It’s not uncommon for rival automakers to “borrow” competing vehicles for benchmarking purposes. Ford keeps a close eye on its longtime crosstown competition, General Motors, and routinely evaluates its vehicles. Recently, Ford Authority has spotted several GM vehicles in the hands of The Blue Oval, including a Chevy Corvette C8, a Chevy Camaro ZL1, a Duramax-powered Chevy Silverado LTZ and a GMC Hummer EV Pickup. Now, we’ve caught Ford benchmarking a Chevy Tahoe PPV.
As a reminder, Tahoe PPV stands for Police Pursuit Vehicle. This large police-spec SUV competes directly with the Ford Expedition SSV, or Special Services Vehicle. The Tahoe PPV gets its power from GM’s 5.3L EcoTec3 L83 V8 paired with the automaker’s 10-speed automatic transmission, and features upgraded mechanical over its civilian counterparts that help improve its performance. This also includes a heavy duty braking setup, with six-piston Brembo calipers clamped around large 16-inch rotors. The yellow sticker affixed to the rear window denotes this particular vehicle as property of Ford.
For comparison, the Expedition SSV is powered by Ford’s turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, rated at 480 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with the automaker’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Like the Chevy Tahoe PPV, the Expedition SSV has been granted performance upgrades to handle heavy duty driving, such as a lower ride height than the civilian-spec Expedition, a specially tuned suspension and heavy duty braking system.
The Blue Oval’s police vehicles have proven extremely popular, and have consistently dominated special vehicle fleet sales over the past few years. Larger SUVs and crossovers have become increasingly popular for police fleets, a market that Ford seems to have cornered with vehicles like its Expedition SSV.
2022 Ford Expedition SSV
In late 2021, Ford Authority also spotted a civilian Chevy Tahoe being benchmarked by Ford, indicating that the automaker is very interested in keeping an eye on its crosstown rival’s popular SUV.
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Comments
After seeing a few variations of the Bronco concept vehicles, I am disappointed that ford went retro with the ugly first generation Bronco. I think the first generation Bronco is one of the ugliest things ever made by Ford. Fortunately, I never rode in one, but I can imagine the ride was probably similar to riding in a Jeep CJ, incredibly rough, and bouncy. I hate the way the DRLs dissect the headlights of the new Broncos, which reminds me of the ugly Chevy grille treatments of the 2000’s, where the bowtie appeared to elongate across the entire grille.
I wish Ford would have stayed true to the vehicle’s heritage, and only offered a two door model. I also wish Ford would based the new Bronco on the last generation, full size Bronco. I’ve heard of the new Bronco referred to as a mid size vehicle, but I’m sure it’s more of a mini SUV. The only real mid sized truck was the Dodge Dakota.
To me, it’s just disappointing that after years or rumors, and hype that Ford didn’t build a full size, two door Bronco. The concept Bronco I liked had the front end of a new F-150, and full sized body. I know not everyone will agree with me, but one would think that Ford would want to compete with Chevy’s full size Blazer. I never really understood the mini truck market. You pay just as much, or even more for a scaled down version, which gets only slightly better fuel mileage, or in many cases, worse mileage. I know most people are going crazy over this overpriced, mini SUV, but I’m not. Two thumbs down, Ford, way down!
“ I never really understood…”
Should have led with this and quit shortly thereafter.
Not to be deliberately rude, but how do your comments have anything to do with the article on building and supplying Police use vehicles, a market that Ford as done very well in over the years?
I was just wondering the same thing.
Haters going to Hate!
I think Billy missed the point on the Bronco. All the reviews are good to great. People love the looks and you have to get on a waiting list to get one. I think most people like the retro look of the Bronco. Billy must be a closet GM man trying to spread disinformation. And as others have said why mention the Bronco here. I am a sworn officer and I can tell you that the Ford Police vehicles are at the top of their game.
Was thinking he was a dodge dealer before he pivoted to GM, do who knows.
But max LoL and peak bonkers was achieved early on with “fortunately I never rode in one but in my mind they have a bad bouncy ride”!
As a law enforcement professional, I think there’s an mis-comparison with Tahoe vs Expedition. Agencies don’t choose between a Tahoe and Expedition, they choose between a Tahoe and an Explorer. The correct rival would be Expedition vs Suburban. Both longer wheel base vehicles aren’t a favorite of Patrol Use. So if Ford has a Tahoe it’s because they want to figure out why agencies are choosing it compared to explorer, not the SSV Expedition. Even when fleet dealers talk to us as agencies they suggest Explorer PPV vs Expedition.