The Ford Police Interceptor Utility — based on its civilian counterpart, the Explorer SUV — is the most popular law enforcement vehicle. It’s been working on police forces nationwide since it began replacing the iconic Crown Victoria as the cop car of choice. 

Arguably a big part of its appeal is Ford’s claim the Police Interceptor Utility boasts an “extreme” collision safety feature that beats competitors. So, how extreme is it?

The 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utility at a glance

The Police Interceptor Utility is the “first-ever pursuit-rated hybrid police SUV,” Ford claims. Offering three engine choices, this muscular SUV can handle various jobs, whether chasing a suspect, patrolling the streets, or responding to a scene. The first engine is a 3.3-liter V6, paired with a full-time all-wheel drivetrain, producing 318 hp. 

The second is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. It can generate 285 hp. And the third engine, a 3.3-liter direct-injection V6, can harness as much as 400 hp. These are combined outputs of the gas engine and hybrid motors when using premium fuel. 

As for gas mileage, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility standard model gets around 23 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. The 3.3-liter direct injection and 3.0-liter EcoBoost get 17 mpg in the city. On the highway, the direct-injection engine can get 23 mpg, while the EcoBoost gets 22 mpg. 

The Police Interceptor Utility can tow 5,000 pounds and haul 1,670 pounds. Cargo capacity is a generous 800 pounds in 52 cubic feet behind the second row. This SUV can hold up to five occupants. 

How the Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility withstands an ‘extreme’ rear impact

According to Ford, the Police Interceptor Utility is “the only vehicle, worldwide, engineered to meet the 75-mph rear-impact crash test.” To accomplish this feat, the SUV boasts a structure allowing it to absorb an intense impact from another vehicle. 

However, Ford notes the full-size spare tire must remain in its factory location to withstand a rear collision at such a high speed.

In addition, body reinforcements further make this vehicle stronger than your average SUV.

The brand’s police pickup truck

Another popular option for chasing down suspects is the Ford F-150 Police Responder pickup truck. It out-muscles the Interceptor SUV a little with its 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque when paired with its standard 10-speed automatic transmission. 

This pickup is fast too. It can roar from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. That’s about 1.5 seconds faster than the Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500 police trucks.

The Ford F-150 Police Responder isn’t the best on fuel, though. It gets around 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, MotorTrend reports. As for towing, it boasts a maximum 7,000-pound capacity. 

Overall, this truck and the Ford 2021 Police Interceptor Utility protect those who serve our communities. The rear-collision impact safety design keeps officers safe from rear impacts up to 75 mph, better than other vehicles’ 52-mph rating.