Ford is tastefully modifying their vehicles in a way to add an unfound sporty appeal, and so far, things are working well. Ford has now shared the Lobo version of their compact Maverick truck with the new Ford F-150, and I like what I have here in my driveway. The new Ford F-150 Lobo embodies some of that throwback sports appeal that we found in tricked-out trucks, but not to the extreme that we’re used to, because this truck is still true to its factory form and plays down the fancy equipment to keep pricing reasonable.
The new Ford F-150 is already a continued winner in the spreading field of trucks in America, and adding a new Lobo trim that does away with the many amenities that you pay dearly for, but brings us the rumbling 5.0-liter V8, makes for a rather interesting package. Yes, the new F-150 Lobo exclusively starts with the base F-150 STX trim and the 5.0-liter V8 engine, which is good for 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Sure, the 5.0 V8 in the Mustang packs in a lot more power, but here the F-150 Lobo is somewhat reserved so as not to get too crazy and still have the proper truck attitude and towing ability to tow up to 8,200 pounds.
With that sweet V8, you get the natural rumbling sound as you’d expect, followed through with a rather soft throttle step in, but still a demeaning approach to having decent power. You also get four-wheel drive with the typical automatic four-high mode to permit all-wheel propulsion out on the street without locking differential binding, while you still get an electronic locking rear axle. The V8 gets mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s often slow to downshift until you really lay into the throttle to get things to really move. Doing so, you’ll hit 60 mph in about 6 seconds. Matching that power is the Lobo style that features a darkened grille with unique LED lighting elements, black-painted 22-inch wheels, slightly lowered suspension (by 2 inches), functional black air vents on the hood, body-color painted side skirts, painted rear bumper, and black dual exhaust tips.
Fuel mileage varies greatly as the V8 can tend to guzzle down a good amount of fuel when you’re pushing the F-150 Lobo moderately and may be hauling a few friends and a load in the truck bed. For the most part, the EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined are attainable in the real world without much effort. What’s even more astonishing is that on the highway, you’ll expect to get a range of about 860 miles or so out of a full standard-equipped 36-gallon fuel tank.
The Ford F-150 Lobo looks the part of a premium truck with a sporty flavor and attitude. However, the sporty flair and premium theme seem to only apply to the outside, as the interior is a basic encounter, as you’re essentially working with the STX trim, which is only one level above the base F-150 XL. As such, the F-150 Lobo will have you holding your key in your hand a lot more, as there’s no start-stop ignition button nor smart key entry. Yes, you have to use your key to insert it into the ignition slot and turn it to start – such a novel concept in today’s high-tech automotive landscape, right?
Continuing the basic theme are cloth seats, a single-zone manual climate control setup, and manually-adjusted seats. In fact, there’s not a single touch of leather to be found; even the steering wheel is the basic polyurethane molding that you must touch along with the plastic-wrapped steering wheel column shifter. Despite those basics, you still get plenty of tech, having the large 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that still offers up plentiful active safety feature settings, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning/keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and a single zone backup camera system.
Also, to not keep everything basic you still get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Though, there’s no wireless charging pad but my test vehicle is equipped with the optional $760 mobile office package allowing you to fold out a table platform for your laptop over the center console. You also get the Pro Power Onboard system with 400-watt power outlets in the cab and in the bed of the truck.
Ford has done a rare thing here with the new F-150 Lobo in a basic-optioned truck that you’d otherwise think is loaded up with MSRP-raising options. While my test vehicle had a few options, such as the mobile office package, pricing is kept to a reasonable point, at $61,835, which is not bad in the scheme of today’s pricing scales for a full-size truck with a V8 engine. Sure, the F-150 Lobo may not be for most, but those who value the exterior sporty style and V8 engine over everything else, this is the one for you.
Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice in the automotive media world for over two decades. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a reputation for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of everything from new car debuts to high-performance test drives. Passionate about the evolving car culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to lead Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice in the automotive media world for over two decades. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a reputation for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of everything from new car debuts to high-performance test drives. Passionate about the evolving car culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to lead Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
