Ford’s Neuer Stern am Polizeihimmel: Der 2025 Police Interceptor Utility Steht Bereit

America's most popular police vehicle is now a hybrid with a fresh update

The 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility arrives with enhanced safety features and a choice of three engines

Let's face it: When you picture a US patrol car, the image that likely comes to mind is the iconic, long, black-and-white Ford Crown Victoria, careening around corners in a high-speed chase like a palm tree swaying in hurricane winds. Or perhaps you think of the indomitable duo of Hondo Harrelson and his roaring, raging Dodge Charger in a drift.

One might not immediately consider a large family SUV with a hybrid powertrain for police use. However, this precise mix has become the most favored police vehicle in the United States. We're referring to the Ford Explorer – the traditional model, not the latest electric counterpart of the Volkswagen ID.4 that's destined for Europe.

Photo Gallery: Traditional American Police Vehicles by Ford

When outfitted for police duty, the Explorer is known as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU). The 2025 model year is now available and deliveries to law enforcement agencies nationwide have commenced.

Ford is touting its standard hybrid powertrain, which they claim can potentially reduce fuel-related costs by cutting down on unnecessary idling. According to Ford, the hybrid system continues to power the vehicle's onboard electronics even when the petrol engine is turned off. This could potentially lead to annual fuel savings of up to 838 gallons (3,172 liters). Projecting these savings over a six-year ownership period, Ford suggests that consumers could see cost reductions of around $17,500 per vehicle.

Fortunately, Hondo and his Charger don't have to worry about fuel consumption or tire wear, but for a standard patrol car, those concerns seem quite relevant and sensible, right? "Officers frequently experience extended periods of inactivity during their shifts, which is why the hybrid option is a favored selection," explains Lindsey Bertino, who oversees marketing for Ford's professional police vehicles.

Upcoming 2025 Ford Law Enforcement SUV Model

The PIU is standardly equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine that delivers 318 horsepower and 437 Newton meters of torque. Additionally, there is a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with 285 horsepower and 353 Newton meters of torque, as well as a 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine that produces 400 horsepower and 563 Newton meters of torque. All three options come with four-wheel drive.

The 2025 Police Interceptor Utility comes equipped with a feature known as the Police Perimeter Alert system. This technology detects moving threats around the vehicle, automatically turns on the rearview camera, emits an alert sound, closes the windows, and locks the doors. For instances where officers need to exit the vehicle swiftly, the Police Engine Idle feature allows the locking of the vehicle and removal of the keys while keeping the engine running to power the onboard electronics.

Photo Gallery: 2025 Ford Police Interceptor SUV

Upon request, these vehicles can also be suitably armored. Ballistic panels can be added to the front door linings, providing protection at either Level III+ or IV+. Level III+ is capable of withstanding a range of small arms fire and non-armor-piercing projectiles up to a .30 caliber, whereas Level IV+ plates are designed to protect against up to .30 caliber armor-piercing rifle rounds.

Government employees now routinely receive extra support from an automatic emergency braking system, a blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, reverse parking sensors, a reverse automatic braking feature, and a rear cross-traffic braking system.

From the factory, the vehicle comes equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster that includes a certified speedometer. Additionally, there is a manual police pursuit mode that can be activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel, allowing the officer to switch the car into a type of performance mode without removing their hands from the wheel.

2025 Model of Ford's Law Enforcement SUV

Four customizable buttons on the steering wheel provide the driver access to the department's essential equipment, allowing control of lights, sirens, speakers, canine door releases, and various law enforcement tools. Additionally, there is a secure safe to store firearms, ammunition, or evidence securely.

The PIU comes standard with a feature known as Police Accessory Independent Timed-Release Output (PAITRO). This is a dual-component security mechanism for the cargo area. A front seat occupant activates the release button located overhead and then has 45 seconds to reach the rear hatch and press a second button to open it. This system is designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the security of the cargo space in the back.

Other officers also possess attractive containers.

Officials are likely to be quite pleased that the PIU has passed the rear crash test at speeds of 75 mph, which is equivalent to approximately 120 km/h.

The latest Ford Police Interceptor Utility is assembled in Chicago, Illinois. (A detail that would surely bring a smile to the Blues Brothers, with their penchant for cop engines and cop suspension, right?) This model joins the ranks of "America's top-selling law enforcement vehicles," which also includes the F-150 Police Responder, the Expedition/MAX SSV, and the Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle.

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