Ford Ranger Vs Explorer Sport Trac: Which Offers More For The Money?

The world of pickup trucks and SUVs is vast and competitive, with manufacturers constantly striving to produce vehicles that cater to the diverse needs of consumers. Two such vehicles that have gained significant attention in recent years are the Ford Ranger and the Explorer Sport Trac. Both offer unique features and capabilities, making them worthy contenders in the mid-size truck and SUV segments. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of each vehicle, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs and preferences better.

Performance and Power:

1. Engine Options:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers a choice of two powerful engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine delivering 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac comes equipped with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque.

2. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds, making it a capable workhorse for hauling heavy loads.
• Explorer Sport Trac: While the Sport Trac offers decent towing and payload capacities, it falls short compared to the Ranger. It can tow up to 5,250 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,550 pounds.

3. Fuel Efficiency:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine choice. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the 3.0-liter diesel engine offers an impressive 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac’s fuel efficiency is not as impressive as the Ranger’s. It gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Off-Road Capability:

1. Ground Clearance:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers a generous ground clearance of 8.4 inches, allowing it to navigate rough terrain with ease.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac’s ground clearance is slightly lower at 7.7 inches, making it less suitable for extreme off-road adventures.

2. Four-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive system with an electronic shift-on-the-fly feature, enabling drivers to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes on the go.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac also offers a part-time four-wheel drive system, but it lacks the electronic shift-on-the-fly capability, requiring drivers to stop the vehicle before engaging four-wheel drive.

3. Terrain Management Systems:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger features a Terrain Management System with six selectable drive modes: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, and Baja. These modes optimize the vehicle’s performance and traction for different terrains.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac does not offer a dedicated Terrain Management System like the Ranger.

Interior and Comfort:

1. Seating and Passenger Space:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers seating for up to five passengers with ample headroom and legroom. The front seats provide good support and comfort during long journeys.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac also offers seating for up to five passengers, but the rear seats may feel cramped for taller individuals. The front seats are comfortable, but the lack of adjustable lumbar support may be an issue for some drivers.

2. Cargo Capacity:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger provides a generous cargo bed with a length of 61.2 inches and a width of 51.8 inches, making it suitable for hauling various items.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac offers a versatile cargo area with a combination of a pickup bed and a covered storage compartment. The bed is shorter than the Ranger’s at 53.3 inches long, but it provides additional enclosed storage space.

3. Infotainment and Technology:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. It also offers a variety of advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac’s infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, navigation, and a premium audio system. However, it lacks some of the advanced safety features found in the Ranger.

Safety and Reliability:

1. Safety Ratings:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac has also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.

2. Reliability and Maintenance:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger has a good reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs.
• Explorer Sport Trac: The Sport Trac has a slightly lower reliability rating compared to the Ranger, but it still offers decent reliability and maintenance costs.

Verdict:

The Ford Ranger and the Explorer Sport Trac are both capable vehicles with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The Ranger excels in terms of performance, off-road capability, and towing and payload capacity, making it a more suitable choice for those who require a rugged and versatile truck for work or adventure. On the other hand, the Explorer Sport Trac offers a unique combination of SUV comfort and pickup truck utility, making it a practical choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and occasional outdoor activities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Ranger or the Explorer Sport Trac?

• The Ford Ranger offers better fuel efficiency than the Explorer Sport Trac, with the diesel engine delivering up to 30 mpg on the highway.

2. Does the Ford Ranger have more towing and payload capacity than the Explorer Sport Trac?

• Yes, the Ford Ranger has a higher towing capacity and payload capacity compared to the Explorer Sport Trac. It can tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,860 pounds.

3. Which vehicle offers a more versatile cargo area, the Ford Ranger or the Explorer Sport Trac?

• The Explorer Sport Trac offers a more versatile cargo area with a combination of a pickup bed and a covered storage compartment, providing both open and enclosed storage options.

4. Does the Ford Ranger come with more advanced safety features than the Explorer Sport Trac?

• Yes, the Ford Ranger offers a wider range of advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, which are not available on the Explorer Sport Trac.

5. Which vehicle has a better reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, the Ford Ranger or the Explorer Sport Trac?

• The Ford Ranger has a slightly better reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs compared to the Explorer Sport Trac.