When the Crown Victoria bowed out of production, law enforcement agencies needed a replacement. Ford answered with the 2014 Ford Taurus Police Benson, a specialized interceptor package that transformed a civilian sedan into a rugged law enforcement workhorse. Despite early skepticism surrounding the platform's initial rollout, this police-spec sedan became a familiar sight across American highways and city streets.
The Taurus Police Benson combined utility, officer safety, and mechanical upgrades designed specifically for the grueling demands of patrol duty. It wasn't just a basic sedan with a light bar; it was an extensively re-engineered machine built to handle the intense wear and tear of emergency services.
The Genesis of the Police Interceptor Program
When Ford discontinued the venerable body-on-frame Crown Victoria in 2011, departments panicked. The rear-wheel-drive sedan had been the gold standard for police work for decades. To fill the void, Ford adapted its unibody Taurus and Explorer platforms for duty, naming the sedan the Police Interceptor Sedan. The specific "Benson" designation refers to heavy-duty fleet configurations and equipment packages built to handle intense municipal usage.
Transitioning a civilian platform to police specifications required structural reinforcements. Ford equipped the Taurus with heavy-duty safety cages, intrusion beams, and a revised suspension setup. The engineers also addressed the unique weight demands of modern patrol cars. Police cruisers carry computers, heavy radios, prisoner partitions, and emergency gear that can easily add hundreds of pounds of cargo weight. The Taurus chassis was beefed up to support this load without sagging or compromising handling dynamics. Observers at Bloomberg have shared their thoughts on this matter.
Mechanical Upgrades and Powertrain Options
Underneath the hood, the standard civilian engine wouldn't survive prolonged idling and high-speed pursuits. Ford offered two primary engine choices for the 2014 model year, both designed to handle severe abuse.
The base engine was a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 producing 288 horsepower, paired with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. For agencies requiring maximum acceleration, Ford offered the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. This twin-turbocharged powerplant pumped out 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, sending power exclusively to an intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
- Upgraded Cooling Systems: High-capacity radiators and auxiliary oil coolers prevented overheating during summer idling and high-speed pursuits.
- Heavy-Duty Braking: Larger brake rotors, high-friction pads, and ventilated calipers resisted brake fade during repeated high-speed stops.
- High-Output Alternators: A 145-amp or optional dual-alternator setup powered light bars, mobile data terminals, and sirens without draining the battery.
- Severe-Duty Wheels: Reinforced steel wheels were engineered to withstand harsh impacts from potholes and curbs during urban maneuvers.
Interior Layout and Ergonomics
An officer's office is their patrol car, making ergonomics essential. The interior of the 2014 Taurus Police Benson received a complete overhaul compared to its civilian counterpart. Ford removed the front center console to allow agencies to mount custom equipment mounting plates, radios, and weapon racks.
Front bucket seats were contoured to accommodate an officer's duty belt, reducing lower back fatigue during 12-hour shifts. The upholstery featured heavy-duty, easy-to-clean vinyl or heavy-weave cloth designed to resist tears from equipment and moisture. Rear compartments were often fitted with molded plastic prisoner transport seats and security partitions, prioritizing durability and easy sanitization.
Real-World Performance and Handling
While the Crown Victoria was known for its plush, boat-like ride and forgiving solid rear axle, the Taurus offered a vastly different driving dynamic. The all-wheel-drive system provided exceptional grip in wet, snowy, or muddy conditions. For northern departments, this traction advantage was a game-changer during winter storms.
However, the car wasn't without its critics. Officers transitioning from the rear-wheel-drive Crown Vic noted that the Taurus felt heavier and exhibited more front-end plow during aggressive cornering. Visibility was another common complaint. The thick A-pillars and high beltline of the Taurus chassis created blind spots that required extra caution when pulling out of intersections or navigating tight alleyways.
Despite these quirks, the EcoBoost variant offered blistering straight-line speed that easily outperformed older V8 cruisers. According to Michigan State Police vehicle evaluations, the EcoBoost Taurus could sprint from zero to 60 mph in roughly six seconds, making it one of the quickest patrol cars of its era.
Common Issues and Maintenance Realities
Fleet managers care about total cost of ownership, and the Taurus had specific maintenance quirks that technicians had to watch for.
- Water Pump Wear: The internal water pump on the 3.5L V6 engines required monitoring. If a seal failed, coolant could leak directly into the engine oil, risking catastrophic engine failure if ignored.
- Power Steering Complexity: The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system was reliable, but high-mileage units occasionally required complete rack replacements when sensors failed.
- Brake Wear: Due to the vehicle's heavy curb weight—often exceeding 4,300 pounds with gear—front brake pads and rotors wore out faster than they did on lighter civilian sedans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine came standard in the 2014 Taurus Police Benson?
The standard engine was a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 producing 288 horsepower, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 pushed output to 365 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive.
Was the police Taurus available in rear-wheel drive?
No. Unlike the Ford Crown Victoria and the competing Dodge Charger Pursuit, the Taurus Police Interceptor was built on a front-wheel-drive unibody platform, with all-wheel drive serving as the preferred configuration for police duty.
Why did police departments stop using the Taurus?
Ford discontinued the Taurus entirely in North America in 2019 as consumer preferences shifted overwhelmingly toward SUVs. As existing fleets aged, departments replaced them with the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, based on the Explorer.
How fast could the EcoBoost Taurus police car go?
The top speed of the EcoBoost-equipped Taurus was electronically limited to 130 mph, balanced for pursuit stability and tire safety ratings.
Can civilians buy a retired police Taurus?
Yes. Once departments retire their fleets after 100,000 to 150,000 miles, these vehicles are sold at government surplus auctions. Buyers should inspect the transmission, cooling system, and idle hours before purchasing.
