The 2018 F-150 XL Police Responder, the nation’s first pursuit-rated pickup, recently underwent testing by the Michigan State Police.
Pursuit ratings are determined by vehicle manufacturers. Ford then uses a third party to validate its claims. So last month, during Michigan State Police testing – which includes a grueling 32-lap pursuit simulation at Grattan Raceway – Ford’s pursuit rating was confirmed for its F-150 Responder as well its 2019 Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, the first hybrid to be granted a pursuit rating.
“Our new Fusion-based Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is quicker than our legendary V8-powered Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, while offering fuel efficiency that’s estimated to be double that,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “Plus, our new F-150 Police Responder offers police customers both on-road pursuit and off-road capability.”
The simulation tests overall vehicle durability, including powertrain, suspension, brake and tire systems.
The F-150 Responder, powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, went from zero to 60 in 6.3 seconds, tying with the Police Interceptor Utility.
Test results for Ford’s new Responder Hybrid Sedan are impressive. The hybrid bested the once-ubiquitous Crown Victoria by more than one second in 0-100 mph performance – 23.1 seconds versus 24.4 seconds.
The Crown Vic had an EPA-estimated rating of 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Ford’s new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan has a projected EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined – making it twice as efficient as the Crown Vic. Final EPA-estimated ratings come at a later date.
Given the hybrid’s impressive performance over the Crown Vic, one can’t help but wonder if Ford’s upcoming hybrid F-150 will also be marketed to law enforcement. In January, Ford announced that the truck will be available in 2020.