Is a Ford Sport Trac a full-size truck?
No — the Ford Sport Trac is not a full-size truck. It is widely classified as a mid-size pickup built on the Explorer platform, offering a blend of SUV practicality with a pickup bed. It was produced during the 2000s and positioned below Ford’s full-size F-Series lineup in terms of size, payload, and overall footprint.
Where the Sport Trac fits in the truck-size landscape
To understand how the Sport Trac compares with full-size pickups, it helps to look at key size, capability, and design differences that separate mid-size trucks from their larger siblings.
- Platform and chassis: The Sport Trac shares its underpinnings with the Ford Explorer (a midsize SUV), rather than the larger F-Series chassis used by full-size pickups.
- Overall dimensions and bed: It typically offers a shorter overall length and a smaller cargo bed than typical full-size trucks, contributing to a more maneuverable, SUV-like feel.
- Payload and towing: Payload ratings and towing capabilities are generally lower than those of full-size trucks, reflecting its midsize designation.
- Market positioning: It was marketed as a versatile, family-friendly pickup with a sport-utility bent, not as a dedicated heavy-duty work truck.
In essence, the Sport Trac sits between compact/ midsize pickups and full-size trucks, offering some advantages of both worlds but not matching a full-size truck in size or capability.
Historical context and market presence
The Explorer-based Sport Trac debuted in the early 2000s as Ford sought to combine the utility of a pickup with the interior comfort of an SUV. It came in two generations and was discontinued after the 2010 model year. Ford has not revived the Sport Trac name; instead, the brand shifted focus to other midsize and pickup offerings, including the Ranger’s revival in the mid-to-late 2010s and early 2020s.
- Production span: The Sport Trac was produced in the 2000s, with two generations before its discontinuation around 2010.
- Current status: The model is no longer in production and has no direct modern competitor carrying the Sport Trac name.
- Context in Ford’s lineup: In the current market, Ford’s midsize and compact pickups are represented by models like the Ranger and Rim- or SUV-based offerings, rather than a Sport Trac-style variant.
Overall, the Sport Trac was a distinctive attempt to bridge SUV and pickup segments, but it remains categorized as a midsize pickup rather than a full-size truck.
Bottom line
In the contemporary automotive taxonomy, the Ford Sport Trac is not a full-size truck. It was designed and marketed as a midsize crossover-pickup, combining SUV features with a pickup bed, and it was discontinued after the 2010 model year. The full-size pickup segment, led by trucks like the Ford F-150, remains separate in size, payload, and capability.
Summary
The Ford Sport Trac occupies a middle ground between SUVs and full-size pickups. Its Explorer-based platform and smaller bed/payload place it squarely in the midsize category rather than the full-size segment. With no current revival of the Sport Trac name, Ford continues to offer other pickups and midsize options that target different balance points between space, comfort, and utility.
Can a full size mattress fit in a Ford Explorer?
Yes, a full-size mattress can fit in a Ford Explorer, but it's a tight squeeze and you will likely need to fold down the second and third-row seats. You may also need to bend the mattress slightly to maneuver it past the wheel wells. Some users have reported success by bending it in a "U" shape and using tie-down straps to secure it.
What to know before you go
- Fold down the seats: You will need to fold down the second and third rows to get the most cargo space available.
- Measure first: Check the specific dimensions of your mattress and your particular model year of Ford Explorer, as interior cargo dimensions can vary by year.
- Consider a mattress pad or air mattress: A flexible mattress pad or air mattress will be easier to fit than a traditional thick mattress.
- Secure it: Use tie-down straps to secure the mattress to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a modern Ford Explorer by folding down the second and third-row seats. It will fit with the rear hatch open, running from the front passenger area up to the back of the vehicle.
This video shows how to transport a sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer: 1mFixing With PassionYouTube · Nov 21, 2017
- How to fit it: Fold down both the second and third-row seats to create a long, flat surface.
- Positioning: The sheet will run from the front of the cabin, over the folded seats, to the open rear hatch.
- Securing it: While it may fit with the hatch closed, it's safer to keep the hatch open to avoid scratching the headliner or damaging the sheet, especially if it's a thicker piece.
- Caution: Be careful not to damage the interior, especially the headliner, when loading and transporting the sheet.
- Older models: Some older models may not have the right dimensions or a flat enough cargo area, so always check the specific dimensions of your vehicle.
- Alternative: If your vehicle has a wider cargo area, such as a Ford Expedition MAX, you can even close the liftgate with a 4x8 sheet inside.
Is a Ford Explorer a full or midsize SUV?
| Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|
| Class | Compact SUV (3-door/Sport) (1991–2003) Mid-size SUV (1991–2010) Mid-size crossover SUV (2011–present) |
| Chassis | Body-on-frame (1991–2010) Unibody (2011–present) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Bronco II |
Is a Ford F-150 considered a full-size truck?
Yes, the F-150 is a full-size truck. It is designed to be larger than mid-size trucks and is known for its towing and hauling capabilities, with different configurations and trim levels available to suit various needs.
This video shows whether a Ford F-150 fits in a home garage: 52sMighty MaxYouTube · Mar 8, 2025
- Size and capability: As a full-size truck, the F-150 offers higher towing and payload capacities compared to smaller trucks.
- Configurations: It comes in multiple cab styles (Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew) and bed lengths to provide options for passenger and cargo space.
- Market position: The F-150 is consistently one of the best-selling and most popular full-size trucks in the U.S. market.
