2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review
Price Estimate: $2,637 - $4,118
View 35 more photos
View 35 more photos
View 35 more photos
View 35 more photos
View 35 more photos+31
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
Average price: $10,373
$
to$
Price
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable cabin, available V8 power, ample towing capacity.
Cons
- Small cargo box compared to regular pickup trucks, weak and thirsty base V6, dated interior design.
What’s new
For 2010, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac receives minor alterations to feature availability.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a decent all-around utility vehicle that's worth a close look in this specialized segment.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
49 listings
- $11,500good price$933 below market
- 88,263 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 4'2” bed, 4l, 6cyl
- Valley Motorcars (38 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
- Towing Hitch
Close
Located in Winchester, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FMEU3BE7AUA21101
Stock: 1239
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-21-2026 - 118,710 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4'2” bed, 4l, 6cyl
- Sport and Imports (52 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
Close
Located in Pasadena, MD
***Ask about our used vehicle certification process! *** Please call our friendly sales professionals to schedule your appointment today! 410-...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
15 Combined MPG (13 City/19 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FMEU5BE5AUF05022
Stock: 26022
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Even though pickup trucks are America's utility vehicle of choice, they don't always meet the needs of every buyer. Full-size crew-cab models have plenty of room and bed space, but they're also unwieldly to drive. Compact or midsize pickups have a smaller footprint but don't typically have a particularly large backseat. For people stuck between these two choices, there's the midsize 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
With its hybridized half-SUV, half-truck design, the four-door Sport Trac rides on an extended-wheelbase Explorer platform. This allows the Sport Trac to offer a pickup-like cargo box (albeit modest in size) as well as an enclosed cabin that's just as roomy as a regular Explorer's. Its independent rear suspension -- a rarity among trucks -- helps the Sport Trac deliver a relatively superior on-road ride and more adept handling characteristics. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac also comes in many different flavors to suit specific needs, including V6 or V8 power and two- or four-wheel-drive traction.
Overall, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a well-rounded, family-friendly utility vehicle with plenty of appeal for the niche buyer. We would still suggest checking out the handful of other similar vehicles in this segment, though. The Honda Ridgeline is a more polished vehicle but lacks the pure grunt of a V8-equipped Sport Trac, while the full-size Chevy Avalanche has a unique "midgate" design for greater versatility. Crew-cab models of the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, meanwhile, are more rugged and capable. Choosing one is really a matter of personal preference and budget, but we think you'll be quite satisfied if you wind up with the Ford in your driveway.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Explorer Sport Trac comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 generating 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the Limited is a 4.6-liter V8 that cranks out 292 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque that is paired with a six-speed automatic. All Explorer Sport Tracs are available with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, except for Adrenalin-equipped models, which substitute a full-time all-wheel-drive system for 4WD.
V8 acceleration is respectable, with 0-60-mph sprints taking just over 8 seconds. Towing is another strong point, with a maximum trailering capacity of 7,160 pounds when properly equipped. EPA fuel economy estimates for a V6 2WD model check in at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. Upgrading to the V8 actually improves fuel economy to 15/21/17 mpg. Fuel economy for 4WD models is essentially identical.
Safety
All 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Tracs feature standard antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control with rollover protection and trailer sway control, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Explorer Sport Trac earned a perfect five stars for protection in both frontal and side-impact tests. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash testing, it returned a top-ranked "Good" rating.
Driving
Thanks to its fully independent suspension, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac delivers a smooth and well-damped ride with respectable handling and good steering response for a truck. The cabin is calm and quiet under most conditions, owing to ample acoustic insulation. Its V6 engine is coarse and unimpressive, however, in terms of both power and efficiency -- especially when compared to the Japanese competition. The V8 is the preferred choice with its smooth, broad power band and slightly better fuel economy.
Interior
The Explorer Sport Trac's comfortable cabin is virtually identical to that of its namesake SUV, with highlights that include solid build quality and a straightforward layout of controls. That said, the Explorer's materials quality remains mediocre and its design rudimentary. Most of the climate and audio controls are packed with plenty of similar-looking black buttons, and the regular audio head unit still displays its info in Ford's old-school, '80s-look green LED readout. Thankfully, the optional Sync phone/MP3 voice activation and hard-drive-based navigation systems are both effective and modern.
The 60/40-split rear seats fold to create a flat cargo area, and the 4.5-foot utility box out back features a power point and is constructed of corrosion-proof composite material with a molded liner that resists scratches and dents. The box is also notched, facilitating two-tiered storage of materials. Three cargo bins are built into the bed's load floor, with drain plugs enabling their use as ice boxes or for storing wet items.
