New Police Cars And Interceptors: A Guide To America's Upgraded Cop Cars

From armored interceptors to speedy police cruisers, these ten beasts are the latest and greatest American cop cars.

The first American police car was an electric wagon used by the Akron Police Department of Ohio in 1899. More than a century later, we’re now witnessing a shift of cop cars from gas-guzzlers to EVs as part of the global automotive transformation. Various police departments all across the country are now prioritizing electric cars. Ford and Chevrolet are already offering electric cop cars. The remainder of the big three is expected to follow soon with the upcoming Dodge Charger EV or RAM 1500 REV.

However, the transition is gradual and for the most part, American police cars are still gas-powered, along with a few hybrids and EVs. The country’s police force has predominantly preferred American cars as their ride of choice, and this continues to be the case. That said, these police-ready fleets of vehicles are specially designed and built with stronger, upgraded components to suit their line of duty. Let’s delve into the detailed list of America’s evolving police fleet and see which are the best cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs on there.

We looked at data from the Ford, Stellantis Fleet, and GM Envolve websites to deliver accurate information on these ten police cars.

Chevy has been tweaking their models into law-enforcement vehicles for more than 60 years now. The upcoming Chevrolet Blazer EV SS Police Pursuit Vehicle is their first all-electric police-ready vehicle. The Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV is a puissant electric SUV underpinned by the GM Ultium platform. The SS is its range-topping trim propelled by a dual-motor AWD powertrain. Chevy claims that the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS will hit 60 mph in under 4 seconds and offer a range of around 290 miles. The cop-ready version of the Blazer will come equipped with specialized hardware including skid plates, police-rated tires, steel wheels, and additional emergency equipment support.

The Ford F-150 Police Responder was the first pursuit-rated pickup truck on the market when it launched in 2021. This latest and greatest pursuit-ready Ford police truck has an increased top speed of 120 mph compared to its predecessor which was capped at 105 mph. Powered by the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 motor, the Ford F-150 Police Responder is a potent beast outfitted with an array of police-specialized features. These include unique off-road tires and the “Police Engine Idle” feature. This system allows keeping the engine running, but prevents unauthorized usage when the included passive key is removed from the vehicle.

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Currently, the country’s police fleet is dominated by SUVs and the Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle stands out as a super-popular choice for various departments. This reinforced version of the Chevy Tahoe flaunts a multitude of upgraded components. Firstly, the Tahoe PPV rides lower than its civilian sibling, thus providing better aerodynamics and high-speed stability. To reduce body roll, the Tahoe PPV is enhanced with unique monotube dampers, coil springs, and stabilizer bars that keep up well with police maneuvers. Braking is handled by a set of beefy six-piston Brembo front calipers nestled around 16-inch rotors.

Another first for a Ford pickup truck. The Ford F-150 Lightning is the first electric pickup truck to don the law enforcement livery, and it comes prepped for the job. The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro SSV (Special Service Vehicle) is an upgraded version of the base Pro trim of the Ford electric truck. This police truck is invigorated by two electric motors sending power to all four wheels while the power output depends on the chosen battery configuration. The EV truck can accelerate to 60 mph in less than four seconds, provide a range of up to 320 miles, and is capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs.

The Dodge Durango Pursuit is hands down the coolest SUV used by the force. Powered by the Pentastar V6 or a mighty Hemi V8 motor, the Durango Pursuit generates up to 360 horses under its hood. Ride and handling are enhanced with performance-tuned, load-leveling suspension featuring Nivomat self-leveling dampers and upgraded anti-roll bars. Other standard features include stronger brakes and a Ready Alert Braking feature that decreases braking time during emergency situations. On the inside, the Dodge Durango Pursuit boasts a K-9-friendly three-zone automatic climate control that provides comfort to both human officers and their canine partners.

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The 2023 Chevy Silverado is another mighty full-size pickup truck that recently signed up for law enforcement duty. The Chevrolet Silverado PPV shares many of its pursuit-ready underpinnings with the Tahoe PPV including the sturdy Brembo front brakes with 16-inch rotors. Standard with the included Z71 package is a 2-inch lifted suspension comprising high-performance Rancho shocks. Chevy also enhances the 5.7-liter V8 motor’s performance with a standard heavy-duty air filter. This robust police pickup truck is rated to tow a maximum of 9,300 lbs.

The Ford Explorer was first offered with a special service package for law enforcement in 1993. Fast-forward to 2023, the Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility is one of the most capable, versatile machines in the police fleet. It is offered with a trio of V6-AWD powertrains including the revered Ford EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, a hybrid V6 propulsion system, and a flex-fuel capable V6 motor. Furthermore, the Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility is the only vehicle engineered to meet the 75-mph rear-impact crash test, providing the ultimate protection for officers.

Based on the last generation RAM 1500 a.k.a. the RAM 1500 Classic, that brand offers a patrol-ready truck. Powered by the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the Ram 1500 Classic Special Service Vehicle offers a max towing capacity of 10,220 lbs. The truck can be configured in 3.21:1 or 3.92:1 rear axle ratios with or without an antispin rear differential. Additional enhancements bestowed upon the Ram police truck include a 220-amp alternator, a dedicated engine oil cooler, and two additional key fobs. RAM also offers a plethora of upfitter options compatible with the police-grade 1500 Classic.

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The Ford Mustang electric SUV hasn’t officially joined the force police force yet. However, in 2021, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) placed an order for 184 Ford Mustang Mach-E crossover SUVs. The most powerful iteration of the Mustang SUV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT produces a whopping 480 ponies and sprints to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Ford claims that the Mustang Mach-E is the first all-electric vehicle to successfully pass the Michigan State Police 2022 model year evaluation. We’ll have to wait and see how Ford bedizens the Mach-E to further meet pursuit requirements.

The Dodge Charger Pursuit is arguably the meanest police cruiser in the American police fleet. This potent muscle sedan is impelled by a Pentastar V6 or a Hemi V8 engine, both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Along with a strengthened body structure and stronger brakes, the Charger Pursuit can also be equipped with armored doors. The available NIJ (National Institute of Justice) Level III ballistic protection doors are capable of withstanding rifle rounds. This gas-guzzling Charger is currently one of the fastest police cars in the country. When its electric version debuts in the near future we expect it to fill its predecessor's shoes.

Chevrolet Blazer EV SS PPV

Ford F-150 Police Responder

Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle

Ford F-150 Lightning Pro SSV

Dodge Durango Pursuit

Chevrolet Silverado Police Pursuit Vehicle

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility

Ram 1500 Special Service Vehicle

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Dodge Charger Pursuit

The answer to the question what police cars the American police use differs based on the type and purpose of the vehicle. The American police force uses a number of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and vans manufactured predominantly by Ford, Chevy, RAM and Dodge.

So then among the vast array of law enforcement fleet cars, what is the most popular police car in America? It is the Ford Taurus Interceptor, a full-size sedan used widely by various departments across the country.

Over the years, a number of impressive police cars have been used by forces in the country. But among all of them what was the best American police car? It has to be the Dodge Durango Pursuit which is both modern and oldshool at the same time. This beefy, armored muscle sedan is a daunting police cruiser.

Amal Shaw is a Visual Communication graduate and automotive aficionado. He is curious and enthusiastic about everything automotive, ranging from motorcycles to sports cars and pickup trucks.