2013–19 Ford Explorer Police 3.7L V6 vs. 3.5L EcoBoost Engines

The 2013–2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) became one of the most widely used law enforcement vehicles in North America. Built on the Ford Explorer platform, these vehicles were used by police departments, sheriff's offices, state agencies, university police departments, federal agencies, and administrative fleets throughout the United States.

When shopping for a retired Police Interceptor Utility, buyers will typically encounter two primary engine choices:

• • 3.7L Ti-VCT Naturally Aspirated V6
• • 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6

Understanding the differences between these engines can help buyers determine which vehicle best fits their intended use.

The 3.7L V6

The 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 was the standard engine found in most 2013–2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities.

Factory Output:

• • Approximately 304–305 horsepower
• • Approximately 279 lb-ft of torque

The 3.7L is a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it does not use turbochargers. Power delivery is predictable and linear, making it a popular choice among fleet managers seeking reliability and lower operating costs.

For many agencies, the 3.7L offered the best balance between performance, durability, fuel economy, and maintenance expenses.

Advantages of the 3.7L

The biggest advantage of the 3.7L is simplicity.

Without turbochargers, intercoolers, boost plumbing, or additional turbo-related components, the engine generally has fewer systems that require maintenance.

The engine is known for:

• • Strong reliability
• • Lower repair costs
• • Easier maintenance
• • Good performance for daily driving
• • Long service life when maintained properly

Many retired administrative vehicles, detective vehicles, command staff units, fire department vehicles, and municipal fleet vehicles were equipped with the 3.7L because they did not require pursuit-level acceleration.

The 3.5L EcoBoost

Ford introduced the 3.5L EcoBoost Police Interceptor Utility beginning in the 2013 model year and continued offering it through 2019. The EcoBoost version was designed for agencies requiring maximum acceleration and pursuit performance.

Factory Output:

• • 365 horsepower
• • 350 lb-ft of torque

The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost delivers significantly stronger acceleration than the naturally aspirated 3.7L.

Many state police agencies, highway patrol units, and departments operating in high-speed pursuit environments selected the EcoBoost package.

Advantages of the 3.5L EcoBoost

The EcoBoost provides:

• • Substantially stronger acceleration
• • Higher torque output
• • Better high-speed passing power
• • Stronger pursuit performance

For buyers seeking the fastest Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility produced during this generation, the EcoBoost is the clear winner.

Reliability Comparison

For most civilian buyers, the 3.7L is generally considered the simpler and lower-cost engine to own long term.

The 3.5L EcoBoost delivers more performance but introduces additional complexity through its twin turbochargers, intercooler system, direct injection system, and associated components.

Many fleet managers preferred the 3.7L because maintenance costs were generally lower over the life of the vehicle.

Common 3.7L Engine Problems

While the 3.7L has a strong reputation, it is not without known issues.

Internal Water Pump Failure

The most discussed issue involving the 3.7L engine is the internal water pump design.

The water pump is driven by the timing chain and located inside the front engine cover. When the water pump fails, coolant can enter the crankcase and contaminate engine oil. If the problem is not caught quickly, severe engine damage can occur.

Symptoms may include:

• • Coolant loss
• • Coolant in engine oil
• • Milky oil appearance
• • Engine overheating
• • Bearing damage

This repair is labor intensive because the timing components must be removed to access the pump.

Timing Chain Wear

Higher mileage vehicles may develop timing chain wear or timing component issues, particularly when oil change intervals have been extended.

Ignition Components

Coils and spark plugs are routine maintenance items and may require replacement as mileage increases.

Common 3.5L EcoBoost Problems

The EcoBoost shares some of the same basic architecture as the 3.7L but introduces additional systems.

Internal Water Pump Failure

Like the 3.7L, the EcoBoost uses the same internal water pump design and is susceptible to similar failures.

Carbon Buildup

Because the EcoBoost uses direct fuel injection, carbon deposits can accumulate on intake valves over time.

Symptoms may include:

• • Rough idle
• • Reduced performance
• • Misfires
• • Decreased fuel economy

Carbon buildup is a well-known maintenance issue on many direct-injection engines.

Timing Chain Stretch

Earlier generations of the EcoBoost family experienced timing chain wear and stretch issues, particularly when oil maintenance was neglected.

Turbocharger Related Repairs

Although generally durable, turbochargers add additional components that can eventually require service.

Potential issues include:

• • Turbo wear
• • Boost leaks
• • Intercooler issues
• • Vacuum system failures

These repairs can be significantly more expensive than comparable repairs on a naturally aspirated engine.

Transmission Concerns

Both engines were paired with Ford's 6-speed automatic transmission during the 2013–2019 Police Interceptor Utility production run.

Most transmissions provide long service life when properly maintained.

Buyers should still inspect for:

• • Delayed shifting
• • Harsh shifts
• • Transmission fluid leaks
• • Transfer case or AWD component issues

Vehicles with extensive idling hours or aggressive pursuit use may show accelerated wear compared to administrative fleet vehicles.

Why Administrative Vehicles Often Matter

One of the biggest misconceptions in the retired police vehicle market is that every Police Interceptor Utility served as a patrol vehicle.

Many units spent their entire careers as:

• • Detective vehicles
• • Administrative vehicles
• • Command staff vehicles
• • Fire department fleet vehicles
• • Municipal inspection vehicles
• • Government agency transportation vehicles

These vehicles often accumulate mileage differently than front-line patrol units and may experience less severe operating conditions.

Each vehicle should be evaluated individually using maintenance records, engine hours, idle hours, service history, and overall condition rather than assumptions about prior use.

Final Thoughts

The 3.7L remains the preferred choice for many buyers seeking simplicity, lower operating costs, and proven durability.

The 3.5L EcoBoost remains the performance leader, offering substantially more power and acceleration for buyers willing to accept additional mechanical complexity.

Neither engine should automatically be avoided. Condition, maintenance history, idle hours, and overall vehicle care are often more important than the engine option itself.

For buyers researching retired Police Interceptor Utilities, one of the most valuable steps is learning how to identify former administrative vehicles, command staff units, and lower-use government fleet vehicles before bidding.

Continue your research through the guides, articles, auction resources, and search tools available on UXAuctions.com to learn how experienced buyers locate and evaluate government vehicles before they place a bid.