With the new 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle hitting the market, we take an in-depth look at some of the key features every fleet manager will want to know about.
1. Exterior Changes
From the outside, it doesn’t look like much has changed with the new design. For a vehicle with a completely new platform, it looks remarkably similar to the previous, front-drive-based model. But taking a closer look, you will begin to notice that the proportions are very different: the rear-wheel-drive layout allows for a much shorter front overhang and a much longer rear cargo area, providing the new Ford Interceptor Utility with a leaner and sleeker look. This model is a little bigger than 2019, with a longer wheelbase that translates to more interior space. Ford has added aluminum to the body as well as more boron high-strength steel, for an average weight savings of about 200 pounds.
2. The EcoBoost is making history when it comes to speed
At the 2019 Michigan State Police Tests, the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility EcoBoost turned the fastest 0-60 mph (5.77 seconds) and 0-100 mph times (13.59 seconds) of all vehicles tested, including sedans. The EcoBoost also had the highest top speed of any vehicle tested, at 150 mph. “This is a historic moment in police vehicle development. A heavier SUV just became the fastest police vehicle period, even against sedans.” – Police Fleet Manager Nov-Dec 2018 Cover Story
3. The all new Hybrid is no slouch either
The Hybrid also has some serious speed and next-generation technology behind it. Per Andrew Wendler at Car and Driver Magazine, “the powertrain comprises a 285-hp naturally aspirated V-6 and a 44-hp electric motor, with total output of 318 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission similar to the unit used in other Ford vehicles handles the gear swaps. Combined, the hybrid system works transparently, continuously reevaluating system demands, vehicle speed, ambient and component temperatures, and other variables, and adjusting performance and battery charge to the optimal levels, using the internal-combustion engine, electric motor, or both. It also has regenerative charging under braking or coasting. It’s 0-60 tested at 7.27 seconds with a top speed of 137 mph. Projected stopping distance from 60 mph for the Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid is 129.4 feet.” What does this all translate to? This vehicle achieves “hauls ass” status and performs the way a cop car should, with no compromises.
4. Expect serious cost savings on gas with the Hybrid
According to Car and Driver, Ford claims some pretty lofty fuel savings estimates for the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid: in comparison to the 2019 Ford Interceptor Utility with the 3.7-liter V-6, the hybrid can save 1276 gallons of fuel per year. The hybrid version is listed at 24-mpg combined rating from the EPA, while the previous 3.7-liter vehicle was rated at 17 mpg combined. At an estimated 20,000 miles per year, 1173 gallons of fuel for the previous version would equal 833 gallons for the hybrid – a savings of 343 gallons. Multiply that by gasoline at $2.75 a gallon, and you are looking at a savings of $3509 a year in fuel costs.
5. NOT an Explorer
These vehicles aren’t just Explorers taken off the assembly line and converted into police vehicles, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility is treated by Ford as a completely separate vehicle. The Interceptor Utility receives a whole host of different parts than the civilian Explorer. For one, the Utility has much larger brakes with custom steel wheels and thicker tires. The suspension is tuned differently, the transmission calibration is different and the interior is far less comfortable than the civilian Explorer but geared to handle hundreds of pounds of police equipment. There is also an extra 160 pounds of metal in the rear to create the 75 mph collision rating.
CargoRAXX is still compatible with the 2020 Ford Interceptor Utility
With the new 2020 Interceptor Utility, you will be able to swap out your old CargoRAXX units into the new models without any modifications.
(Information from this blog is pulled from Car and Driver “2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid AWD Saves Fuel, Hauls Ass”, Police Fleet Manager Magazine’s Nov-Dec 2018 Cover Story “2019 Michigan State Police Tests”, CNET’s “2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility quick drive: The long, green arm of the law”, and Cars.com’s “2020 Ford Explorer: Back to the Future”)
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