Ford didn't offer a V8 engine in the previous Explorer Sport Trac. For this redesign, the new 4.6-liter V8 engine, shared with the Mustang GT, is significantly more powerful on paper than what the competition offers but doesn't feel like it's pushing 292 ponies. This engine is sluggish until revs build, and then the engine displays some verve. But it sure drinks fuel like it's got all those ponies under the hood, despite Ford's claim that its class-exclusive six-speed automatic conserves fuel. We eked out just 13.4 mpg during a week of driving. Improved fuel economy might be wishful thinking, but the transmission does shift smoothly at all times; even when kicking down for extra power. On four-wheel-drive models, the transfer case is a push-button unit that is simple to use. A light illuminates when 4-Low is engaged, and an icon on the dash is displayed.