What took the place of the Ford Sport Trac?
The Ford Sport Trac, a unique vehicle that blended the capabilities of a pickup truck with the comfort and utility of an SUV, was discontinued in 2010 after an 8-year production run. So what took the place of this innovative model in the Ford lineup?
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Sport Trac
The Ford Sport Trac was introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model year vehicle. It was based on the Ford Explorer SUV platform, but featured a small pickup-style bed in the rear instead of a traditional SUV cargo area. This gave the Sport Trac the versatility to haul larger items while still providing the passenger space and ride comfort of an SUV.
The Sport Trac was popular during its initial years, appealing to buyers who wanted the utility of a truck with the everyday drivability of an SUV. However, sales began to decline in the late 2000s as the economic recession hit and consumer preferences shifted. Ford ultimately decided to discontinue the Sport Trac after the 2010 model year.
What Replaced the Ford Sport Trac?
After the Sport Trac was discontinued, Ford did not immediately replace it with a similar vehicle. Instead, the automaker focused on expanding its traditional truck and SUV lineups to meet changing consumer demands.
Some of the key models that have taken the place of the Sport Trac in the Ford lineup include:
- Ford Ranger: This midsize pickup truck was reintroduced in 2019 after an 8-year hiatus, providing a more traditional truck option for buyers.
- Ford Expedition MAX: This extended-length version of the Expedition SUV offers more cargo and passenger space than the standard Expedition.
- Ford Explorer Sport Utility Truck: Introduced in 2019, this variant of the popular Explorer SUV features a small pickup-style bed in the rear, similar in concept to the discontinued Sport Trac.
While Ford has not directly replaced the Sport Trac, the automaker has adapted its truck and SUV lineups to meet evolving consumer preferences and market demands. The Ranger, Expedition MAX, and Explorer Sport Utility Truck all provide alternative options for buyers seeking the versatility and capabilities that the Sport Trac once offered.
