Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptors Achieve Pursuit Rating
Ford's Taurus and Explorer-based Police Interceptors have passed the pursuit rating test, confirming their readiness for high-speed police operations in the US fleet market.
Ford’s Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor models have passed the official pursuit rating test, clearing a crucial hurdle for deployment in police fleets across the United States. The test, which assesses a vehicle’s ability to withstand the rigours of sustained high-speed driving and emergency manoeuvres, is a requirement for police vehicles intended for pursuit work.
The pursuit rating is awarded following a series of demanding tests conducted by law enforcement agencies, typically including sustained high-speed laps, emergency braking, and obstacle avoidance. Vehicles must demonstrate not only outright speed but also the ability to maintain performance and stability under the stress of repeated hard use. Passing the test is essential for any model to be considered for front-line police duties in the US, where police vehicles regularly face high-speed chases and urgent response calls.
What the pursuit rating means for Ford's police fleet
With both the Taurus and Explorer-based Police Interceptors now officially pursuit-rated, Ford strengthens its position in the US law enforcement market. The Taurus Police Interceptor, based on the large saloon, and the Explorer Police Interceptor, derived from the SUV, offer departments a choice between traditional sedan and more versatile SUV body styles. This flexibility is important as police fleets increasingly look for vehicles that can serve a variety of operational needs, from high-speed pursuit to equipment transport and patrol duties.
The Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptors compete directly with offerings such as the Dodge Charger Pursuit, which is also pursuit-rated and widely adopted by US agencies. Ford’s previous Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was the mainstay of American police fleets for decades, and the company has sought to maintain that dominance with its newer models. Achieving pursuit rating is a key step in convincing departments to transition to the latest vehicles.
- Taurus Police Interceptor: Saloon-based, suitable for traditional patrol and pursuit roles.
- Explorer Police Interceptor: SUV-based, offering increased space and all-weather capability.
Eligibility for police contracts and fleet impact
Passing the pursuit test makes both models eligible for a wider range of police contracts, as many agencies require pursuit-rated vehicles for their front-line fleets. Departments can now specify Taurus or Explorer Interceptors with confidence that the vehicles meet the necessary standards for durability and performance in demanding police work.
Ford’s success with these models follows other recent developments in the pursuit vehicle market, including the introduction of hybrid and pickup-based police vehicles. The company’s continued investment in police-specific engineering reflects the value of fleet sales and the importance of meeting strict operational requirements. For more on Ford's hybrid and pickup pursuit vehicles, seeFord Police Responder Hybrid and F-150 Achieve Pursuit Rating.
