Ever since the discontinuation of the Crown Victoria, Ford has established dominance on the law enforcement auto market only ceding little ground to competitors. The automaker is set to strengthen its stranglehold on this market even further with the release of the 2018 Ford F-150 Police Special Service Vehicle along with the 2018 Ford Expedition Special Service Vehicle. The Ford Expedition SSV is reviewed separately. In addition to police duty, Special service vehicles are also used by other government agencies such as forestry service. The vehicles are also offered to fleet customers as they offer greater cargo carrying space, towing capability as well as a higher level of off-road capability.
2018 Ford F-150 Police Special Service Vehicle Exterior
Ford has barely altered the exterior of the 2018 Ford F-150 SSV compared to that of the regular models. The only additions that set the SSV from the civilian model are the decals and the lightbar. Ford, however, said that the model features advanced materials that inhibit corrosions, especially under its belly.
Interior
Unlike the civilian models, the SSV does not feature any luxury add-ons such as leather seats, heating on the seats and other luxury trappings. The cabin is very simple to ensure officers concentrate on their duties. On the inside, the truck features a 40/blank/40 vinyl bench seat at the front rather than the 40/20/40 bench on civilian models. This has allowed for extra customization of the cabin.
The standard rear bench and carpets have been replaced with a vinyl bench and also vinyl flooring respectively to ease cleaning up of the SSV. The 2018 Ford F-150 SSV will be offered in only the XL trim and in both SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles.
Engine and performance
The 2018 F-150 Police SSV shares the base engine with the 2018 Expedition SSV. The engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.5 L, EcoBoost V-6. Ford did not reveal whether this engine has been tuned for more power. In civilian models, it produces 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. However, there is an option for a more powerful engine for the truck. The unit is the 5.0 L, V-8. The V-8 is rated at 385 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque in civilian models. The two engines are paired with the automaker’s new ten-speed automatic gearbox. This transmission features an Auto Start-Stop function to help conserve fuel so that taxpayers don’t complain about the police using guzzlers.
The models are available in either RWD or AWD. In addition, the stock alternator on current models has been replaced with a 240-amp alternator that aligns well with the extra onboard electrical power and the need for extended idle times. The gear selector for the model is mounted on the steering column to create more space in the cabin. The automaker has also hooked up the model with a revised electronic limited-slip differential.
Price and release date
During the release of the F-150 SSV and the Expedition SSV, Ford did not announce how much the police and other government agencies would be paying for the upgraded SSVs. The models will be delivered to authorities in the second half of this year.
