First responders in the U.S. are relying on American-made cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans to help move them from their headquarters to court, precarious situations, and community events. The list below features the new police vehicles that are available for sale for the 2020 model year.
2020 Ford F-150 Police Responder
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Ford says that the model features “Extreme Cop Capability”. What does that consist of? For starters, it has a standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A 5.0-liter V8 is available that gives the truck 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
Drivers can choose from Normal, Tow/Haul, Snow/Wet, EcoSelect, and Sport drive modes. Ford has equipped each model with more substantial brake calipers and pads than what are found on the traditional F-150, a 240-amp alternator, and an upgraded stabilizer bar.
The truck is pursuit rated and comes standard with a 7,000-pound towing capacity. Fleet managers can check the Trailer Tow Package box and up that capacity to 10,700 pounds. Its payload capacity is 2,030 pounds.
Ford only sells the truck in a SuperCrew 4×4 configuration, complete with a 5.5-foot cargo box.
It has a Medium Earth Gray cloth interior that delivers the most passenger space of any pursuit-rated police vehicle. The long comfort features and appointments list includes eight-way power-adjustable front seats with reduced bolsters, stab plates on the front seatbacks, locking front head restraints, and vinyl flooring. Locks, windows and sideview-mirror glass are power. Additionally, each model has a SYNC system, productivity screen, and keyless entry.
There’s a long list of available features including 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated side mirrors, fog lights, a drop-in bedliner, spray-in bedliner, advanced safety technology, engine block heater, and running boards.
Ford offers the model with a standard FX4 Off-Road Package and an available Ford Telematics system. The off-road package gives the truck off-road-tuned shock absorbers, skid plates, and an electronic-locking rear axle. Features including trailer sway control, a rearview camera, stability control, and hitch assist are standard.
2020 Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The Ford F-150 SSV is not pursuit-rated, unlike the F-150 Police Responder. Still, it’s made to stand up to the daily grind of policing.
The five-seater is available in XL SuperCab and XL SuperCrew variants, as either a 4×4 or 4×2. Buyers can choose from a 395-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 or a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.
A Trailer Tow Package is available that allows the model to tow up to 12,700 pounds. Dynamic Hitch Assist is also available.
The truck comes standard with a 240-amp alternator, cloth front seats, column-mounted shifter, vinyl rear bench seat, and vinyl floor cover. Ford offers the truck with a center-section delete in the front seats. Automatic start-stop technology is standard, as is Ford Co-Pilot360 safety and driver assistance technology that includes blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and trailer sway control.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado SSV
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
The Silverado SSV has the same engine and transmission as the Tahoe PPV and Tahoe SSV. It also comes with tow/haul mode, a 220-amp alternator, electronic stability control system, high-capacity air filter, and brake pad life monitor. A trailering package and automatic locking rear differential are available.
Chevy offers a long list of standard and available equipment including 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl bench seats in the first and second row, two 120-volt power outlets, power-adjustable outside mirrors, keyless entry, remote locking tailgate, and single-zone climate control. Additionally, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth front seat, deep tinted glass, spray-on bedliner, vertical mirrors, and wiring provisions are also available.
Buyers can choose from a short or standard size box.
Some advanced safety features are available including blind spot monitoring and alert, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear part assist, and a backup alarm.
2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility is a police-specific version of the 2020 Ford Explorer. Though similar in exterior body styling and frame, the interior stands in stark contrast to the traditional family hauler.
The Police Interceptor Utility is the first pursuit-rated hybrid police SUV and has been 75-mph rear-impact crash tested.
It’s powered by a standard 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rated at 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. Ford says that the model has a 24 mpg combined rating, which has the potential to save police departments thousands of dollars per year in fuel costs per vehicle.
A 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque) and 3.3-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) are available. Ford has replaced the traditional alternator with a high-output 220-amp DC/DC converter in the hybrid SUV. The other power plants are paired with a 250-amp alternator.
The long list of standard and available features and equipment including Bluetooth, a Class III trailer hitch receiver, deep sand/snow drive mode, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic on/off headlamps, low-/high-LED headlamps with wig-wag capability, tilt/telescoping steering column, heavy-duty anti-lock disc brakes, heavy-duty cooling system, high-capacity engine cooler, and transmission fluid cooler.
