Maverick Lobo Named Pickup Truck of the Year in Detroit
The Ford Maverick Lobo was named North American Pickup Truck of the Year. This is the sixth consecutive year that a pickup truck from the blue oval brand has won this award, one of the most prestigious in the industry.
The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards are presented each year at the Detroit Auto Show and, as the name suggests, recognize the best car, pickup truck, and utility vehicle on the U.S. market, based on various metrics.
Alongside the Ford Maverick Lobo, the Dodge Charger was awarded in the car category and the Hyundai Palisade in the utility vehicle segment.
Founded in 1994 by veteran automotive journalist Christopher Jensen, the NACTOY awards are the most established awards not associated with a single publication, website, radio station, or television station.
Its jury is made up of 50 automotive professionals from the United States and Canada, who evaluate various aspects of the vehicles, focusing on innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction, and value.
Ford's winning streak began six years ago with the F-150 and continued with the original Maverick, the F-150 Lightning, the Super Duty, and the Ranger, which won the award last year.
According to the company, this new title “highlights Ford's ongoing commitment to innovation and capability across the segment, its relentless focus on excellence and deep understanding of its customers, while also marking the arrival of a new option for performance enthusiasts on the asphalt.”
“Ford receiving this recognition for the sixth consecutive year is a testament to the spirit of the pickup team,” said Pam Wylie, director of the vehicle line program. “The Maverick Lobo is not just a new offering; it's the answer to a movement,” the executive added.
According to Wylie, Ford saw customers customizing their trucks to improve their performance and style on the road and decided to offer them a factory-optimized option that carries the “Built Ford Tough” seal of approval.
“This award is a tribute to our customers, who continue to inspire us every day,” she emphasized.
A Movement Born on the Streets
To be recognized as North American Truck of the Year, vehicles must be new or have undergone substantial modifications during the year.
The Maverick Lobo's story began in the garages of its owners. Since its launch, social media and enthusiast forums have been flooded with images of these customized pickups.
Owners lowered the body height, replaced the tires with high-performance rims, and optimized their engines to create modern “street trucks” that evoked the high-performance truck culture of the 1990s.
Ford took note and, instead of letting the aftermarket have all the fun, put the customer at the center of the development process.
The Maverick Lobo is the direct result of that evolution: a factory-designed high-performance truck that brings unique design and value to urban streets, all backed by a factory warranty.
Powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine with advanced all-wheel drive and a 7-speed quick-shift transmission, it utilizes a dual-clutch rear drive unit for advanced torque vectoring.
Drivers enjoy a precise experience thanks to a lower body height, high-performance steering, and improved brakes, all backed by “Ford Tough” standards.
This configuration provides a high-performance environment that combines everyday utility with the thrill of the track.
Fundamental to this is the new “Lobo” driving mode. Inspired by autocross, this closed-circuit driving mode optimizes cornering, grip, and stability, allowing enthusiasts to confidently explore the truck's full performance potential.
“When customers receive the Maverick Lobo, they receive the recognition of leading industry experts and the passion of the community that inspired its creation. This recognition confirms that Ford continues to be the benchmark for innovation and driver satisfaction in the world of pickups,” concluded Pam Wylie.
