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Ford Benchmarking Chevy Tahoe PPV

Just like the rest of the auto industry, Ford regularly evaluates rival vehicles, including those from GM, with just a few recent examples including the 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06, the Chevy Camaro ZL1, the Chevy Silverado, and the GMC Hummer EV, as reported by our sister publication, Ford Authority. Now, Ford has been caught benchmarking the Chevy Tahoe PPV.

For those who may be unaware, the Chevy Tahoe PPV, or Police Pursuit Vehicle, is a direct rival for the Ford Expedition SSV, or Special Service Vehicle. As one might expect, the Chevy Tahoe is equipped with a range of equipment specifically tailored for law enforcement, such as heavy-duty suspension components that are well-suited for either paved or unpaved surfaces. The naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine can be found under the hood, with output directed through the GM 10-speed automatic transmission (RPO code MHU). Output is rated at 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. The SUV also rides on V-rated Firestone tires mounted on steel wheels, under which is equipped a set of 16-inch Brembo brakes up front.

Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition SSV is motivated by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine, also connecting to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Output in the Ford is rated at upwards of 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. A two-speed transfer case with automatic four-wheel drive help to put it to the ground. A set of 17-inch steel wheels can be found in the corners.

Of course, Ford is keen to test out the civilian spec models from the GM lineup, as well. Per previous Ford Authority coverage, the Blue Oval brand was spotted benchmarking the Chevy Tahoe Premier last year. Just like in police-spec SUV, the civilian-spec Chevy Tahoe rivals the civilian-spec Ford Expedition in the full-size SUV segment.

Notably, Ford has typically been the most popular automaker in the U.S when it comes to law enforcement, most thanks to the Police Interceptor Utility, which accounts for roughly half of all new U.S. police vehicle sales.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. From personal experience, the Tahoe is a vastly superior police vehicle to the Ford Explorer.

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    1. Yup, sounds like Ford knows that too.

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    2. If you are truly taking Tahoe vs Explorer there should be no comparison. They are in a different vehicle class. Not every police vehicle slot justifies the expense of a Tahoe!

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      1. The PPV is much cheaper than civilian model.

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    3. The Tahoe is the competitor to the Expedition, not the Explorer. So it is a major difference with tons of room, and larger engine. I had a 2014 explorer and now have a ’22 Explorer ST. The ST has the same drivetrain, tune, config, etc.. as the ppv, and that thing gets up and goes! Over 400hp in a smaller SUV is awesome. The handling and breaks are amazing too. I think more officers will like the new Explorer config, bigger feeling config and power as more depts get new vehicles. All Phoenix Police has used an all Tahoe fleet for over a decade now and seeing the new models showing up, looks awesome! Meanwhile cities around Phoenix use explorers in glendale, and in Peoria, they use explorers and F150’s for the outskirts in the desert. DPS (highway patrol) has a mix of explorers, expeditions, Tahoe’s, F150s, and even an orange hellcat charger and a bright yellow Camero (Both unmarked) and they have a history or chosing impounded vehicles turning into unmarked vehicles.

      Competition is good! Each co looking at competition to see what to include, change, improve. Drives price down and features up, (unless they get together and illigal price fix).

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    4. The direct competition to the Explorer is the Durango. I’ve heard complaints about the Explorer’s engines: the base V6 is underpowered, the EcoBoost has too much turbo lag for pursuit driving. The Durango has a V8 option.

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  2. When it’s time to go we be driving the ‘Hoe !

    BOWTIE POWER

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  3. Used police cars are the best to buy to operate for a taxi cab because of the rubber floors, thick vinyl rear seat covering and all the other HD suspension, brake and steel police wheels that are vented for high speed braking cooling. Even the door hinges are extra heavy duty as well as front and rear window sealing, which prevents squeaking for at least 200,000 miles. The valve springs and valves are extra heavy duty, along with other minor engines parts. They are usually form the same version of the engines used for trucks. Even the transmission will have a different torque converter ratio for faster acceleration from a stop. Roof interior insulation is much better too in a police car. The police car ride is firmer and you feel the bumps more than a regular car of the identical model. BUT, they corner like they are on rails and it feels so great to know you are driving a safer vehicle. Oh, did i forget to mention the supports for the front and rear bumpers? Yes they are about double the steel support behind the bumper compared to the civilian of the same car. Seat springs are also heavy duty as is the seat covering. And the engine won’t overheat when you are driving 130 MPH. Yes, i did that but it was running on propane so the engine had about 8 percent more HP and about 50 pounds feet of torque. Such fun.

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    1. Why would the roof insulation be better? Yeah those police cars are just superior. I just looked on Autotempest and you can get a 2021 Ford Explorer Police with the 3.0 Ecoboost with 9k miles for 36k. That thing is a rocket and definitely a better buy than the ST.

      Reply

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