Toyota Tacoma Vs Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 5 Key Differences You Should Know
What To Know
- The Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
- The V6 engine in the XLT trim achieves 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the EcoBoost V6 engine in the Limited trim returns 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
- The Tacoma offers superior off-road capability and a more rugged interior, while the Explorer Sport Trac provides a more refined cabin and a wider range of engine options.
In the realm of mid-size trucks, two stalwarts stand out as formidable contenders: the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Both trucks offer a compelling blend of rugged capability, practicality, and everyday usability. But which one is the better choice for discerning truck buyers? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Explorer Sport Trac to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Power
Under the hood, the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac offer distinct powertrain options. The Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more muscle, a 3.5-liter V6 engine is available, producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac, on the other hand, offers a wider range of engine choices. The base model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the XLT trim level brings a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Limited trim boasts a powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
Capability and Towing
When it comes to capability, both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac hold their own. The Tacoma boasts a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,620 pounds. The Explorer Sport Trac, while slightly less capable, still offers a respectable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,200 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many truck buyers. The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac offer comparable fuel economy figures. The Tacoma with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. With the V6 engine, the Tacoma’s fuel economy drops slightly to 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine in the XLT trim achieves 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the EcoBoost V6 engine in the Limited trim returns 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac offer distinct cabin experiences. The Tacoma’s interior is known for its ruggedness and functionality, with durable materials and straightforward controls. The Explorer Sport Trac, on the other hand, offers a more refined and comfortable cabin, featuring higher-quality materials and more upscale features.
Safety Features
Both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac come equipped with a range of standard safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The Tacoma also offers a suite of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Explorer Sport Trac, while not as comprehensively equipped as the Tacoma, still offers some advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Price and Warranty
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac offer competitive pricing. The Tacoma has a starting price of $26,500, while the Explorer Sport Trac starts at $28,110. Both trucks come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Verdict: Which Truck is Right for You?
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac are both excellent choices for truck buyers seeking a combination of capability, practicality, and everyday usability. The Tacoma offers superior off-road capability and a more rugged interior, while the Explorer Sport Trac provides a more refined cabin and a wider range of engine options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capability and durability, the Tacoma is the way to go. If you value refinement and a more comprehensive feature set, the Explorer Sport Trac is a compelling choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which truck has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
A: The Toyota Tacoma with the four-cylinder engine offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the four-cylinder engine.
Q: Which truck has a higher towing capacity, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has a higher maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds compared to the Ford Explorer Sport Trac‘s 5,000 pounds.
Q: Which truck has a more spacious interior, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
A: The Ford Explorer Sport Trac offers a more spacious interior than the Toyota Tacoma, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