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac models
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is essentially an Explorer SUV with a pickup-like cargo bed behind the second-row seat. Two trim levels are offered: XLT and Limited.
The well-equipped XLT features a composite cargo box, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, full power accessories, a power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a CD player with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Limited model adds 18-inch wheels, color-keyed bumpers, heated side mirrors, leather seating, heated front seats, a power driver seat, Ford's Sync multimedia interface and a premium six-CD audio system with a subwoofer.
An Adrenalin Sport package is optional on the Limited and adds 20-inch alloy wheels and unique exterior and interior styling details. Depending on model and equipment, other available Sport Trac extras include V8 power, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals and a voice-operated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link and 10GB of digital music storage.

Honda Prelude vs. Ford Mustang vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Subaru BRZ: Which $40K Coupe Is Best?

Nearly 4.4 Million Ford Trucks Were Just Recalled: We Own Three Of Them

Porsche vs. Ford! The 911 Carrera S and Mustang Dark Horse Supercharged Battle in Edmunds U-Drags

I Took Our Ford Mustang Dark Horse to a Track Day. It Had a Meltdown — Literally
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has garnered appreciation for its versatile balance between comfort and utility. Owners value its smooth ride and handling, which feel more akin to that of a luxury car than a traditional truck, especially with the independent rear suspension softening rough roads. The V8 engine, often preferred over the V6, provides ample power for towing and highway driving, making it a popular choice for those needing robust capability alongside everyday usability. The cabin, praised for its quietness, offers a comfortable and ergonomic space that drivers enjoy, highlighted by modern conveniences like the SYNC system. In addition, the all-wheel-drive capabilities come highly rated for providing confidence in snowy and icy conditions, enhancing safety and control in challenging weather. The available Adrenalin package adds an extra flair of style and performance, with numerous owners noting its aesthetic appeal and unique features. Despite the smaller bed size, users frequently mention the vehicle’s ability to comfortably accommodate passengers and smaller cargo loads, making it an excellent compromise for those not needing a full-sized truck.
Common Issues
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac tends to fall short in areas of fuel economy, leaving many drivers wishing for better mileage, particularly with the V6 engine. Despite the vehicle’s wide appeal, some owners are frustrated by the lack of power when attempting to pass at higher speeds, often feeling the need to aggressively press the gas pedal for sufficient acceleration. The available SYNC system, while generally appreciated, occasionally struggles with voice recognition, leading to repeated commands and driver irritation. Additionally, the cargo space, although thoughtfully designed, can be limiting for those wishing to transport larger items, with the bed extender only partially alleviating the issue. Another complaint surfaces with the Tonneau cover, which some report as prone to leaks, compromising its weatherproof intentions. A further inconvenience noted by drivers is the absence of a telescoping steering wheel and adequate interior storage, leaving certain ergonomic needs unmet for longer drives. Lastly, a recurring mechanical issue appears to be the difficulty and expense in sourcing replacement parts like the driveshaft, particularly affecting the vehicle’s maintenance practicality.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliably offers a blend of comfort and functionality that satisfies many everyday drivers. Owners frequently highlight its smooth drive quality and comfortable seating arrangement, which ensure enjoyable commutes and road trips. The truck's design strikes an excellent balance, providing a sizable amount of passenger space while still being compact enough for urban maneuverability. Drivers appreciate the intuitive control layout and the convenience afforded by features like the power rear window, which enhances the vehicle’s versatility for varying needs. Although fuel economy could be improved, the vehicle's overall performance and relaxed driving experience seem to outweigh this shortfall for a number of owners. Weekend warriors particularly enjoy the Sport Trac's dual nature: a family-friendly interior paired with a useful truck bed for occasional hauling. However, as one cruises along with this vehicle, the lingering curiosity about how Ford might have further evolved this model remains.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$212/mo for Explorer Sport Trac XLT
Explorer Sport Trac XLT
vs
$204/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Reliability
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #30 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#30 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$493/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.5x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
19%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 10V161000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 10C11
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-12-11 to 2010-02-03
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 33256
- Defect Description:
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(71%)
4(22%)
3(5%)
2(2%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
After 8 months looks good, BUT!
