2025 Ford Maverick Lobo sports ute is the Falcon replacement Australia won’t get
Ford has given its car-based Maverick ute a refresh, headlined by a sporty new Lobo model.
With no right-hand drive model available, however, the Maverick remains off the table for Australia.
The Lobo isn’t just an appearance package, featuring retuned suspension and steering plus dual-piston front brake calipers borrowed from the Focus ST.
Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert
Like the more off-road-ready Maverick Tremor, it also has torque vectoring via a twin-clutch rear drive unit.
A special Lobo drive mode – which Ford likens to the Mustang’s track mode – is “inspired by drifting and autocross” and reduces stability control intervention.
Ford says it improves cornering performance, grip and stability, but cautions it should only be used on closed courses.
Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert
The Lobo also has an upgraded cooling system, with a transmission oil cooler plus the larger radiator and fan from the Maverick’s 4K Tow Package.
There’s no extra power in the Lobo, which comes exclusively with the Maverick’s optional turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 177kW of power and 373Nm of torque.
However, it swaps the eight-speed automatic transmission usually mated to 2.0-litre Mavericks for a seven-speed auto.
Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpertCamera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpertCamera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert
The Lobo rides 13mm lower at the front and 28mm lower in the rear than the standard Maverick.
There are a raft of aesthetic enhancements, including bold 19-inch black wheels, a black-painted roof, and unique rocker mouldings and front end styling.
Inside, there’s Grabber Blue and Electric Lime accent stitching with a “graffiti-inspired overprint on the seats as a nod to street culture”.
Camera IconLariat Credit: CarExpert
The colour combination is said to be inspired by current streetwear trends.
The Lobo sits atop a range that also includes XL, XLT, Lariat, and off-road-inspired Tremor variants.
In addition to the optional turbo 2.0-litre four, there’s a 2.5-litre hybrid four-cylinder powertrain that’s now offered with all-wheel drive.
Camera IconXL Credit: CarExpert
Mated with an electronic continuously variable transmission and a 94kW electric motor, the hybrid has 142kW of power and 210Nm of torque.
Ford claims fuel economy of 40-42mpg (5.6-5.8L/100km) with hybrid models.
Payload ranges from 474kg in the Lobo to 680kg in front-wheel drive hybrid and all-wheel drive 2.0-litre models.
Camera IconXLT Credit: CarExpert
Braked towing capacity is 907kg, though the 4K Tow Package bumps this up to 1814kg in the XL, XLT and Lariat.
Front-wheel drive hybrid models stick with twist-beam rear suspension, while all-wheel drive models with either powertrain have a multi-link rear setup.
The Maverick gets freshened front-end styling, with restyled LED headlights (projector-style in up-spec models), and unique grilles for each variant.
Camera IconXLT Credit: CarExpert
Inside, a new, larger 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system – up from 8.0 inches – now features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are also new trim colours and materials.
All 2025 Mavericks come standard with autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with up-spec models also featuring adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane centring, and traffic sign recognition.
Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert
Also available on pricier Mavericks are Ford’s Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist systems.
In the tub, there’s a 110V/400W outlet, and also grooves allowing you to divide the load space with cut pieces of wood.
The Maverick is underpinned by Ford’s C2 platform, also used by the Focus, Escape and Bronco Sport.
It entered production in 2021, and is built exclusively in left-hand drive in Mexico.
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