The Ford Maverick Lobo is Party up Front, Business in Back
About this episode
The Ford Maverick Lobo combines sporty performance with pickup utility, filling a unique niche in the market. With a starting price of $37,600, it features a turbocharged engine, advanced torque vectoring, and a sporty suspension that enhances agility. The Lobo mode allows for a bit of oversteer, making it fun for tight turns and urban driving. While it retains the Maverick's practicality, it also offers a stylish interior with modern tech. The episode dives into the Lobo's features, driving dynamics, and how it stands out among competitors like the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
If the mullet is business in front party in the back, the new 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo reverses that. It's a sportier version of Ford compact trucklette. The 4 ½ foot bed will help to get the chores done. For a good time on twisty roads Lobo gets a specially tuned suspension, dual clutch torque vectoring rear differential and specific Lobo drive mode for tight autocross courses. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped model that MSRPs for some $43K. Yeah, Maverick isn't the bargain it once was.
Ford Lobo
"Well, maybe consider the Ford Maverick Lobo. Lobo means wolf in Spanish."
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that is useful for carrying things while also being fun to drive. It's a good choice if you want something sporty but also practical.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that has gained popularity for its utility and size, appealing to those who need a vehicle that combines both sporty characteristics and practicality.
Ford Maverick
"...ick-up for utility. Well, maybe consider the Ford Maverick Lobo. Lobo means wolf in Spanish."
white space
"In the automotive world, it means an untapped segment."
'White space' in cars means a part of the market where there are no products available yet. It's a chance for companies to create something new that people want.
In the automotive industry, 'white space' refers to an untapped market segment that presents opportunities for new products or innovations. It indicates areas where consumer demand is not currently being met.
Toyota Prius
"In the early 2000s, Toyota Prius plugged the efficiency hole."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to drive, making it very good on gas. It was one of the first popular hybrid cars.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle that became well-known for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, helping to popularize hybrid technology in the automotive market.
destination charge
"Well, it never really did, because there was always a destination charge on top of that. I think it was $1,500."
A destination charge is an extra cost added to the price of a car to pay for shipping it to the dealership. It's important to know this when looking at car prices.
A destination charge is an additional fee that manufacturers add to the price of a vehicle to cover the cost of transporting it from the factory to the dealership. This fee is typically not included in the base price advertised.
dual clutch rear differential
"The dual clutch rear differential from Bronco Sport Badlands gives Lobo torque vectoring ability."
A dual clutch rear differential helps the car handle better by sending power to the wheels that need it most, making it easier to drive, especially in tricky conditions.
A dual clutch rear differential allows for improved handling and performance by distributing torque to the wheels more effectively, enhancing traction and stability during acceleration and cornering.
Ford Bronco Sport
"It gets serious Ford organ donor action. The dual clutch rear differential from Bronco Sport Badlands gives Lobo torque vectoring ability."
The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is a tough version of the Bronco Sport SUV, made for off-road driving.
The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is a rugged, off-road-oriented variant of the Bronco Sport, designed to tackle challenging terrains with enhanced capabilities.
dual piston brake calipers
"Dual piston brake calipers are off the Euro Focus ST."
Dual piston brake calipers are parts of the braking system that help the car stop more quickly and safely by using two pistons to push the brake pads against the wheels.
Dual piston brake calipers provide better braking performance by applying more force to the brake pads, resulting in shorter stopping distances and improved control.
EcoBoost
"the same 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque as any other EcoBoost Maverick. Lobo is strictly all-wheel drive, by the way."
EcoBoost is a type of engine made by Ford that uses a turbocharger to make the car more powerful while also saving fuel.
EcoBoost is Ford's line of turbocharged engines designed to provide better fuel efficiency and performance. These engines combine turbocharging with direct fuel injection to enhance power output while reducing emissions.
oversteer
"plus the exclusive Lobo mode. It relaxes the electronic stability control nannies of smidge and allows for some oversteer."
Oversteer is when the back of the car slides out during a turn, making it feel like the car is turning more than you want it to.
Oversteer occurs when a vehicle's rear wheels lose grip before the front wheels, causing the car to turn more than intended. This can lead to a loss of control if not managed properly.
0-60 time
"0-60 happens in about 6.5 seconds. You will hear some sounds, some turbo whistle, and listen carefully."
0-60 time is how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quickly a car can speed up.
0-60 time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a car's acceleration capabilities.
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
"It's nothing like the late-grade F-150 SVT Lightning, but, you know, it sets the mood."
