Did the Ford Explorer Sport Trac have a V8?
No — the Explorer Sport Trac never offered a factory V8 engine; it was equipped exclusively with a 4.0-liter V6 throughout its production run.
To understand this question in context, the Sport Trac was Ford’s mid-size pickup-based SUV built on the Explorer platform and sold from 2000 to 2010 (with a brief revival concept in later years). This article outlines the engine options by generation, explains why Ford stayed with a V6, and notes how that choice affected performance and versatility.
Engine options by generation
Below is a concise breakdown of the Sport Trac’s powerplant choices across its production years. Note that there was no V8 option offered for this model.
- First generation (2000–2005): 4.0-liter SOHC V6; paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission; available with 4x4 on certain trims.
- Second generation (2007–2010): 4.0-liter SOHC V6; maintained as the sole engine option; continued with a 5-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 availability on select trims.
In short, the Sport Trac’s powertrain remained rooted in the 4.0-liter V6 across both generations, with no factory V8 introduced during its lifespan.
Why Ford didn’t offer a V8 in the Sport Trac
Several strategic and technical factors contributed to Ford’s decision. The Sport Trac was designed as a mid-size, more fuel-efficient pickup SUV that balanced everyday usability with light-to-moderate utility tasks. A V8 adds weight, reduces payload capacity, increases fuel consumption, and raises manufacturing costs — all trade-offs the model did not need given its market position and target buyers. By sticking with the 4.0-liter V6, Ford could preserve relatively good torque for towing and hauling while keeping the vehicle more economical and easier to manufacture within the Explorer family.
Market positioning and competitive landscape
The Sport Trac competed with other car-based pickups and crew-cab SUVs that prioritized ride comfort and practicality over raw V8 power. Ford likely concluded that a single, proven V6 engine would satisfy most buyers who wanted a versatile utility vehicle without the extra cost or complexity of an optional V8.
Context and alternatives for power enthusiasts
For buyers seeking true V8 performance within Ford’s lineup, other models offered such options, including larger trucks and full-size SUVs. If V8 power was a priority, options included variants of the Ford F-150, Expedition, or other non-Sport Trac Ford trucks rather than the Sport Trac itself.
Summary
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac did not offer a V8 engine in any model year. Across its 2000–2010 production span, it used a single powertrain family: the 4.0-liter SOHC V6. This design choice aligned with the vehicle’s mid-size, utility-focused mission, offering adequate torque for everyday tasks without venturing into V8 territory. For buyers chasing V8 performance, alternative Ford models within or adjacent to the Explorer family provided that option.
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.
Which Ford Explorer came with a V8?
The Ford Explorer had a V8 engine in various models, primarily between the second generation (1996-2001) and the fifth generation (2011-2019). Key models with V8 options include the second-generation Explorer with its 5.0L V8 and the fifth generation's 4.6L V8, but modern Explorers do not have a V8 option.
You can watch this video to learn more about the engine of the 2009 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer: 49sShooting CarsYouTube · Aug 31, 2024
- Second Generation (1995-2001): This generation introduced a 5.0L V8 engine as an option for the 1996 model year and onwards.
- Third and Fourth Generations (2002-2010): The V8 engine continued to be available in these generations, with a 4.6L V8 being offered in models such as the 2004, 2007, and 2009 versions.
- Fifth Generation (2011-2019): The 4.6L V8 was available in the early part of this generation before being phased out in favor of new V6 options.
- Newer Models: The most recent Ford Explorer models, including the 2025 model, do not come with a V8 engine.
How much horsepower does a 2007 Ford 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.
Did Ford make a V8 Sport Trac?
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.
