Ford Maverick Lobo Looks to Revive the Long-Lost Sport Truck
Ford has recently unveiled a new version of its compact pickup truck, the Maverick, that aims to bring back the spirit of the sport truck segment. The Maverick Lobo is a performance-oriented model that features a more aggressive design, a turbocharged engine, and a sport-tuned suspension.
The sport truck segment was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, when automakers offered trucks with enhanced power, handling, and styling. Some of the most iconic examples were the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Chevrolet Silverado SS, and the Dodge Ram SRT-10. However, as fuel prices rose and consumer preferences shifted, the sport truck market dwindled and eventually disappeared.
Ford hopes to revive the interest in sport trucks with the Maverick Lobo, which is based on the Maverick hybrid that debuted earlier this year. The Maverick Lobo has a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The Lobo also has a lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers, larger brakes, and 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.
The exterior of the Maverick Lobo is distinguished by a blacked-out grille, hood scoop, side skirts, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust tips. The interior features sport seats with red stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and a digital instrument cluster. The Lobo also comes with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a host of safety and convenience features.
The Maverick Lobo is expected to go on sale in early 2024, with a starting price of around $30,000. Ford claims that the Lobo will offer a unique combination of performance, efficiency, and versatility in the compact truck segment. The Lobo will compete with other sporty pickups such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz N Line and the Honda Ridgeline HPD.