The Ford F-150 SVT Lightning is a special version of the F-150 truck that is faster and more powerful than regular models. It's designed for people who want a truck that can also perform well on the road.
The Ford F-150 SVT Lightning is a high-performance version of the F-150 pickup truck, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It was produced in the 1990s and early 2000s, aimed at enthusiasts looking for a blend of utility and performance.
Ford SVT Lightning
"...ine growl. It's nothing like the late-grade F-150 SVT Lightning, but, you know, it sets the mood. I've always lik..."
The Ford SVT Lightning is a special version of a pickup truck that is designed to be really fast and powerful. It has a strong engine that makes it fun to drive, and it’s popular among people who love performance vehicles. It’s not just for carrying stuff; it can also go really fast!
The Ford SVT Lightning is a high-performance version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, produced from 1993 to 1995 and then again from 1999 to 2004. It is known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine and sporty handling, making it a unique blend of utility and performance. The Lightning has a dedicated fan base and is often discussed for its impact on the performance truck segment.
Ford Edge
"...ives, especially for a pickup. Lobo adds an extra edge, like it's been doing cross-fit agility workouts...."
The Ford Edge is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which is bigger than a regular car and has more room inside. It’s great for families because it can carry more people and stuff, and it drives more like a car than a truck. Many people like it for its comfort and modern features.
The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been in production since 2006. It offers a blend of car-like handling with the spaciousness and versatility of an SUV, making it a popular choice for families and those needing extra cargo space. The Edge is known for its comfortable interior and advanced technology features.
autocross
"Really, it's designed for an autocross course because, you know, you accelerate, it holds the gear, and for the public roads, it's not really all that useful."
Autocross is a type of racing where drivers go through a course set up with cones. It's about how fast you can go while making sharp turns, and it's usually done in parking lots or closed areas.
Autocross is a timed competition in which drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on either a sealed or unsealed surface. It emphasizes precision and handling rather than outright speed, making it a popular motorsport for enthusiasts.
torque vectoring
"I didn't rent track time to explore Lobo's torque vectoring abilities, but for knocking through tight turns and weaving through heavy traffic, it's good fun."
Torque vectoring is a system that helps a car handle better by sending power to the wheels that need it most, especially when turning. This makes the car more stable and easier to control.
Torque vectoring is a technology that allows for the distribution of torque to individual wheels, enhancing traction and handling. It helps improve cornering performance by sending more power to the wheels that need it most.
ADAS technology
"This is optioned with Ford's upgraded co-pilot 360 2.0 driver assist ADAS technology. Stuff like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning."
ADAS technology is a set of features in cars that help keep you safe while driving. This can include things like helping you stay in your lane or slowing down if you get too close to something.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which includes features that help drivers with safety and convenience. Examples include adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
blind spot warning
"Stuff like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning."
Blind spot warning is a system that tells you if there's a car in the area you can't see when you're changing lanes. It helps you avoid accidents.
Blind spot warning is a feature that alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent accidents during lane changes.
adaptive cruise control
"Stuff like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning."
Adaptive cruise control is a system that helps your car keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you. If the car in front slows down, your car will slow down too.
Adaptive cruise control is a feature that automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. It enhances traditional cruise control by adding this safety aspect.
lane keeping
"Stuff like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning."
Lane keeping is a technology that helps your car stay in its lane while driving. If you start to drift, it can gently steer the car back into the lane.
Lane keeping is a feature that helps prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. It uses sensors to detect lane markings and can provide steering assistance to keep the car centered.
automatic emergency braking
"Stuff like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning."
Automatic emergency braking is a system that can stop your car if it senses that you're about to crash into something. It helps keep you safe on the road.
Automatic emergency braking is a safety feature that detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate an accident.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"...tion the Blue Oval folks have comes from Hyundai. Santa Cruz, the other white space filler, used to be much mo..."
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a new kind of vehicle that combines a small truck with the comfort of an SUV. It has a bed in the back for carrying things, but it also has room inside for passengers. It’s a good choice for people who want something that can do both jobs well.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that debuted in 2021, blending the features of an SUV with the utility of a truck bed. It is designed for urban use, offering a stylish design and a versatile cargo area, appealing to those who need both passenger space and the ability to haul items. The Santa Cruz represents Hyundai's entry into the growing compact truck market.
automatic engine stop-start system
"Also, the automatic engine stop-start system is relatively smooth, it can be turned off. Let's talk fuel economy."
