How many times have you found yourself wondering whether the Ford Explorer in your rearview mirror was a police vehicle or just a regular SUV?
Well, there is now a spotter’s guide to help you differentiate an everyday Ford Explorer from a Police Interceptor Utility. Created by the team at Blue Springs Ford Parts, the comprehensive graphic offers a detailed list of differences between the two SUVs.
Why would anyone find such a thing useful? Rob Wagner, parts director at Blue Springs Ford Parts, explains.
“Who hasn’t had a moment when the left lane is wide open and you’re celebrating it with a little more pressure on the pedal and feeling good? Seeing a white or black Explorer approaching behind you is definitely a buzz kill. We wanted to find some quick ways to tell if you’re about to be pulled over. Fortunately, Ford made some updates to the 2018 Explorer that are going to help us all.”
The updates made to the 2018 Ford Explorer have not been added to the 2016+ Police Interceptor, so the two vehicles are now easier to differentiate. For example, the turn signals are shaped like an upside-down letter “L” on 2018 Explorer, while Interceptors have C-shaped signals.
Another key difference is on the side mirrors: 2016+ Interceptors have a row of lights at the top of the mirrors, while 2018 Explorers have lights along the bottom half of the mirror or no lights at all (depending on the trim level).
There are more differences highlighted in the following graphic, but before you check them out remember one thing that will keep you out of trouble: follow traffic laws and you’ll never have to know how a Police Interceptor Utility differs from a regular Explorer. And don’t forget there are also some stealthy Interceptor Utilities out there.
