2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility: A New Standard for Law Enforcement Vehicles
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—commonly known as the PIU—will soon hit the streets for cop beats across North America. While it’s based on the 2025 Ford Explorer, it features many unique elements crafted to assist those who serve and protect our streets, highways, and interstates. One of those vital features is the optional hybrid powertrain, which is not available in the standard 2025 Explorer.
Due to supply constraints, the 2025 Ford Explorer will not have a hybrid powertrain. While this wasn’t explicitly stated, the availability of a hybrid option for the 2025 PIU—and other government fleet Explorers—suggests theories that it may have been designated for federal use. This doesn’t mean the Explorer will never have a hybrid option again; however, it might be a while until civilians can access one. The standard hybrid is one of three powertrain options available for the PIU, featuring an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Both the hybrid (which offers 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque) and a lower power spec (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) PIU will utilize a 3.3-liter V-6 engine, while the performance-oriented variant boasts 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque via a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6.
The interior is designed purely for utility and police operations. The infotainment screen, similar to the 2024 model, utilizes a portrait layout with air vents on either side. Moreover, a full Bluetooth keyboard is installed on its pedestal, while a handset radio sits in the center console, where the 2025 Explorer’s gear selector and wireless charging pad are located. Consequently, this design necessitated the use of a column-mounted shifter on the PIU, distinguishing it further from the standard Explorer. Another exclusive feature within the PIU is a “Manual Police Pursuit Mode” switch located on the steering wheel, allowing officers to enhance performance without removing their hands from the wheel. Additionally, a dark mode can disable all lighting within the PIU for heightened discretion during stakeouts, while the Police Perimeter Alert assists by monitoring officers’ surroundings in various scenarios.
Both the PIU and 2025 Ford Explorer feature a 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. However, Ford indicates that the speedometer is calibrated to ensure its readings can be utilized for justifying speeding tickets issued by officers. Furthermore, while the Explorer and PIU offer a push button to release the hatch for cargo access, the PIU employs Ford’s Police Accessory Independent Timed-Release Output (PAITRO) for added security. When the overhead button is activated, officers have 45 seconds to approach and press the button on the liftgate to unlock it. Lastly, for enhanced safety, ballistic panels can be incorporated into the front doors. Options include level III plus, which protects against non-armor-piercing bullets up to 0.30 caliber and handgun rounds, while level IV plus offers armor-piercing rifle round protection.
Be on the lookout for the 2025 Ford PIU patrolling your neighborhoods and streets very soon. The new Interceptor is currently being shipped to law enforcement agencies.
