Did Ford make a V8 Sport Trac?
Yes. Ford did offer a V8-powered Explorer Sport Trac in the early 2000s, using the 4.6-liter V8 engine. The Sport Trac blended SUV practicality with a small pickup bed, and the V8 option gave buyers extra power for towing and acceleration compared with the standard V6.
Overview of the V8 option in the Sport Trac
The Explorer Sport Trac, produced from 2000 through 2005, offered a V8 option as part of its engine lineup in select years and trims. The V8 option was designed to boost capability while preserving the pickup-bed utility that defined the model. Below are key points about when and how the V8 was available.
- Engine option: 4.6-liter V8 (SOHC) was the V8 powerplant offered on Sport Trac models, shared with other Ford SUVs and trucks of the era.
- Availability window: The V8 was available during the early-to-mid 2000s within the Sport Trac’s production run (roughly 2002–2004 model years, varies by market and trim).
- Trim alignment: The V8 option was typically associated with higher trim levels or bundled with specific packages (often appearing on XLT trims or equivalent).
- Performance context: The V8 provided improved towing and acceleration relative to the standard V6 option, at the cost of reduced fuel economy.
- Production context: The Sport Trac nameplate was produced through the 2005 model year, after which Ford shifted its lineup and did not continue the same V8-equipped Sport Trac version.
In practice, the V8 Sport Trac existed as a legitimate option for buyers seeking more power while maintaining the model’s unique combination of SUV and pickup bed.
How to verify a V8 Sport Trac on the used market
If you’re evaluating a used Sport Trac and want to confirm the presence of the V8, use these checks:
- Check the engine bay badge or labeling for a 4.6L V8 designation. Some models also display a V8 badge on the fender or rear.
- Read the window sticker/build sheet or dealer invoice to confirm the engine option listed at the time of purchase.
- Inspect the VIN and engine code in the door jamb or under the hood; cross-check with Ford’s VIN decoding resources or a trusted database to confirm a 4.6L V8 configuration.
- Look for towing package indicators or owner documents mentioning higher towing capacity, which often accompany the V8 option.
- Compare service records for V8-specific maintenance items that might differ from the V6 version (spark plug count, exhaust components, etc.).
Using these checks will help determine whether a particular Sport Trac carries the V8 option.
Context and legacy
The Sport Trac’s V8 option reflects Ford’s strategy in the early 2000s to offer flexible, capable vehicles that could serve as both family transport and light-duty work trucks. The model lineup evolved over time, and the V8-powered variants are now part of the model’s historical footprint. Ford discontinued the Sport Trac after the 2005 model year, and no direct modern V8 Sport Trac has been produced since.
Summary
Ford did indeed offer a V8 Sport Trac, specifically a 4.6-liter V8, during the early 2000s. This option provided stronger towing and acceleration relative to the standard V6 while preserving the Sport Trac’s unique combination of SUV practicality and pickup bed utility. If you are researching or shopping for a used V8 Sport Trac, verify the engine through the vehicle’s build documents, VIN, and badge indicators to confirm the configuration.
What year did Explorer have the 5.0 V8?
Powertrain
| Engine | Production | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Cologne V6 | 1995–2000 | 160 hp (119 kW) |
| Ford Cologne V6 | 1997–2003 | 210 hp (157 kW) |
| Ford small block 5.0 L V8 | 1996–2001 | 210 hp (157 kW) |
How much horsepower does a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac V8 have?
292 horsepower
The base engine remains a 4.0-liter single-cam V6, but new cams and electronics push output to 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. But for the really big jobs, the Sport Trac can now be equipped with Ford's 4.6-liter V8 with new variable cam timing. Ratings are 292 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
What engine does a Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
The standard powertrain consists of a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. There is also a 4.6-liter V8 rated for 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque available.
What engine options did the Sport Trac have?
The first generation Sport Trac featured a 4.0L V6 engine with 210 hp. Followed by the second generation model that introduced a 4.6L V8 engine, producing 292 hp, alongside the original V6 motor.
