On the road, the Lobo is well-balanced and rides better than expected. It has improved steering feel compared to the standard Maverick, and when switched to Sport or Lobo mode, it provides snappy acceleration with quick shifts from its automatic transmission. The Lobo feels more refined than a regular turbo Maverick, with better steering response thanks to the quicker Kuga rack, stronger brakes, and improved grip. It’s also surprisingly quiet and refined, with some additional engine noise to enhance the sporty feel. Despite not having extra power from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the Lobo makes better use of its available power thanks to its unique transmission and throttle mapping. It feels quicker than other Mavericks driven, and it handles well when driven aggressively. On Southeast Michigan backroads, the Lobo is entertaining and agile, although it’s not a sports car due to its high seating position. There’s significant body roll despite the tightened suspension, making it an excellent starting point for on-road performance modifications. The Lobo is an excellent alternative to the Maverick Tremor for those who want a sporty truck without off-road capability. It feels like an experiment to revive the sport truck niche from the old days, similar to the 1990-93 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 454 SS or the original 1993-95 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning. As someone who doesn’t frequently go off-roading but appreciates the idea of a Maverick pickup, the Lobo would be the preferred choice. It’s everyday usable, comfortable, and has decent hauling and towing capability, with added driving fun. For Maverick tuners, it’s an incredible platform for adding more performance and capability. The Lobo represents a potential opportunity for a reborn on-road sport truck niche, and hopefully, its success will encourage other truck makers to take notice.
