They say you can't please everybody, but the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac makes a noble effort. Its combination of luxury — leather seats, satellite radio — and utility — 6,800-pound towing capacity, nifty bins — will meet the needs and satisfy the whims of most of those shopping for a SUV or pickup truck.

Photo by Ford (ENLARGE)

Ford Explorer Sport Trac

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ABOUT THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC:

Body style: Four-door pickup truck

Trim lines: XLT, Limited

Price: MSRP $25,485-$29,540

Drive: Four wheel

Seating: Two in front, three in back

Engine: 4-liter V-6 standard; 4.6-liter V-8 optional

Transmission: Five-speed automatic with V-6; six-speed automatic with V-8

Miles per gallon of fuel: EPA estimate 14 city/20 highway

WHAT'S SPECIAL: There are practical, utilitarian touches throughout the vehicle. The front center console is massive. The side pockets will hold a liter water bottle. The floor mats are rubber (but, surprisingly, don't look cheap). The payload is 1,390-1,450 pounds, depending on the engine — plenty for weekend chores.

WHAT WE LIKE: The cargo box is just 41/2 feet, but several features are designed to get the most out of the space. The box, which has a molded-in liner, has a notch for a pair of 2-by-4s to provide tiered storage. An optional, locking hard tonneau cover protects stuff tossed in the bed.

WHAT ISN'T THERE: A lot of miles per gallon. The test vehicle got 14 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. The Sport Trac is, after all, a truck.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW: The four-wheel-drive system has three modes for a variety of driving conditions. The 4x4 Auto mode sends power only to the rear wheels until they slip, at which point power is delivered automatically to the front wheels. The 4x4 High mode provides an equal power split to front and rear wheels. The 4x4 Low mode locks the transfer case for the really gnarly stuff.

EXTRAS: There are three bins recessed into the cargo-box floor. The bins have weather-resistant lids. They also have drain plugs, which means they could serve as coolers in a pinch. Inside the cabin are steering-wheel controls for sounds, speed and climate control, including the fan. Standard safety features include stability control, anti-lock brakes and side-impact air bags for those in front.

AND ANOTHER THING: The optional, upgraded sound system includes a six-disc, in-dash CD player and Sirius satellite radio.