rollover rating; shoppers should treat these older ratings as test-specific rather than a modern overall score.

AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and traction control.
Front side airbags and Safety Canopy curtain airbags with rollover deployment.
Tire-pressure monitoring system and Post-Crash Alert System.
IIHS Good rating in the moderate-overlap frontal evaluation applicable to this generation.

Pricing and Variants

The original base MSRP for the 2009 Explorer Sport Trac 2WD XLT V6 was $27,460, excluding destination charges. The range included XLT and Limited trims, with the 4.0-liter V6 as standard and an available 4.6-liter V8 paired with a six-speed automatic. The Limited added more comfort and appearance equipment, while the Adrenalin package emphasized sport styling and was associated with all-wheel drive rather than this rear-drive V6 configuration. Against a 2009 Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier or Dodge Dakota, the Ford offered a more SUV-like ride and cabin feel, but its short bed and thirsty V6 were less compelling for buyers who prioritized payload, off-road capability or fuel economy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Comfortable SUV-like ride from the independent rear suspension.
Practical four-door cabin with seating for five.
Distinctive composite bed with useful integrated storage features.
Respectable V6 towing capability when properly equipped.
Standard stability control and comprehensive airbag coverage for its era.

Cons

Short cargo bed is less useful than a conventional pickup bed.
V6 fuel economy is modest at an EPA-rated 16 mpg combined.
V6 performance can feel strained with passengers, cargo or a trailer.
Original infotainment and navigation systems are dated by current standards.
Age-related repair needs and parts availability deserve careful inspection before purchase.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Repair-cost estimates place average annual maintenance and repair spending for a 2009 Explorer Sport Trac at about $618, although actual costs vary greatly by mileage, condition, location and previous care. The model year has relatively limited complaint volume, so these are inspection priorities drawn from owner reports and generation-level patterns rather than guaranteed faults. Check for wheel-bearing noise, brake rotor or caliper wear, harsh or delayed automatic-transmission shifts, cooling-system leaks or overheating, and electrical concerns such as tire-pressure warnings, power accessories or SYNC-related glitches. A pre-purchase inspection should also include the frame, suspension, driveline, service records and a cold-start road test.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.1/10. Design: 7.5/10 for its distinctive SUV-pickup format and useful bed features. Comfort: 7.5/10 for its roomy crew cab and composed ride. Performance: 6.5/10 because the V6 is capable but not especially efficient or eager. Technology: 6.0/10 because SYNC and navigation were notable in 2009 but are now dated. Safety: 8.0/10 for strong period equipment, stability control and favorable frontal crash-test performance.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly describes the Sport Trac as a satisfying compromise for people who want a family-friendly vehicle that can also handle home-improvement supplies, outdoor equipment and occasional towing. Praise often centers on ride comfort, versatility and the distinctive bed storage, while criticism usually focuses on fuel use, the short bed and age-related repairs.

Owners often appreciate the comfortable ride compared with conventional midsize pickups.
The crew cab and rear-seat access are valued for family and daily-use duties.
Integrated bed storage and the available bed extender receive frequent practical praise.
Some drivers find the V6 adequate for light work but underpowered when heavily loaded.
Buyers commonly recommend checking transmission behavior, brakes, wheel bearings and electrical functions before purchase.

Best Cars in This Category

2009 Honda Ridgeline
2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
2009 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
2009 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab

Summary

The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2WD suits buyers who value passenger comfort, a manageable footprint and flexible light-duty pickup utility more than maximum bed space or fuel economy. Its rear-drive V6 configuration is best for fair-weather commuting, recreational gear and moderate towing. A well-maintained example can be an appealing used alternative to a traditional pickup, but its condition, maintenance history and functioning electronics matter more than its trim level alone.