Maverick Lobo Street Truck | We’re Getting Closer to an ST
It’s no secret that I’ve been lobbying Ford to produce a more street oriented performance model of the Maverick, think ST, for several years. To me, this turbo’d AWD hauler could be the perfect platform from which you launch a Mini-Truck revival of sorts. All it needs is a few off-the-shelf performance bits from the Ford parts bin and some more aggressive sports styling. With the introduction of the Lobo model to the Maverick line-up for 2025 Ford has fulfilled about 9/16s of that request.
First, they gave the Maverick’s exterior look a much needed upgrade. The Lobo stands apart from the other Maverick models with its more aggressive front fascia, waterfall grille, body-colored side skirts, and larger dish styled aluminum wheels. All that combines with a slightly lowered stance (~0.5 – In Front & 1 – In Rear ) and darkened head and tail lights to give the impression of a legit performance model.
If you like the "Blacked-Out" look the Maverick Lobo may just be perfect for you. Aside from those required by the DOT, about the only color found on its exterior is the white lettering in the Ford ovals.
The small'ish bed on the Maverick is a lot more useful than many give it credit for. I've hauled way more mulch and fire wood than I probably should have in one of these and it never complained.
On the inside, the Maverick has received a much needed update for the 2025 model year. It now has a full digital instrument cluster and a larger infotainment screen that actually takes up all the space allotted to it in the dash. Gone is that goofy little cubby hole beside the old screen that was barely big enough to fit a pack of Marlboros. The black vinyl seats are comfortable, and feature neon yellow and blue stitching which is found throughout the interior. Check out this video review:
Sadly, the thing that is missing the most is a healthy dose of performance upgrades. While there are some to be found, they are a bit paltry. The suspension tuning has been slightly tweaked for better handling and brakes were upgraded with the calipers form the European Focus ST and larger diameter rotors. The transmission is presented as a new 7-speed auto, when it is in fact the same 8F35 transmission found in most other FWD Fords but with 2nd gear deleted from the programming. It’s still physically there but the computer just skips that shift, which effectively gives the trans a wider ratio down low. The resulting acceleration figures are essentially the same as every other 2.0 EcoBoost equipped Maverick in the line-up. This is partly because the engine received no special attention.
The wheels are unique to the Lobo, but look like something from the TMNT Turtle Van and have to weigh a ton. This would have been a good opportunity to throw on a set of spoke wheels similar to the ones found on the SVT Focus with the Euro package. That combined with some good rubber would have definitely helped in the performance department. The cooling system benefits from the oil cooler and larger radiator that comes fitted to the Mavericks with the max-tow package.
The exterior Logo badging is sparse, but it's there if you know where to look.
I'm curious to know what others think of these wheels. I feel they compliment the overall style of the truck, but they have to be somewhat heavy. Not exactly a performance upgrade.
The newest generation of 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 is found under the hood. With both port and direct fuel injection I suspect that with a little tuning you should be able to run straight E85 in the Mav.
The performance driving experience is only marginally better than other Maverick models. The addition of manual shift paddles is a nice touch, but the electronic turbo/exhaust noises are a bit intrusive. They are not particularly loud or offensive, but the initiated can easily pick out that they are artificial. I would have preferred Ford just add an induction noise sound tube like the S-197 Mustangs had in order to pipe-in actual intake noises.
Overall, the Lobo lands as a solid appearance package, and a good starting point for those looking to build a hopped up little street truck. With the age old combination of an intake, tune, and exhaust you should be able to give its turbocharged mill the shot of performance that it really needs. Some stiffer springs, performance shocks, and better tires should take care of the handling department. While the Lobo isn’t the spiritual successor to the small ST/RS Fords of the past, it is a properly styled foundation upon which you could build your own. It’s a start, but I’m still hoping to see a manual transmission find its way into the Maverick line-up (or Ford’s next generation affordable pick-up) in the future.
The larger infotainment screen is an enormous upgrade for the newer Mavericks.
The Lobo comes with unique vinyl skinned seats.
Throughout the interior you will find Lobo exclusive neon blue and yellow stitching.
I really miss physical buttons/knobs for the most often used audio and climate control settings. Also, if you need that Pro-Trailer back-up assist knob on a Maverick you need to practice backing up a trailer a lot more. Build your skills people!
Speaking of affordability, that’s the one inherent drawback of the Lobo. This particular truck came in with an MSRP of $42,345. Much like the Maverick Tremor we tested a few years ago, that’s a pile of money for a truck whose main design aesthetic is affordable utility. It’s easier to forgive a >$40k price point on a Bronco with vinyl seats and plastic’y interior because it has far greater utility. On a Maverick it just comes off as too much. IMO, the best executed Maverick for the money is the last one we reviewed – Check it Out Here.
I hope the styling of the Maverick Lobo inspires some young performance enthusiasts to pick one up and transform it into the truck I’m ready for Ford to build on its own. If there’s one thing the SVTP community excels at, it’s picking up where Big Blue left off and taking factory builds to the next level. If you guys see some Lobos modded for greater performance please post them up here. I’d like to see them. And you never know, maybe it’ll inspire the right people at Ford to give us the Maverick ST we’re really waiting for.
-SID297
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