Why America’s New Standard Cop Car Is A Ford SUV

Peering into the rearview mirror you catch that dreaded red, white and blue flashing as if you’re front row at a Bruce Springsteen concert—the thought of which sounds awesome, the reality of which is not. We’ve all been there: our hearts racing; our minds flustered, desperately seeking a believable excuse: “My wife is having a baby!” or “In Germany ve call zis ze autobahn.”

Officer Tenover gives you a ticket regardless. But what vehicle is he driving? Not long ago it would be the eminent Crown Vic, and more recently perhaps a Dodge Charger or a Chevy Caprice. Odds are though, in 2015, it’s a Ford SUV.

Battling for police fleet supremacy, the Blue Oval announced today that its modified Taurus and Explorers have reached 61 percent U.S. marketshare, up from below 40 percent just three years ago, according to the latest registration data from Polk/IHS Automotive, with the SUV outselling the sedan.