From Jalopnik · Marko Mikulic · · 1m 10s
Most Police Cars No Longer Have V8 Engines
Police fleets shift from V8s to efficient V6s after fuel costs and performance tests.
In brief
Police fleets shift from V8s to efficient V6s after fuel costs and performance tests. U.S. police departments now use V6 engines in most patrol cars due to better fuel economy and performance metrics. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
V8s in Police Cars Decline
Most U.S. police departments no longer use V8 engines in patrol cars.
Ford Crown Victoria Production Ended
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor production ended in 2011, with its Taurus-based successor ending in 2019.
Fuel Costs Drive V6 Adoption
V8s burn more fuel when idling, costing departments up to $150,000 annually in savings with hybrids.
Ford Police Interceptor Utility
Ford Police Interceptor Utility comes standard with a 318 hp 3.3-liter hybrid V6 engine.
Performance Tests Show V6 Advantage
2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility V6 reached 148 mph and lapped Grattan Raceway in 96 seconds.
V8s Still Exist But Are Rare
Chevy Camaro SS 1LE with 6.2-liter V8 is now in California Highway Patrol fleet as its final Camaro cruiser.
Ford Dominates Police Fleet
In Q3 2025, Ford police vehicles accounted for 60.6% of the police vehicle segment.
The takeaway
U.S. police departments now use V6 engines in most patrol cars due to better fuel economy and performance metrics.
