New Ford Hybrid SUV Deliveries Begin, But Only For The Police
Ford discontinued the civilian version of the Explorer last year, but you can still get one. You just have to show your badge.
Deliveries of the Explorer-based 2025 Ford Police Interceptor are underway and it is being offered in hybrid and non-hybrid versions.
The updated model can be ordered with either a 3.3-liter V6-based hybrid powertrain rated at 318 hp, a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 285 hp or a 400 hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6.
Ford said it stopped selling the retail version of the Explorer hybrid in order to help meet the strong demand from law enforcement customers.
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One advantage the hybrid has is that it can power onboard systems without the engine running for a period of time. There’s even a feature that lets officers take the keys with them and lock the vehicle, but leave the power for the accessories on.
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All Police Interceptor Utilities are pursuit-rated and have a pursuit mode that switches the drivetrain into a high performance configuration. Ballistic panels are available with protection for up to .30-caliber armor-piercing rifle rounds. The interior electronics and switches are set up for integrating police equipment.
High-tech safety gear includes a perimeter alert that uses the vehicle’s 360-degree sensors and cameras to alert occupants of approaching people and vehicles. The tailgate lock is also on a timer that’s started by pressing a button in the front seat and automatically relocks if a second button on the tailgate isn’t pressed within 45 seconds.
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Available ballistic panels can be added to the front door panels that provide level III+ or IV+ protection. Level III+ can help resist many handgun and non-armor-piercing bullets up to .30 caliber, while level IV+ panels provide protection against up to .30-caliber armor-piercing rifle ammunition.
Pricing for the Police Interceptor Utility varies, but the retail 2025 Explorer starts at $41,220.
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