It rides on 18-inch steel wheels with a five-spoke star design. Each model comes with a full-size spare tire. Additionally, there are heavy-duty door tethers and recovery hooks.
Each model comes standard with a two-year subscription to Ford Telematics services, which allows for cloud-based insights into vehicle operations, aiding fleet managers.
The new SUV has 3.5-cubic feet more interior space than the last-gen model, most of that coming in the rear.
2020 Dodge Durango Pursuit
Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
The Dodge Durango Pursuit has been on sale since 2018. It is a pursuit-rated version of the popular Dodge Durango SUV.
The Durango Pursuit comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that is rated at 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that delivers 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque is available. The model only comes with all-wheel drive. Both engines are paired with a eight-speed automatic transmission.
Additional equipment includes load-leveling NIVOMAT shocks, a performance-tuned suspension, pursuit-rated brakes, front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch tires on aluminum wheels, and electronic stability control.
Dodge has equipped the model with a standard 7.0-inch infotainment touch screen that can integrate law enforcement systems and black cloth upholstery. It also has tri-zone climate control, a rearview camera, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 220-amp alternator, and heavy-duty oil cooler and water pump.
Additional available features include a spot lamp wiring prep package, red/white auxiliary dome lamp, 800 cold cranking amp battery.
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
Chevrolet has equipped the Tahoe PPV for daily police use. It has a 5.3-liter V8 engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The engine is parried with a six-speed automatic transmission. It comes with two batteries, one for standard vehicle operations and one for police equipment functions.
Chevy offers the SUV in two- or four-wheel drive.
The SUV can fit up to five people and has a 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity. A Class II trailering receiver, tow/haul drive mode, and trailer sway control are standard.
Chevy’s heavy-duty equipment list for the model includes a police-rated suspension and a locking rear differential. A City Brake Package with Duralife Rotors is available.
Models with the 9C1 Package (1FL) equipment group get a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 17-inch black steel wheels, a split-folding front passenger bench seat, 110-volt power outlet, black assist steps, rubberize vinyl floor covering, Bluetooth, flashing red and white rear lamps, 8-inch infotainment touch screen, keyless entry, rear air conditioning, and surveillance mode interior lighting.
Chevrolet offers a long list of available features and equipment with the model to make it more premium like automatic headlights and remote start.
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SSV
The Chevrolet Tahoe SSV is like the Tahoe PPV light. It has the same 5.3-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission but it only comes in four-wheel drive. Chevy has given it a higher towing capacity (6,400 pounds; an available trailering package ups that to 8.400 pounds) and kept the heavy-duty locking rear differential.
Models with the 5W4 Package (1FL) equipment group get tow/haul mode, hill start assist, trailer sway control, skid plates, and a smooth ride suspension.
An off-road suspension package is available.
2020 Ford Expedition/Expedition Max Special Service Vehicle
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
When the going gets tough, the tough get going and sometimes they need to keep a large stock of supplies. The Ford Expedition and extended-length Expedition Max seat up to eight in addition to cargo space. Lower the third row and there’s even more cargo space.
The front seats are covered in cloth while the second-row is covered in vinyl (cloth is available). The floor of the car is also vinyl. Buyers opting to delete the third row of the model get an array of storage bins instead of the seats with purchase.
Both models are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The SUV offers a 9,300-pound towing capacity and four-wheel drive is available (rear-wheel drive is standard). Four-wheel drive models get skid plates. There’s an electronic limited-slip differential, 17-inch heavy-duty steel wheels, and all-terrain tires too.
Ford Co-Pilot360 safety and driver assistance technology is standard.
2020 Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Electrified sedans have made their way into the police world. The Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is a purpose-built version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It’s the first pursuit-rated hybrid to the market and optimized for local patrol.
The model has a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine under its hood that is connected to an 88-kilowatt-hour electric A/C motor and a 1.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. It has an EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg in the city.
