Ford Reveals 2020 Police Interceptor Utility, A Tech-Loaded Hybrid Explorer

Fans of the good old American SUV will getting their first look at Ford's 2020 Explorer next week when the truck makes its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. However, the car maker has given us an early look by revealing the new law-enforcement model, the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility. But not only does the police vehicle show off the visual design we expect to see on the next Explorer, it promises to be more fuel efficient with a hybrid model.

The new standard drivetrain for the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility is a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid. Ford says this model is 1.1 seconds faster to reach 60 mph than the outgoing 3.7-liter model, and its fuel economy is 41% better with an estimated 24 mpg combined. The hybrid option could also benefit taxpayers as well, as Ford believes it can reduce fuel costs by as much as $5,700 per car annually.

The other two engine options include a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 for those police departments that need something a little more powerful, and a non-hybrid 3.3-liter V6. All three drivetrains are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

To protect the officers inside, the new Police Interceptor Utility is outfitted with several new tech features. The Police Interceptor Utility system uses sensors to monitor a 270-degree area around the vehicle for possible threats from blind spots, automatically locking the doors and notifying drivers if movement is detected. There's also a rear view camera system and anti-stab plates behind the front seats.

On top of all this are a number of driver-assist features from Ford's civilian vehicles, including autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection. The car maker says the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility will be on the roads starting this summer.

SOURCE Ford