Ford introduced its first official Police Package on the brand’s Custom model in 1950. However, upfitters modified the company’s vehicles for law enforcement duty well before that, including at least one police van as far back as 1918. Regardless of who built these models, the Blue Oval’s products have been in first-responder service for over a century.
Ford is now updating its police, fire, and government vehicle range by introducing a version of the latest Expedition Special Service Vehicle (SSV). Like the consumer-spec model, this one is larger than the Explorer, in case departments need the extra space to haul additional equipment.
What To Know About The Ford Expedition SSV
Ford offers the updated Expedition SSV in two seating configurations. One of them has two rows for occupants, and the other has space for three rows. They also have a system to prevent unauthorized access to the rear cargo area. A dark mode shuts off the lights during stakeouts.
This version of the SUV comes with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 making 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet. All of them come with four-wheel drive and a high- and low-range transfer case.
These vehicles are capable of towing, too. The three-row Max version can haul up to 9,600 pounds with a load-leveling bar. Technology like Ford’s pro trailer hitch assist, trailer backup assist, cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage make this job even easier.
More Details About This First-Responder Model
Inside, the Expedition SSV models have cloth upholstery and vinyl floors. The 24-inch panoramic screens from the production model also appear in this application. Ford touts the SUV’s split-folding tailgate as making it quicker to grab gear because folks don’t need to open the whole panel to access the interior.
Ford makes its police vehicles safer by introducing pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and intersection assist to the Expedition SSV. Both of these features help first responders to avoid potential collisions with civilians.
First responder organizations can now place their orders for the updated Expedition SSV. Production takes place at the Kentucky Truck Plant.
TopSpeed’s Take
Ford is one of the dominant producers of emergency vehicles, and the company isn’t giving up on this lucrative market. Offering an SUV above the Explorer to these departments makes sense because the Expedition can carry more.
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