The Dodge SUV most commonly used by police is the Durango Pursuit.
In practice, U.S. and Canadian law-enforcement fleets rely on the Dodge Durango Pursuit as the dedicated police package for a Durango SUV. While the widely known police sedan is the Charger, the Durango Pursuit serves departments that need more passenger and equipment space, improved visibility, and all-weather capability. This article explores how the Durango Pursuit is used by police and what features define the package.
Durango Pursuit: The police SUV
Why departments choose a Durango Pursuit for patrol duties is driven by a balance of space, performance, and cost. The Durango Pursuit is Dodge's law-enforcement version of the Durango SUV, built with features tailored to police work and ready to accept standard patrol equipment.
Reasons agencies choose the Durango Pursuit:
- Large interior with seating for officers and equipment, plus cargo space for gear and confiscated items
- Available all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance for varied road conditions
- Police-specific durability upgrades, including cooling, brakes, and suspension tuned for patrol use
- Cost advantages relative to some competing police SUVs in a similar class
- Compatibility with standard police radios, consoles, and lighting setups
From the perspective of fleet managers, the Durango Pursuit represents a practical balance of capability and total cost of ownership for mid-size SUV patrols.
Specs and deployment
Typical features and configurations used by departments when opting for a Durango Pursuit include performance-oriented engine and drivetrain choices, as well as police-ready electronics and lighting. Some years offer a V8 option for sustained high-speed driving and heavy loads, while others provide a V6 as an alternative; transmissions are calibrated for quick response and reliability, with all-wheel drive available.
Common features found in the police package:
- Police-tuned powertrain options (V6 or V8 depending on model year) and a robust eight-speed automatic transmission
- Enhanced cooling systems, heavy-duty brakes, and reinforced suspension for patrol duty
- Integrated electrical system and wiring for radios, sensors, and siren equipment
- Police lighting, siren prep, push bumpers, and dash-mounted equipment mounting points
- Interior modifications for durability, easy cleaning, and gear storage
These features help ensure the Durango Pursuit can handle high-speed pursuits, long shifts, and gear-heavy patrols while maintaining reliability.
Summary
In short, the Dodge Durango Pursuit is the SUV most commonly deployed by police agencies when an SUV patrol vehicle is needed. While Chargers remain the staple for many departments, the Durango Pursuit offers the space, capability, and police-specific upgrades that make it a favored option for SUV-based patrols.