New Ford Hybrid SUV Deliveries Begin, But Only For The Police

Ford Police Interceptor Utility
Credit: Ford

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.

Related: 2025 FORD MAVERICK REVEALED WITH 40 MPG ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE HYBRID AND SEMI-AUTOMATED TOWING TECH

Ford Police Interceptor Utility
(Ford)

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.

Related: The Last American Cop ‘Car’ Has Been Retired

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.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility
(Ford)

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.

Related: WHAT IS TEH FORD MAVERICK THUNDER?

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.