Ford Builds the Maverick We Always Wanted
Ford has done it. Well, at least in concept form, but still, it’s a first step.
Ever since we drove the original Ford Maverick, we’ve loved its right size, good driving dynamics, and decent price point. With the recently introduced Maverick LOBO, our dreams of a reimagined sport compact pickup truck were realized…mostly.
One thing we wanted was more power. Heck, on the AutoGuide Show podcast we debated if Ford could fit the turbocharged 2.3-liter or 2.7-liter engines from the brand’s SUVS under the small truck’s hood. Well, Ford has done us one better.
New Turbo, New Life
At SEMA this year Ford is displaying a new high-performance Maverick called the 300T. Under the hood now resides a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. As Ford states, that’s a 50 HP and 40 lb-ft increase in power over the current turbo engine.
The secret to the increased power comes courtesy of swapping in the turbocharger form the EcoBoost Mustang. More than just a larger turbo, there’s also a Mishimoto intercooler that's 58.8% larger than the unit currently in the truck. This should allow all 300 ponies to be present and accounted for regardless of ambient temperature, driving conditions, or whether a trailer is attached.
Oh, and another complaint we had with the Maverick LOBO has been addressed. The tepid exhaust system has been yanked out, replaced by a better sounding (and louder) Borla unit.
Poise to Match Power
Sitting in all four wheel wells are 20-inch wheels stolen straight off the Mustang Mach-E GT. They wear grippy Pirelli P ZERO ELECT tires and work with a retuned suspension, featuring upgraded monotube rear dampers and a larger stabilizer bar which is nearly 5 mm thicker, now at 34.7 mm. The truck also now sits lower, 10mm up front and 30mm in the rear.
The truck’s exterior includes a black and bronze color scheme. There are plenty of unique "300T" graphics, Ford Performance badges inside and out, as well as black chrome lug nuts. The bronze package also adds bronze Maverick tailgate lettering.
But Wait, IT’S REAL AND (soon to be) AVAILABLE
Unlike nearly every other vehicle showcased at SEMA, the Maverick 300T is going to be available to customers. Ford plans to make a 300T project kit available to customers in 2026. The engine modifications are stated to be CARB certified in all 50-states, as well as emission compliant in Canada. This shows the brand is serious about putting the kit into production.
The 300T kit can upgrade the 2025+ Maverick XL, XLT, and Lariat models that have the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive. Although Ford states it can be fitted without the 4K tow package, the brand recommends that piece is included as it provides extra cooling for the transmission.
Sadly, it looks like the truck we really want to add this tune to, the LOBO, does not qualify as of yet. Here’s hoping it does in the future.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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I missed that part about the six speed manual.....
A Raptor/Tremor Maverick sounds nice but I just drive trucks into the ground and want reliable. Will more power make this more reliable? Does Ford make a reliable Eco-boost motor that lasts as long as a Crown Vic? Or is Ford just trying to set a new record they demolished in 2025 for the most Recalls by a Manufacturer by over boosting this motor.