Is this the Maverick’s next performance variant, the Lobo?

As if Ford is having trouble moving the Maverick pickup—most of the trucks sold before they ever hit pavement—word comes of a possible new performance variant for the little Mexico-built truck, one that is likely more muscular than the current Tremor version.

Our spy photographers caught a possible prototype testing outside of Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford has trademarked the Maverick Lobo name, and it’s likely this may be that very truck. The heavy front-end camouflage appears to hide a more aggressive front fascia and a lowered stance. The prototype is fitted with new, larger 19-inch wheels, mounted to 225/55R19 Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT tires, important since 18-inchers are the largest currently available on the Maverick. (The Tremor wears Falken Wildpeak A/Ts, sized 235/65R17.)

The prototype appears to have a single exhaust exiting from the left side of the rear bumper, which is cut out to showcase the independent rear suspension setup of the AWD Maverick, which should enable proper traction if more power is on tap. The spy shooters think there are signs of an intercooler in the front bumper’s lower air intake, suggesting a more potent turbocharged powerplant than the 250-horsepower one presently offered.

Automotive News is predicting a freshening of the Maverick in the second half of 2024, so this new model may be introduced then. It’s unlikely that we’ll see a true dedicated off-road version of the Maverick, so a more potent street version makes sense. Expect it for the 2025 model year.

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