Ford Explorer Sport Trac vs. Volkswagen Passat Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Ford Explorer Sport Trac vs. Volkswagen Passat

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Model Year	2008	2008	2008-	2008-	2008-	2008-
Model	Explorer Sport Trac	Explorer Sport Trac	Passat	Passat	Passat	Passat
Trim	XLT	Limited	Turbo	Komfort	Lux	VR6
Engines (hide)
4.0L V6 OHC-2v 210 hp@5100 254 lb-ft@3700
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1800
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750
Transmissions (hide)
5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
RWD
4WD w/low range
AWD
FWD
Tires (hide)
235/70R16 tires
245/65R17 tires
235/65R18 tires
215/55HR16 tires
235/45HR17 tires
235/40WR18 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 190W, 7 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 80W, 8 speakers
Dynaudio, 600W, 10 speakers
Accessories (hide)
Adaptive cruise controlAutomatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.   [?]
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.
Cruise control
Keyless entry keypadUnlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.   [?]
Unlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Power sliding rear window
Power-adjustable pedalsPedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.   [?]
Pedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote startStart the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.   [?]
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.
Sunshade, rearGreatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window.   [?]
Greatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window.
Sunshades, second rowGreatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.   [?]
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.
Tilt steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Full-size spare tire
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Rear side airbagsTorso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.   [?]
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Bed extender
Cargo mat
Cargo net
Class II trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.   [?]
Hitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Class IV trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 10,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.   [?]
Hitch rated for up to 10,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Console with shifter
Overhead sunglass holderUsually part of an overhead console.   [?]
Usually part of an overhead console.
Rear seat pass-throughUsually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.   [?]
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.
Rigid bed coverReplaces soft bed cover if one is standard.   [?]
Replaces soft bed cover if one is standard.
Roof rack crossbarsRequires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.   [?]
Requires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.
Roof railsNo crossbars.   [?]
No crossbars.
Storage compartment(s) in bed
Trailering equipment (4 wire)Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.   [?]
Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.
Trailering equipment (7 wire)Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers.   [?]
Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Electrically heated windshieldLayer within windshield creates heat, quickly melting ice on the windshield.   [?]
Layer within windshield creates heat, quickly melting ice on the windshield.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear air ventsVents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.   [?]
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Speed-sensitive wipersOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Oil coolerOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Exterior (hide)
Additional chrome trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Body kitSide skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.   [?]
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.
Bodyside moldingsMoldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.   [?]
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Bright-finished mirror housings (optional)Chrome or aluminum mirrors. Only listed if optional or not standard on the base trim.   [?]
Chrome or aluminum mirrors. Only listed if optional or not standard on the base trim.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Mud guardsFlaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.   [?]
Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Running boards
Sport front fascia (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sunroof
Tubular side steps
Tubular side steps, bright finish
Wheel-lip moldingsExtensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.   [?]
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Infotainment (hide)
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, in-dashIncludes CD player.   [?]
Includes CD player.
CD changer, remoteCD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.   [?]
CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.
CD player
Entertainment system, ceiling-mountedA DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.   [?]
A DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.
iPod integrationIntegrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.   [?]
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
SMS text-to-speech readerConverts text messages to speech.   [?]
Converts text messages to speech.
SYNC
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for audio systemSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Voice control for external devicesPhone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.   [?]
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Automatic-off headlightsHeadlights automatically turn off.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn off.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Front sport buckets
Second-row 3-person bench
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
All-weather floor matsAll-weather floormats.   [?]
All-weather floormats.
Aluminum trimReal aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together.   [?]
Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together.
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seatManually adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seatManually adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Memory system, driver seat
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.   [?]
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Alloy wheels
Machined alloy wheelsOuter surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.   [?]
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.
Polished alloy wheelsAlloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau   [?]
Alloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau
Sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Wheel locksLug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.   [?]
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.
White-letter tiresThe letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.   [?]
The letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.
Transmission (hide)
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.
Transmission coolerOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2008- Volkswagen Passat