FYI: The Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been revamped for 2025, with key updates including a standard hybrid powertrain and a new Pursuit Mode button on the steering wheel.
### The 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Enhanced for Duty
The Ford Police Interceptor Utility, based on the popular Ford Explorer, has been refreshed for the 2025 model year, catering to the specific needs of police agencies across the United States. While it misses some of the visual and tech tweaks seen in the civilian Explorer, it introduces key features aimed at enhancing police operations.
### Key Updates for Law Enforcement
Among the most notable updates, Ford has integrated a new Pursuit Mode button directly into the steering wheel. This feature, which resembles the sport mode in civilian vehicles, allows officers to switch the Police Interceptor Utility into its high-performance setting with a single press. Previously, this mode would activate automatically based on the vehicle’s assessment of driving patterns and conditions.
The steering wheel also includes four additional programmable buttons. These can be set by agencies to perform various functions such as activating warning lights and sirens, opening dog cages, and more. Furthermore, there is an optional lockable vault for storing weapons, ammunition, or crucial crime scene evidence.
### Advanced Safety and Security Features
Ford has equipped the Police Interceptor Utility with several advanced safety features. Among them are ballistic panels capable of withstanding up to 0.30-caliber armor-piercing rifle ammunition. There’s also a perimeter warning system that can sense movement around the vehicle, automatically locking the doors, raising the windows, and alerting the occupants.
Additionally, an idle mode has been introduced, allowing the vehicle’s powertrain to continue running even when the vehicle is locked and the keys are removed. This ensures that onboard equipment remains powered without the need for the engine running in idle.
### Powertrain Options
The 2025 model offers three powertrain choices:
– A hybrid option that couples a 3.3-liter V-6 engine rated at 318 hp. This option is highly favored by agencies for its fuel-saving capabilities, allowing equipment to remain powered without keeping the engine idling.
– A 3.3-liter V-6 engine delivering 285 hp.
– A twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 generating a robust 400 hp.
### Other Ford Vehicles for Police Agencies
Beyond the Police Interceptor Utility, Ford offers other specialty vehicles tailored for law enforcement. These include Pursuit versions of the F-150 and Expedition, as well as a Transit van designed specifically for transporting prisoners or personnel.
### Exploring Civilian Applications
Ford is also exploring innovative ideas that extend beyond police vehicles. One idea involves a system that can detect if another vehicle is speeding and automatically report it to authorities. Another concept considers automatically limiting a vehicle’s speed at night, regardless of the driver.
### Conclusion
The 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility represents a significant upgrade for law enforcement, combining practicality with advanced technology to better serve police personnel. From its new steering wheel features to its robust safety systems and diverse powertrain options, this vehicle is a testament to Ford’s commitment to enhancing police operations.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
