Ford is updating its lineup of Special Service Vehicles to include the updated 2018 F-150 and all-new 2018 Expedition. The pair joins the Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan and Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility. Altogether, the foursome provides the widest vehicle array designed for police and government use by any one automaker.

The F-150 and Expedition SSV are fitted with special equipment designed to accommodate aftermarket upfiting with warning lights, communication radios, and laptop stands. The XL trim level brings heavy-duty rubber flooring and vinyl seats for easy clean up. Even the front 40/20/40-split bench is replaced by a 40/blank/40-split bench to accommodate center command consoles – all to make the F-150 and Expedition ready for duty. Furthermore, the gear shifters are column-mounted for more free space down low.

Ford is limiting the drivetrain choices for the F-150, allowing only the revamped 5.0-liter V-8 and the new, second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. Both are connected to the new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Expedition is solely powered by the EcoBoost engine and 10-speed automatic. A 3.73 ratio and limited slip are standard in the Expedition’s rear differential. A high-output 240-amp alternator provides more power than the standard unit, making enough juice to power the bevy of equipment often found in police vehicles.

Police departments and other government agencies can order their vehicles with either RWD or 4WD. The F-150 is available in both SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, while the Expedition only comes in its standard length.

“While our Police Interceptor Utility remains the best-selling law enforcement vehicle in the country by a large margin, some agencies need to haul five people with higher equipment-carrying capacity, or off-road capabilities are required,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “That’s where the F-150 SSV and Expedition SSV come in.”

The F-150 and Expedition SSVs are not pursuit-rated, so don’t expect to see one involved in a high-speed chase, though both the V-8 and EcoBoost should have no trouble hitting triple-digit speeds. The SSV packages should become available in the latter parts of 2017.

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Why It Matters

The F-150 and Expedition are no strangers to law enforcement and government work. For years, these vehicles have been used as special service roles like K9, forestry, SWAT, and others. Ford’s update of these vehicles only makes sense. The automaker’s dominance of the law enforcement field has enjoyed a long and venerable career. The updates built into the F-150 and Expedition, including the aluminum bodies, second-gen EcoBoost engine, 10-speed automatic, automatic start/stop system, and revised interiors should prove very welcomed to the public safety community.