4.5 out of 5 starsdoctomof ws, 06/20/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4dr Crew Cab (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
After owning a 2005 version of the Explorer SportTrac I was ready to try the newer version. I was attracted by its upgraded styling which I found more appealing than the older version from 2000 to 2005. Also I liked the idea of the independent rear suspension on the newer version versus the live straight axle of the 2005 iteration. It still drives like a truck. Stiff and solid, which for … me is a plus. It has the feeling of a vehicle that is strong and capable of hauling around my toys as well as being a dependable every day commuter. That's a very nice compromise in my estimation
All Fords Trucks Need This Style
4.88 out of 5 starsDennis, 06/30/2010
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4dr Crew Cab (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Test drove several different full-size trucks models including Ford. Had an F- 150 for 11 years. Not much had changed on the interior including, entire front display panel and radio. I was disappointed with this until I test dove the Sport Trac. It's like getting the inside comfort and styling of a luxury car, yet with the manly toughness and sporty styling of a truck. I get 23 mpg on … the highway and 17 mpg in town. This is slightly better than my previous F-150. My family and I really enjoy going places in this remarkable vehicle.
Wish They Still Made 'em
5 out of 5 starsScratch, 04/12/2016
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4dr Crew Cab (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Hard to find these days with low miles. We found ours with just 24000 on the odometer about 200 miles east of us in the Houston area. It was basically a garage queen; paint, undercarriage, and interior like new. Hard to negotiate price because these are in demand; after a couple days of negotiating, we met at a reasonable price. Happy to discover the Sport Trac comes … standard-equipped with a tow package including a 3.73 rear end, sway control, auxiliary transmission cooler, and class IV hitch rated at 5,250 lbs capacity. We purchased a Winnebago Drop 170S Travel trailer in May 2016. The unit weighs just under 3,000 lbs. dry. Installed a weight control hitch and were happy to discover how easily the truck handles the combined load of just under 4,000 lbs. Towing MPG is around 11.5 with overdrive off. Heard a rumor last week that Ford will reintroduce the Ranger and a new Bronco in 2020. Hope the Ranger is also equipped for light towing. The Sport Trac is, in my opinion, one of the best engineered products Ford ever designed. Wish they would introduce it instead of the Ranger, but I guess they know what they're doing...
Swiss Army Knife
5 out of 5 starsPaloRev, 08/10/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
After researching the options for replacement of our 2005 Ranger, settled on a new Sport Trac. We wanted the flexibility of four doors, room for five, a cargo bed and four wheel drive. Initially leaned towards an F150, but the smaller Sport Trac made more sense. Only thing comparable is the Honda Ridgeline, but the reviews we read didn't show it to be superior. Plus, the Honda is … more expensive and we weren't taken by the boxy styling. We ordered the Sport Trac in February and took delivery in April. The wait was worth it to get the exact color and options we wanted. Proven to be a very good decision. Vehicle's "Swiss Army knife" flexibility is great.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, so we've included reviews for other years of the Explorer Sport Trac since its last redesign.
2010 Explorer Sport Trac Features & Specs
XLT
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,210 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $212/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
rear wheel drive | |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,250 lbs. |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Explorer Sport Trac include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
Related Used 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Honda CR V Hybrid 2020 Review
- Honda Odyssey 2021 Review
- Infiniti QX60 2020 Review
- Lexus RX 450H 2021 Review
- Toyota Tundra 2021 Review
- GMC Yukon XL 2021 Review
- Infiniti Q60 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
Research other models of Ford
- 2025 Escape
- 2025 Ford F-150
- New Ford Bronco
- Ford F-350 Super Duty 2025
- Ford Bronco Sport 2026
- 2025 F-150
- Ford Escape 2026
- New Ford F-150
- 2025 Ford F-450 Super Duty
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- New Subaru Solterra for Sale in Roseville, CA
- New Chevrolet Blazer-Ev for Sale in La Place, LA
- New Mercedes-Benz G-Class for Sale in Folsom, CA
- New Hyundai Elantra-N for Sale in Canoga Park, CA
- New Hyundai Elantra-Hybrid for Sale in Granbury, TX
- New Kia Carnival-Hybrid for Sale in Washington, NC
- New Ford Mustang for Sale in Kingsbury, TX
- New BMW I5 for Sale in Poland, ME
- Used BMW Z4-M in Lubbock, TX 2008
- Used Honda CR-V in Franklin, NC 2026
- Used Hyundai Kona in Beckley, WV 2026
- Used BMW M3 in Hurricane, WV 2026
- Used Lexus LC-500 in Pflugerville, TX 2023
- Used Audi A6 in Mesquite, TX 2025
- Used Saturn Sky in Haines City, FL 2009
- Used Volvo XC90 in Scranton, PA 2026
- Used Lexus RX-450H in Wilmington, DE 2022
- Used Chevrolet Malibu-Classic in Santa Cruz, CA 2008

