2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Launched in 2001 as a kind of 'crossover SUV / pickup,' the Explorer Sport Trac was always intended to be more of a lifestyle runabout than a work rig. Back then, you could only have it with V6 power, but with the makeover of the truck and its chassis donor -- the Explorer SUV -- a V8 option became available in 2007.

Changes for model year 2008 include curtain airbags as standard equipment, along with the option of Microsoft's Sync 'info-tainment' system and a voice-activated navigation system.

The V8 option brings with it a hefty towing capacity of 7,160 lbs in 4x2 guise or 7,000 with 4x4 drivetrain. The 4.6-liter motivator cranks out 292 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and an even 300 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm. A German-made V6 of 4.0-liter displacement churns out 210 hp at 5,100 rpm, along with 254 lb-ft at 3,700 rpm and is good for towing 5,260 lbs / 5,090 lbs in 4x2 / 4x4 layouts, respectively.

Both engines only require regular 87-Octane gasoline. The former is coupled exclusively to a six-speed auto gearbox, the latter to a five-speeder.

There are just two trims: the XLT and Limited. Both have the six-cylinder engine as standard equipment, along with an Independent Rear Suspension, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Safety Canopy and side impact airbags and a composite material cargo box with three integrated cargo bins, among others. The Limited adds goodies like 18-inch machined aluminum wheels instead of the XLT's 16s, a monochromatic exterior, six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, automatic headlights, silver step bars and roof rails, a leather shift knob and High-series floor console.

A reverse-sensing system, premium audio, remote start system, Class III / IV towing package, power moonroof, hard tonneau cover and heated windshield are the major options.