Dodge is gearing up to start production on its newest police sedan and SUV. Chances are you will never need to purchase one of these Pursuit vehicles, but it’s still pretty cool to learn more about them.

The robust 2021 Dodge Charger is the newest sedan-style cop car, offering speed chasing capabilities. The 2021 Dodge Durango SUV will provide more interior space, off-road maneuverability, and advanced technology.

Both Pursuit vehicles, filled with law enforcement-friendly features, were designed with input from actual police officers. The Dodge Durango SUV even has a unique component that keeps K9 patrols safe and comfortable while on the job.

Police fleet vehicle set to enter production

Over the past few years, police fleet vehicles have undergone noticeable changes. Larger, more powerful models are replacing the traditional police cruisers. Police officers are starting to carry more equipment, and the need for more space is on demand, according to Government Fleet. SUVs, such as the Durango, fit the bill, and Dodge is making sure they stay on top of the growing trend.

The Durango provides added stability during aggressive driving conditions with a 120-inch wheelbase. The 8.1 inches of ground clearance improves off-road driving, and an upgraded tow-package has a 7,200-pound capacity.

Dodge announced that the production of the Durango Pursuit SUV begins in the first quarter of 2021, according to MotorTrend. Manufacturing will take place in Detroit at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant.

Police-specific features 

The technologically-advanced 2021 Dodge Durango Pursuit offers more than 20 new standard features. The center console now has an instrument-panel-mounted shifter to give officers more working space.

The front bucket seats have carved out bolsters and are designed specifically for police officers to accommodate their loaded full-service duty belts. The eight-way power-adjustable driver seat provides extra comfort, along with ample headroom and legroom. Four programmable auxiliary switches, a Vehicle Systems Interface Module, and an upgraded brake package are some new features included to make an officer’s job easier.

The dog-friendly SUV offers plenty of room in the cargo area so that the K9 unit can remain comfortable. The durable vinyl flooring and tri-zone automatic climate control are designed with these hard-working animals in mind.

You aren’t going to want to get involved in a police chase with the 2021 Dodge Durango Pursuit. Capable of hitting a top speed of 130 mph, the powertrain advancement is staggering. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar engine, is paired with a standard TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission. The legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is also an available option.

Differences between the police version and regular Durango SUV

The police version of the 2021 Dodge Durango SUV equipped with the Hemi V8 pushes an astonishing 360 hp with 390 lb-ft of torque. The Pentastar 3.6-liter puts out 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is identical to the civilian model engine except that it has extra oil and transmission coolers. Speed-rated tires and a certified speedometer help the uniquely designed Pursuit go from 0 to 60 mph in seven seconds.

The load-leveling suspension is performance-tuned to provide optimum handling. The Drive notes the upgraded anti-roll bars and self-leveling dampers are a welcome addition to the police version of the Durango. The AWD system provides added control, even in the harshest of driving conditions. Advanced safety features include strategically placed airbags. The heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes equipped with ready alert braking are an essential standard feature for police chases.

What you won’t find on a civilian Dodge Durango is a rifle rack or mounted laptop that are standard features in the Pursuit SUV. Other differences in the police model include an upgraded electrical system, 800 CCA battery, and a heavy-duty wiring harness that supports aftermarket lights and sirens. The interior is stripped-down with cloth seats and vinyl floor mats. The police specific interior also includes auxiliary red and white dome lights that obviously won’t appear in a regular Durango model.

Once emergency lights, spotlights, a public-address system, sirens, bulletproof glass, and prisoner partitions are added, there is no doubt the 2021 Durango Pursuit is ready for police action.