Moving upmarket on the reinforced Explorer IV platform, the second-generation Sport Trac gained substantial refinement, modern safety engineering and a vastly improved chassis. Supported by proactive Ford Sport Trac maintenance to protect its running gear and electronic subsystems, it delivered exceptional ride comfort and towing capacity. In the mid-size lifestyle segment, it directly challenged the unibody Honda Ridgeline with superior V8 muscle and traditional body-on-frame toughness.
Major mechanical innovations included class-exclusive independent rear suspension that transformed highway ride manners, paired with the weatherproof composite cargo bed. Engine choices expanded to include the robust 292 hp 4.6-litre 3-valve Modular V8, mated to an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission such as the 6R80 automatic gearbox (or early 6R60) alongside the base 4.0-litre Cologne V6.