2025 Ford Maverick Lobo: The Brand’s Spirited Sport-Tuned Compact Truck

 

Highlight: The Maverick is about the same size as the original Ford Ranger less the manual transmission.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $42,345 (Base XL MSRP): $29,840

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; front passenger sensors; electronic blind spot lane changing system; lane keep assist; a rear camera; lane departure warning; lane centering; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 19-inch wheels; 4WD; a 7-speed transmission; paddle shifters; lowered ride height; torque vectoring capable twin clutch rear drive unit; performance tuned steering and suspension; a push button start system; a performance tuned suspension system; body color door handles; a flexbed storage system; a black grille; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; bucket front seats; full rear folding seats with flip up seat cushions; a radar activated cruise control system; power tailgate lock; a single zone manual transmission; and a 13-inch infotainment screen

Options: wireless charging pad; power moonroof; and an 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen with HD radio

Other Trim Levels:

XLT

Lariat

Tremor

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/250-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 20-city/24-hwy (test model)

Type of Fuel: Unleaded

Towing Capabilities: 1,500 lbs

What’s New: For the 2025 model year, the performance-oriented Lobo trim is all-new. In addition to the new sports-tuned truck, a larger infotainment screen has been infused in all the Mavericks.

Why:

A variety of trims

4WD

A hybrid powertrain available

A 250-hp engine

A performance-tuned suspension

19-inch wheels available

A crystal-clear radio with SiriusXM

A truck- like design with a car-like ride

A power moonroof

A power sliding rear window

A locking tailgate

Comfortable seating

A power driver’s seat

Heated front seats (available)

A dual zone automatic climate control system (available)

Rear seat storage bins

A co-pilot assist system

A clear rearview camera

A high level of safety driving aids

Cargo bed lamp

Bed extender available

Wireless phone charger available

Locking tailgate

Ability to pull up 4,000 lbs

1,500 payload

Latest safety driving aids

Cargo extender and other accessories available

An optional 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system

Power tailgate lock

An optional 360-degree camera with reverse trailering

But:

Too pricey for a compact truck

No split rear cargo seat

Exposed wiring when rear seat is tilted forward

Verdict:  The all-new compact size Ford Maverick Lobo is everything one would expect in a fullsize truck, but in a smaller package. The new Lobo trim is designed for those seeking a spirited sport-tuned compact truck.

Unlike its larger ultra-popular sibling, the F 150, the Maverick is easier to navigate on city streets and costs significantly less than a fullsize truck. However, with the compact truck, buyers will forego the towing capabilities and the payload capacity one expects in a fullsize or midsize truck.

Despite the shortcoming noted due to the smaller packaging, the Maverick is available in two powertrains with a variety of trims. Buyers can opt for a slower, but more fuel-efficient hybrid engine or a turbocharged engine that effortlessly produces 250-horsepower in the Lobo and Lariat trims.

Ironically, at a time, when the average selling price of a truck is in the $60,000 range, the starting price of the base level Maverick is just shy of $30,000. However, for those seeking an engaging driving experience, with a punch, they can step into the all-new Lobo trim. The sport-tuned Lobo trim, with its Lincoln-like grille, can easily push buyers over the $40,000 mark. Just think, only a few years ago, buyers could purchase a fullsize truck for the price of the Maverick Lobo.

Nearest Maverick Lobo Competitor: Hyundai Santa Cruz