2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Coming to a Traffic Stop Near You
With updates on the 2025 Ford Explorer, the new Police Interceptor Utility sees its own set of upgrades that are specific and useful to your local PD.
It’s a vehicle we hope to never see behind us while we’re already late for work or an appointment: the 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility—or PIU—will begin to hit the streets for cop beats across North America soon. While it’s based on the 2025 Ford Explorer, it comes with many unique features made to help those who serve and protect our streets, highways, and interstates. One of those optional features is something the pedestrian 2025 Explorer loses: a hybrid powertrain.
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With supply constraints as the stated reason, the 2025 Ford Explorer will not have a hybrid powertrain. While not explicitly stated, the fact that the 2025 PIU—and other government fleet Explorers—will have that option somewhat proves the theories that it was saved for the Feds. That doesn’t mean that the Explorer will never have a hybrid again, but it might be a while until we civvies will get one. The standard hybrid is one of three powertrain options the PIU will get with its standard AWD drivetrain. Both the hybrid (with an output of 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque) and lower power spec (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) PIU will use a 3.3-liter V-6 engine while the 400 hp, 415 lb-ft of torque version will use the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6.
Inside is entirely utilitarian and specialized for police duty. The infotainment screen is reminiscent of the 2024 model as it’s a portrait layout with vents flanking either side. You’ll also find a full Bluetooth keyboard mounted on its own pedestal with a handset radio mounted in the center console where the 2025 Explorer’s gear selector and wireless charging pad reside. This necessitated the use of a column-mounted shifter on the PIU, further separating the police unit from the Explorer. Another PIU-only feature is a “Manual Police Pursuit Mode” switch on the steering wheel. This allows Johnny Law to boost the performance of the powertrain without needing to remove their hands from the wheel. This joins the dark feature that shuts down all lighting within the PIU to remain discreet during a stakeout while the Police Perimeter Alert helps keep a digital eye on officers during all situations.
What the PIU and 2025 Ford Explorer share is a 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. But Ford does say its speedometer is certified so its reading can be used to justify the speeding ticket the officer gives you when following behind you. And while the Explorer and the PIU offer a push button release to open the hatch and access the cargo area, the PIU uses Ford’s Police Accessory Independent Timed-Release Output (PAITRO) as a two-step security feature. When the overhead button is pushed, the officer will have 45 seconds to walk to and press the button on the liftgate to open it up. Finally, should the officer get into some real trouble, ballistic panels can be added to the front doors. First is the option for level III plus, which is good for protection against non-armor-piercing bullets up to 0.30 caliber and handgun rounds. The level IV plus is good to protect against 0.30 caliber armor-piercing rifle rounds.
Be on the lookout for the 2025 Ford PIU patrolling your neighborhoods and streets starting very soon. The new Interceptor is shipping to law enforcement agencies right now.
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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