2005 Ford Sport-Trac Concept

Unveiled as a bold reimagining of the original Explorer Sport Trac, the 2005 Sport Trac Concept was Ford’s take on what a sporty, urban pickup could look like. Aimed squarely at younger buyers and street truck enthusiasts, it dropped the rugged off-road image for a more aggressive, performance-inspired stance.

Compared to the first-gen model from 2001, the Concept was longer, wider, and sat lower on a set of 21-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile Goodyear tires. It looked more at home cruising downtown boulevards than crawling up mountain trails. The suspension was tuned for smooth pavement, and an independent rear setup replaced the old solid axle, improving comfort and handling.

Under the hood was a 4.6-liter V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission. Ford also used the Sport Trac Concept to showcase its Roll Stability Control system—technology aimed at preventing rollovers during sharp maneuvers, which would soon roll out across its SUV and truck range.

The bed was more spacious—about 30% larger than before—and the cabin followed the concept's sporty direction with two-tone leather, polished aluminum trim, and bucket seats with strong side bolstering. The doors were handle-less and opened electronically via key fob, adding to the futuristic, tuner-style appeal.

Although it wasn’t built for off-roading, the 2005 Sport Trac Concept demonstrated how Ford could merge pickup practicality with city-focused design and driving dynamics. While it didn’t reach production in this exact form, its styling and tech heavily influenced the second-generation Explorer Sport Trac that arrived in 2006.