Michigan State Police Releases Their Results On 23MY Pursuit Models!

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Vehicle Test Team has announced the results of its 2023 Model Year Police Vehicle Evaluation study. Overall, the agency tested a total of 16 vehicles this year (13 patrol units and 3 motorcycle units). Four of those vehicles were made up of V6 and HEMI V8-powered Charger and Durango Pursuit models.

Tests were performed on three different courses at the Stellantis Chelsea Proving Grounds and Grattan Raceway. All vehicles were tested with a clean roof (no overhead light or light bar) and without an “A” pillar
mount spotlights. 

At the Chelsea Proving Grounds, the MSP team tested acceleration, top speed, and braking. MSP used the 4.7-mile 140 mph neutral steer banked oval at the grounds to perform the best. The Grattan Raceway grounds were used for both vehicle and motorcycle dynamics testing. Grattan’s 2-mile road course gave MSP a realistic environment to test vehicles in dynamics and continues to produce comprehensive results regarding durability and performance.

The test included the following Dodge Pursuit models:

• 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit 5.7 HEMI RWD 26A –
  • Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (370 horsepower/395 ft.-lbs.)
  • Transmission: 8-speed 8HP70 TorqueFlite automatic
  • Axle Ratio: 2.62
  • Tire Size, Load & Speed Rating: P245/55/R18, 103V, Goodyear Eagle RSA
  • Ground Clearance: 5.1-inches
  • Brakes: Power, Dual-Piston Front/Single Piston Rear, 4-Channel Anti-Lock
  • Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters)
  • Top Speed (Limited): 140 MPH
    • Wheelbase: 120.2-inches
    • Length: 198.4-inches
    • Curb Weight: 4,292 lbs.
    • Height: 58.4-inches

• 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit 3.6 AWD 28A –
  • Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (300 horsepower / 260 ft.-lbs.)
  • Transmission: 8-speed 850RE TorqueFlite automatic
  • Axle Ratio: 3.08
  • Tire Size, Load & Speed Rating: P225/60/R18, 99W, Goodyear Eagle RSA
  • Ground Clearance: 5.1-inches
  • Brakes: Power, Dual-Piston Front/Single Piston Rear, 4-Channel Anti-Lock
  • Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters)
  • Top Speed (Limited): 140 MPH
    • Wheelbase: 120.2-inches
    • Length: 198.4-inches
    • Curb Weight: 4,217 lbs.
    • Height: 58.4-inches

For the 2023 model year, the Dodge Charger Pursuit is offered in either Pentastar all-wheel drive (AWD) or HEMI rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations. 

Charger Pursuit HEMI RWD not only comes standard with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine but also features Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which increases power output without sacrificing fuel economy through continuous adjusting of the camshaft tuning based on the level of performance required. 

On Pentastar AWD models, the advanced AWD system transitions seamlessly from RWD to AWD. This segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system monitor and adapt to environmental/road conditions, vehicle mode, and driver habits. This system improves traction, acceleration, and cornering balance.

Additional standard features include a GVWR of 5,500 lbs. which delivers up to 1,180 lbs. payload, as well as, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to facilitate driver hands-free communication. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard and provides rear camera visibility.

• 2023 Dodge Durango 5.7 HEMI AWD 22Z – 
  • Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (360 horsepower/390 ft.-lbs.)
  • Transmission: 8-speed 8HP70 TorqueFlite automatic
  • Axle Ratio: 3.09
  • Tire Size, Load & Speed Rating: 255/60R18, 108V, Firestone Firehawk Pursuit
  • Ground Clearance: 8.1-inches
  • Brakes: Power, Dual-Piston Front/Single Piston Rear, 4-Channel Anti-Lock
  • Fuel Capacity: 24.6 gallons (93.1 liters)
  • Top Speed (Limited): 130 MPH
    • Wheelbase: 119.8-inches
    • Length: 201.2-inches
    • Curb Weight: 5,214 lbs.
    • Height: 70.9-inches

• 2023 Dodge Durango 3.6 AWD 2BZ –
  • Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (293 horsepower / 260 ft.-lbs.)
  • Transmission: 8-speed 8HP70 TorqueFlite automatic
  • Axle Ratio: 3.45
  • Tire Size, Load & Speed Rating: 255/60R18, 108V, Firestone Firehawk Pursuit
  • Ground Clearance: 8.1-inches
  • Brakes: Power, Dual-Piston Front/Single Piston Rear, 4-Channel Anti-Lock
  • Fuel Capacity: 24.6 gallons (93.1 liters)
  • Top Speed (Limited): 128 MPH
    • Wheelbase: 119.8-inches
    • Length: 201.2-inches
    • Curb Weight: 4,929 lbs.
    • Height: 70.9-inches

The 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit, comes with a full list of standard features, such as an instrument panel (IP)-mounted shifter, black steel wheels with chrome center caps, vinyl flooring, police-specific front seats, automatic tri-zone temperature control to keep K9 units comfortable, and standard AWD.

An 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard, which provides maximum rear camera visibility. The demands of police work require a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability, power, and fuel economy, and Durango Pursuit is ready for duty. With 84 cubic feet of cargo volume and a towing capacity of up to 6,200 lbs on Pentastar models (7,200 lbs on HEMI models), the Durango Pursuit is ready for the toughest assignments.

All four Dodge vehicles were pitted against offerings from Chevrolet and Ford. The other vehicles included:

• 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 4WD
• 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 2WD
• 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 9C1 Z7X 4WD
• 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 9C1 Z71 4WD
• 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility 3.0 EcoBoost AWD K8A, 99C
• 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility 3.3 Hybrid AWD K8A, 99W
• 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility 3.3 AWD K8A, 99B
• 2023 Ford F-150 Police Responder 3.5 EcoBoost 4WD W1P
• 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD K4S

Despite there being a field of cars, SUVs, and pickups, all of the vehicles posted lap times within a few seconds of each other. The fastest lap produced at Grattan was by the Ford Police Interceptor Utility 3.0 EcoBoost AWD (1:34.70), it also had the fastest average of 5 laps around the 2-mile course (1:35.42). The Ford was followed by the 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit HEMI RWD with an average lap time of 1:36.33, and the 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit 3.6 AWD recording a time of 1:37.80.

The 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit HEMI AWD posted an average 5-lap time of 1:38.68, while the Durango Pursuit 3.6 AWD posted an average of 1:41.03.

When it came to acceleration, the Chelsea Proving Grounds provided the setting for the test. While the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E proved to be the fastest to 60 mph (3.89) and to 100 mph (11.80), the fastest internal combustion engine (ICE) pass included the Ford Police Interceptor Utility 3.0 EcoBoost AWD with a 0 to 60 mph time (5.62) and the Charger Pursuit HEMI RWD being the fastest to 100 mph (13.86).

Unfortunately, the Dodge Durango Pursuit 3.6 AWD is the slowest accelerating vehicle in the lineup. But the trade-off is that the Durango 3.6 has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy / 21 mpg combined, the third best fuel economy of ICE vehicles (tied with the Charger Pursuit 3.6 AWD in city and combined ratings).

As for the Charger, this will be its last year in its current form of policing. Dodge has yet to announce a replacement offering. Currently, the Charger is the last four-door sedan offered to agencies in Pursuit form. Several agencies do run Tesla Model 3s, but Tesla does not offer a police package for any of its vehicles.

Despite their age, both the Charger and Durango still perform well. It will be interesting to see what Dodge does for its law enforcement offerings after the 2023 model year.

To read the full report, you can download the full document by CLICKING HERE.