On the standard and available equipment list for the sedan is a built-in modem that works in tandem with the complimentary two-year Ford Telematics subscription that aids aid fleet managers in tracking vehicle usage. It also has a front deflector plate for underbody protection, a police-tuned suspension and brakes, police-centric instrumentation, a dial gear shift, and vinyl rear seating and flooring.
Unlike Ford’s Police Interceptor Utility SUV, the hybrid sedan does not have the structure necessary to meet the 75 mph rear-impact crash test.
2020 Ford Special Service Vehicle
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Like the Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, the Ford Special Service Vehicle (SSV) is a Ford Fusion at its core. However, the SSV is not for officers to use while on patrol. It’s designed for non-pursuit applications for officers working as detectives and in https://yourtestdriver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2023-Ford-Escape-Plug-In-Hybrid_Vapor-Blue_Ford-Escape-ST-Line-Elite_Rapid-Red_01.webpistration roles.
The plug-in hybrid electric model has an all-electric range of 25 miles and can operate on just battery power up to 85 mph. When the battery runs out, the car operates in hybrid mode, achieving 42 mpg combined with an EPA-estimated range of 610 miles.
The car has a 9.0-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that can charge in 2.5 hours on a Level 2 (240-volt) charger or in 7.5 hours when plugged into a typical household (Level 1) plug.
The car comes standard with five-spoke alloy wheels but the inside is less flashy. It has police-formed front seats with slimmed bolsters, heavy-duty fabric, and anti-stab plates. The rear bench seat and flooring are covered in vinyl. There’s also red and white task lighting and a rear power plug and auxiliary power distribution box in the trunk.
2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit
Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
Law enforcement organizations buy more Dodge Charger Pursuit models than any other pursuit-rated sedan in the U.S. For 2020, the car has gotten some upgrades. The five-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by an eight-speed automatic and the Officer Protection Package is now standard.
The Officer Protection Package features a rearview camera and sensors that detect movement behind the vehicle. It can be programmed to signal the movement via alert chimes, light flashes, windows rolling up, and doors locking. Any or all of those functionality can be activated.
Dodge has equipped the model with a performance-tuned suspension and load-leveling NIVOMAT shocks, a pursuit-rated brake package, electronic stability control, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The car rides on 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels.
The Charger Pursuit is powered by a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful but less fuel-efficient V8 engine is available. Cars with the V8 under the hood come with all-wheel drive.
Dodge’s features and equipment list for the Charger Pursuit also includes a standard 7-inch infotainment touch screen (a 12.1-inch is available), rearview camera, ballistic door panels (NIJ Level III+), black cloth upholstery, and black vinyl upholstery.
2020 Ford Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Though the van might just be going from Point A to Point B and back consistently throughout its life, it needs to get there safely and on-budget. Ford offers the Transit PTV in a number of configurations to suit the requirements of the job.
There are single, double, or triple prisoner-transport inserts and an available power-sliding passenger-side door. It comes in three roof heights, three body lengths, and with the buyer’s choice of three engines. Two engines, a standard 3.5-liter V6 and available 2.0-liter bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel, are new. A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is also available. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Drivers have access to selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Slippery, Mud-Ruts, and Tow/Haul). The model can tow up to 4,530 pounds.
Ford Co-Pilot360 safety and driver assistance technology is standard.
2020 Chevrolet Express Transport Van
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
GM has made the Chevy Express Transport Van to accommodate up to 15 passengers. It comes standard with a 4.3-liter V6 engine that achieves 276 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Powertrain and cruise grade braking, and hill start assist are included.
Three additional engine options (2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder, 6.0-liter V8, and 6.0-liter V8 CNG-capable) are available and they’re all matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. A locking rear differential is also available.
Chevrolet’s standard feature list includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, 12-passenger seating, 16-inch wheels, a 110-volt powerless, AM/FM stereo with MP3 player, daytime running lights, black rubberized vinyl floor covering, high-back front bucket seats (vinyl or cloth), a ladder-type frame, and a swing-out passenger-side door.
Keyless entry, a six-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seat, Bluetooth, 15-passennger seating, keyless entry, remote start, sliding passenger-side door, carpeted flooring, and heavy-duty trailering equipment are available.
