Yahoo Autos Ford Maverick Lobo Brings Back the Street Truck
With the ever-growing popularity of off-roading, automakers have all but left the street truck scene in the past. Not one to leave any group of truck buyers without a desired product, Ford has decided to put an end to the long drought. The introduction of the 2025 Ford Maverick lineup has come with an extra surprise, by way of the all-new Lobo model. Inspired by the street trucks of yesteryear, the lowered pickup brings a suite of performance-oriented hardware pulled from the Ford catalog.
The inspiration for the Maverick Lobo goes all the way back to the beginning of the vehicle program. Shortly after designer Josh Blundo joined the Blue Oval in 2019, he began toying with one of the automaker’s clay models of the white space pickup. The owner of a drift truck himself, Blundo began fiddling with a widebody kit, a large front splitter, a rear wing, and upgraded wheels. While this didn’t directly spawn the Lobo as we know it, the idea played a role in Tucci Hot Rod’s SEMA build from 2021, which garnered a lot of positive attention from the old street truck crowd. Soon thereafter, Blundo and team were given the green light to start on the Lobo project.
The Maverick Lobo is based on the 2.0-liter all-wheel-drive model and features the same 238 hp and 277 lb-ft engine output as the other big-motor Mavericks. Things start to differ rather quickly however, beginning with a unique 7-speed automatic transmission. The unit is based on the same architecture as the standard 8-speed box, but a gear has been removed to help better space the ratios for a performance setting. The Blue Oval took a similar approach with the Edge ST, as well as the Focus ST over in Europe. From there, the team dug through the automaker’s parts bins to find compatible hardware. The shock tower mounts are from the Mustang Mach-E, while the faster steering rack is sourced from the Kuga. The brake calipers were pulled from the Euro-market Focus ST, while the rear monotube shocks are pulled from the brand's FX4 package. Out back you’ll find a twin-clutch rear drive unit, which is also shared with the Bronco Sport. The setup provides torque vectoring, which Ford says is designed to help in autocross and drifting scenarios. Bespoke springs and dampers help to lower the ride height by 0.8 inches up front and 1.12 inches out back, helping the truck take on a more aggressive stance.
Of course, a street truck wouldn’t be right without a little visual attitude, so the Maverick Lobo is loaded up with unique visual elements. The front bumper has been completely reworked, with a lower front diffuser element and body-color accents all around. The vertical grille is also unique to the Lobo and helps to further accentuate the more aggressive styling. Ford wanted the truck to lean into the world of tuner culture from first glance, so it also comes equipped with 19-inch turbofan wheels finished in gloss black. Customers can also opt for the 19-inch wheels found on the XLT and Lariat black pack models if they prefer a more traditional look.
The street culture elements continue inside the cabin, where you’ll find some bright interior elements. The seats are accented by Grabber Blue and Electric Lime accent stitching, while a graffiti-like pattern is sprayed over the main seat surfaces. Ford says the inspiration comes from streetwear and doesn’t expect you to think that the color palette works together. It’s a bold statement if nothing else. Wheel-mounted paddle shifters are another sport-minded addition. Customers can further enhance the interior with the High Package, which brings a heated steering wheel and seats, Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver-assist technologies, a360-degree camera, a moonroof, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. Inside is also where you’ll toggle the bespoke Lobo mode, which recalibrates the major systems for maximum performance and enjoyment. The mode is only meant to be used in a closed course setting, however.
Ford hopes that the Maverick Lobo finds a home among the modern tuning crowd while bringing back a bit of the old street truck scene in the process. And while the 2.0-liter isn’t as exciting as Ford’s previous street truck powertrains, it is a proven commodity in the world of tuning. Given that that’s what these machines were always about, it should fit in just fine. The truck is also priced well, with a base price of $36,595 including destination. Stepping up to a High Package sees that price jump to $42,090. Those prices fall right in line with the Lariat Hybrid AWD and Tremor models, meaning customers aren’t really penalized for their choice of Maverick. Order books for the entire 2025 Ford Maverick lineup are open now.
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