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The current truck market heavily emphasizes off-road capabilities, with most pickups, SUVs, and family crossovers featuring rugged names or dedicated off-roading trim packages. This wasn’t always the trend; automakers once catered to fans of high-speed street trucks as well. It’s been over ten years since such a model was released, but Ford is changing that with the debut of the 2025 Maverick Lobo: a truck designed for on-road performance. The starting price is $36,595, including destination charges, with deliveries expected to begin early next year.
The Lobo will be available with two option packages: a base model and a high-feature package. The fully equipped model, which is already available for order, is priced at $42,090 with the delivery fee included. The lower-priced option, starting at $36,000, will be available for ordering in late 2024.
The Maverick Lobo is not intended for muddy terrains; rather, it aims to deliver a thrilling on-road driving experience. Although it boasts a 4.5-foot bed, its specifications align more closely with those of a hot hatchback than a traditional pickup. Notably, Ford has incorporated parts from its performance vehicles to create this model, reflecting a trend among Maverick owners who have upgraded their trucks for better performance in recent years.
The heart of the Maverick Lobo is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, essentially the same as that found in the standard Maverick. While it produces 238 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, it remains a tunable option for enthusiasts. Enhanced features include a larger radiator and a new transmission oil cooler to manage temperatures during spirited driving. The Lobo’s transmission, a modified version of the regular Maverick’s eight-speed gearbox, has been converted into a seven-speed with paddle shifters for added enjoyment.
The most significant update to the drivetrain is the introduction of a twin-clutch torque-vectoring rear differential, borrowed from the Bronco Sport Badlands and Maverick Tremor. This differential helps enhance traction in low-grip scenarios in those vehicles and is designed to improve cornering fun on dry surfaces in the Lobo. Another exciting feature is the Lobo Mode, a lively stability control setting that accommodates more slip and utilizes the rear differential for better cornering agility. Activation of this mode prompts a warning on the screen indicating that it is for track use only—one can only wonder how many drivers will heed that advice.
To enhance its driving dynamics, Ford utilized the Maverick’s compatibility with various Ford components. The Lobo’s brake calipers originate from the European Ford Focus ST, its brake rotors come from the Lincoln Corsair PHEV, the steering rack is sourced from the Euro-spec Ford Kuga for a quicker response compared to the regular Maverick, and its front strut mounts are taken from the Mustang Mach-E. The rear shocks are from the Maverick FX4, and the suspension is lower than any other Maverick model—half an inch lower in front and 1.12 inches lower in the rear. Ford recognized the Maverick’s potential for customization while creating a show truck with Tucci Hot Rods for the 2021 SEMA event.
The Lobo sets itself apart visually with a distinctive grille, broader fenders, new fog lights, and 19-inch wheels. The eye-catching gloss-black aerodiscs are a highlight, although different finishes would have been a nice option. For those looking for a street truck aesthetic, there’s another gloss-black 19-inch wheel option available with the black appearance package. To enhance the visual appeal, the Lobo boasts a gloss-black roof that complements the wheels and creates a visually lowered effect.
The street truck aesthetic extends to the interior of the Lobo, which features materials and trims that are uniquely designed for this model. Drawing inspiration from graffiti, the interior includes blue and yellow stitching and distinctive seat embossing. However, the overall cabin design closely resembles that of other Mavericks, so the differences are subtle.
Despite its unassuming interior, the Lobo’s very existence is a win for street truck enthusiasts, as this segment has seen a significant decline in recent years, particularly in trucks of this size and price range. Models like the GMC Syclone and Toyota Tacoma X-Runner are long gone, and the market has become dominated by performance trucks with off-road capabilities. Ford’s revival of the street truck at a relatively accessible price point is a refreshing sight for fans.
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