This system automatically turns off the engine when you're stopped, like at a red light, and starts it again when you want to go. It helps save fuel and is good for the environment.
An automatic engine stop-start system is a technology that automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is idling and restarts it when the driver is ready to move. This helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
payload rating
"Some Mavericks tow up to 4,000 pounds and have a max payload rating of 1,500 LBSs. Lobo is limited to 2,000 and 1,045 respectively, so this is more a track and field athlete, not a weightlifter."
Payload rating is how much weight a truck can carry safely. This includes everything inside the truck, like people and items in the truck bed.
Payload rating refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry in its bed or cabin. This includes passengers and cargo, and is an important factor for trucks when considering their utility.
crew cab
"All Mavericks are strictly crew cab with a 4.5 foot bed. I've done videos proving this trucklet hauls 4x8 sheets of building material without too much MacGyvering."
A crew cab is a truck design that has four doors and enough space for passengers in the front and back seats. It's great for carrying more people.
A crew cab is a type of vehicle cab that has four full-size doors and provides seating for several passengers, typically allowing for more room in the back seat compared to other cab styles.
truck bed
"All Mavericks are strictly crew cab with a 4.5 foot bed. I've done videos proving this trucklet hauls 4x8 sheets of building material without too much MacGyvering."
The truck bed is the part of a pickup truck where you can put things you want to carry, like tools or furniture. It's the open space behind the cab.
The truck bed is the open area at the back of a pickup truck used for carrying cargo. Its size and design can vary, affecting the truck's utility and versatility.
12-volt pre-wiring
"Plus, standard 12-volt pre-wiring under these tabs let owners add air compressors or lighting for instructions scan the QR code to get to Ford's DYI site. Clever."
12-volt pre-wiring is a way for trucks to have built-in wiring that makes it easier to add things like lights or air pumps. It helps owners customize their trucks without a lot of extra work.
12-volt pre-wiring refers to the electrical wiring system in vehicles that allows for easy installation of accessories like air compressors or lighting. This feature enhances the truck's utility for owners who want to customize their vehicle.
touchscreen
"The real change is a new 13.2-inch touchscreen that eliminates that curious little cubby hole that I found useless."
A touchscreen is a screen that you can control by touching it with your fingers. In cars, it's used to manage things like maps and music without needing buttons.
A touchscreen is a display screen that allows users to interact with a device by touching the screen directly. In vehicles, touchscreens are commonly used for infotainment systems, providing access to navigation, music, and vehicle settings.
SYNC 4
"This runs the SYNC 4 user interface with enhanced voice commands. It doesn't try to do too much refreshing, and though there are some hard controls..."
SYNC 4 is a technology in Ford cars that helps you control things like navigation and music using a touchscreen and your voice. It's designed to make it easier to use while driving.
SYNC 4 is Ford's latest infotainment system that features a touchscreen interface and enhanced voice recognition capabilities. It aims to provide a more user-friendly experience while driving, allowing for easier access to navigation, music, and vehicle settings.
ProTrailer hitch assist
"I hate towing, but the ProTrailer hitch assist and ProTrailer backup assist really help."
ProTrailer hitch assist is a system that helps you back up your vehicle when you're trying to attach a trailer. It uses cameras to show you where to go, making it simpler to hook up your trailer without stress.
ProTrailer hitch assist is a feature that helps drivers align their vehicle with a trailer when backing up. It uses cameras and sensors to guide the driver, making the towing process easier and more precise.
ProTrailer backup assist
"I hate towing, but the ProTrailer hitch assist and ProTrailer backup assist really help."
ProTrailer backup assist is a feature that helps you steer your vehicle while you're backing up a trailer. You can turn a dial to control the direction, which makes it much easier to park or maneuver with a trailer attached.
ProTrailer backup assist is a technology that allows drivers to steer their vehicle while reversing a trailer using a dial. This feature simplifies the process of backing up with a trailer, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Ford Fusion
"...ou think about it, without anything like focus or fusion in the lineup, Ford has to work with the vehicles..."
The Ford Fusion is a type of car called a sedan, which is designed for everyday driving. It was popular because it was comfortable and had a lot of space inside for people and their things. Ford stopped making it in 2020 as they decided to focus more on bigger vehicles like SUVs.
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan that was produced by Ford from 2005 to 2020. It was known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a range of efficient engines, making it a popular choice among families and commuters. The Fusion's discontinuation marked a significant shift in Ford's focus towards SUVs and trucks.
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