It seems like every month, a new off-road truck hits the market, but Ford is shaking things up with the release of the all-new 2025 Maverick Lobo. With the growing number of off-road trucks out there, it’s easy to wonder: why are there so many, especially when most drivers spend far more time on pavement than on dirt trails? Ford has the answer with the Maverick Lobo, designed to blend off-road capability with on-road performance. Let’s find out what makes this truck stand out.
2025 Maverick Lobo Exterior
Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that the Maverick Lobo doesn’t mean more horsepower under the hood. The Lobo is powered by the same 2.0L turbo engine found in the rest of the Maverick lineup. However, performance is still improved, thanks to some key changes that we’ll explore later.
From the outside, the Lobo distinguishes itself with a bold, unique style. The front grille is an eye-catcher, though opinions may vary on whether it screams performance or luxury. For me, it evokes strong Volvo vibes with its vertical hoops. The Lobo features uplevel headlights with an LED accent strip and projection headlights, along with fog lights for added visibility. Interestingly, the only old-school incandescent part is the turn signal.
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Wheels and Tires
One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2025 Maverick Lobo is its lowered stance. Ford has dropped the rear by about 1.5 inches and the front by half an inch. This particular model also features monoblock-styled wheels, known as “turban wheels.” These wheels might remind some of the 1980s or the 2025 Mustang Mach-E, and while I’m not the biggest fan, they certainly offer a distinct look.
At the back, the lower stance is even more noticeable. The truck rolls on 225-width tires (225/55 R9) for this model, but Ford is offering several customization options to suit different tastes. Around the rear, it’s business as usual with the same basic design as other Mavericks, including a 2-inch hitch receiver and a four-pin wiring harness.
2025 Maverick Lobo Engine and Transmission: Same Power, Better Performance
Under the hood, the Maverick Lobo sports the familiar 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 238 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. So, what makes the Lobo special? It’s all in the transmission. Unlike the other Mavericks, the Lobo doesn’t have an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Instead, Ford has removed second gear from the equation. Why? This modification actually helps the engine spend more time accelerating rather than shifting. It’s a clever way to boost 0-60 mph times and improve overall driving dynamics.
The Lobo also features Ford’s torque-vectoring twin-clutch rear axle, which is pretty advanced for a truck at this price point. This system can send 100% of the power destined for the rear axle to just one wheel, helping with both off-road and street performance. You’ll find the same system in the Bronco Sport, but the Lobo makes great use of it on paved roads, too.
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2025 Maverick Lobo Suspension and Handling
Ford didn’t just upgrade the transmission on the Maverick Lobo; they’ve also improved the cooling system, borrowing the package from the 4,000lb tow-rated Maverick. This ensures the Lobo can handle more aggressive driving without overheating.
In terms of handling, Ford opted for a steering rack from the European Ford Cougar, offering a tighter and quicker steering ratio for a more precise feel on the road.
The suspension has also been retuned, with bigger brakes added to the mix. These upgraded brakes are designed more for street performance, though Ford may offer performance pads down the road.
The lowered suspension, along with a stiffer strut tower design, ensures that the Lobo can handle tighter corners with ease. And, of course, the truck wouldn’t be complete without new driving modes. Enter Lobo Mode, which dials up the power delivery to the rear wheels for more aggressive driving on closed circuits.
Interior: Bold Colors and Updated Tech
Inside, the Maverick Lobo doesn’t disappoint. It gets the same 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s being rolled out across the Maverick lineup. Ford also carries over the Lobo’s unique styling to the interior, with the Lobo logo embossed on the seatbacks and two-tone stitching in yellow and blue.
One of the standout features of the Lobo’s interior is its vibrant color palette. Ford has avoided the monochromatic interiors that you often find in trucks at this price point. The seats feature ribbed textures and colorful accents, while the rest of the cabin mixes gray, charcoal, and navy blue tones.
You’ll even find blue accents around the air vents and center console, giving the cabin a more modern and fun vibe. While much of the interior is hard plastic, Ford has done an excellent job of making it feel more inviting and less utilitarian than other trucks in this segment.
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Pricing: Affordable Performance
So, how much will the Maverick Lobo set you back? Ford is aiming to start pricing around $35,000, which is quite competitive, considering the features and performance upgrades. Deliveries are expected to start in early 2025, and you can reserve one at your local Ford dealer.
While this is one of the more expensive Mavericks, it’s still significantly cheaper than the average truck in North America.
Final Thoughts: Is the Maverick Lobo Right for You?
Ford didn’t just slap a styling package on the Maverick and call it a day. The Lobo is packed with performance upgrades, including the 7-speed automatic transmission, upgraded brakes, a tighter steering rack, and a lowered suspension. It’s built to be the best-handling Maverick you can buy right now.
However, there’s one thing the Lobo doesn’t offer: the hybrid system. So, if you’re after 40 mpg fuel efficiency, you’ll need to look at other trims in the Maverick lineup. But if you’re more interested in power and performance, the Lobo might just be the truck for you.
Let me know what you think! Would you consider adding the 2025 Maverick Lobo to your garage? Or are you eyeing one of the other Maverick trims? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!