2021 Ford F-150 Police Responder Debuts As America’s Pursuit-Rated Pickup

Ford has taken the wraps off the 2021 F-150 Police Responder.

Billed as “America’s only purpose-built, pursuit-rated pickup truck,” the F-150 Police Responder is headed to rearview mirrors this fall.

Based on the new F-150 SuperCrew, the latest police truck features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a uniquely calibrated ten-speed automatic transmission, which has been designed to meet the rigorous demands of law enforcement use while also allowing for a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).

Also Read: 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Revealed, Is Based On The New Explorer

Besides the optimized gearbox, the truck has been equipped with specially developed Goodyear Wrangler Enforcer all-terrain tires. Ford said they are “uniquely designed to handle fast acceleration, high speeds and aggressive cornering on paved roads, and can endure the heat generated in pursuits without sacrificing … off-road capability.”

When it’s time to leave the pavement, officers and deputies will be thankful for the new torque-on-demand transfer case which includes a 4-Auto mode with an “electrically actuated clutch that automatically adjusts torque as needed to provide exceptional ‘set it and forget it’ capability for seamless terrain transition.” The system comes paired with the FX4 Off-Road Package which includes skid plates, an electronic-locking rear differential, off-road tuned shocks and hill descent control.

Speaking of capability, the F-150 Police Responder has a standard towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) and an available towing capacity of 11,200 lbs (5,080 kg). The truck can also be outfitted with options such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Reverse Guidance and a 360-degree camera.

On the tech side of things, there’s an 8-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system and an upgraded 4-inch productivity screen in the instrument cluster. The truck also features a standard reverse sensing system as well as options such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Departments can also order an automatic emergency braking system with a one-touch disable switch.

On the topic of options, there’s a newly available Police Engine Idle system. It enables drivers to remove the key from the ignition and exit the truck, while still keeping the engine, lights and sirens running. This should help to prevent embarrassing incidents where police vehicles are stolen.

Rounding out the highlights are heavy-duty cloth front seats with intrusion plates as well as bolsters designed to accommodate duty belts. The F-150 also offers a new factory-installed center console as well as new interior work surface that provides a flat area for writing or working on a computer.