Truck Guide: Two New Models Boost Ford Truck Lineup

 Features, Ford, Reviews  Comments Off on Truck Guide: Two New Models Boost Ford Truck Lineup
Nov 302025
 

 

Maverick pictured above and F-150 hybrid below.

At Latino Traffic Report (LTR) we like to offer truck guides as often as we can and this year Ford stepped up with a chance to drive two of its newest models. Ford and its F-Series of trucks (including super duties) have been a leader in sales for 49 years. LTR recently tested the 2025 F-150 hybrid, which should help secure its standing in the segment and its newest offering, the 2025 Maverick LOBO compact pickup.

Maverick Lobo AWD

Ford introduced the Maverick compact pickup in 2021 as a hybrid, the off-road model, Temor, came next, and in 2025, a new performance trim entered the lineup, the Maverick LOBO.

According to Ford, the Maverick design is, “Inspired by the lowered truck era that lasted from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s and Maverick customers already personalizing their trucks for performance.” One can also conclude that Latino lowrider enthusiasts are also included in the target market.

The Lobo has a lowered ride height of a half-inch in the front, 1.12 inches lower in the rear, and a roof height that is 0.8 inches lower. A unique front fascia, black roof and 19-inch tires with smooth rims, and painted rear bumper distinguish the Lobo from its siblings.

A twin-clutch rear drive utilizes torque vectoring to improve on-road cornering performance, grip, and stability. The on-road tuned suspension with tuned shocks and enhanced brakes with dual-piston front brake calipers also sharpen the ride, plus five drive modes, from Eco to Sport, allow the driver to fine tune the performance. If it sounds like this truck may drive like a car, it does, on purpose.

A 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 250 hp and 277 ft.–lbs. of torque matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters powers the Lobo. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It averaged up to 32.2 mpg during the test drive.

Inside, the test model had Activex trimmed blue seats with lime accent stitching. The second-row bench had underseat storage and an eight-inch touch screen for engaging the infotainment system, which took a while to figure out. There was also a bit of an obstructed view from the passenger-side A-pillar and side mirror.

Pricing for the 2025 Maverick starts at $30,140. The as-tested pricing came to $42,345.

F-150 SuperCrew King Ranch Hybrid

When Ford introduced the F-150 Lightning in 2021, its first EV truck stole the thunder from another all-new offering from Ford, the 2021 F-150 hybrid. LTR recently tested the 2025 F-150 Super Crew King Ranch Hybrid and this fanciest of Ford’s trucks also brought convenience and versatility to a new level.

While trucks were originally associated with work, that changed with the King Ranch trim that elevated trucks to premium vehicles and the Super Crew (four-door) cab that added extra room for passengers, i.e. families. Convenience matters for families and the test model included the remote tailgate release, a 360-degree rearview camera, and Blue Cruise hands-free cruise control among other features.

The test vehicle included many creature comforts all wrapped in the King Ranch’s iconic leather seating and genuine wood accents. Ford has also made efforts to accommodate work on the inside with a work desk in the center console, wireless charging, and 7.2 kw onboard generator.

A 3.5-liter Powerboost V6 engine matched to an electric motor that generates 430 horsepower and 578 lb.–ft of torque and ten-speed organization powers the hybrid giving it a maximum towing ability of 11,600 pounds when properly equipped and an available max payload of 1,750 lbs. As a hybrid truck, the F-150 has an impressive EPA estimated fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. It averaged 21.6 mpg during the test drive.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the 2025 F-150 starts at $40,805. The as-tested price came to $79,825.


Ford Recalls Certain F-150 Pickups

 Recalls  Comments Off on Ford Recalls Certain F-150 Pickups
Jun 242019
 

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S19. Vehicles that have not had 19S07 performed are not affected by this action and will receive updated software under the existing 19S07 program.

This action affects approximately 123,000 vehicles in North America, including approximately 107,850 in the United States and federalized territories and approximately 15,200 in Canada. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this issue.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

TAWA Picks Truck Rodeo Winners

 Noticias  Comments Off on TAWA Picks Truck Rodeo Winners
Nov 152017
 

2018 Truck of Texas: Ford F-150. Photo by Kevin McCauley.

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) would like to recognize the winners of the 2018 Texas Truck Rodeo, hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) and presented by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI). Taking the top three awards, Truck of Texas, Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) of Texas, and Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) of Texas were the Ford F-150, the Volvo XC60, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio, respectively.

2018 SUV of Texas: Volvo XC60.

The thirtieth annual Texas Truck Rodeo took place at the Longhorn Ranch in Dripping Springs, TX.

2018 CUV of Texas: Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Each year, automotive journalists spend two days driving on off- and on-road courses, testing  vehicles (trucks, SUVs, CUVs, and commercial vehicles) to select winners in 21 categories as well as three overall winners. Sixty-four vehicles, with a combined value of nearly $4 million were test driven this year by 75 journalists.

“The competition was incredibly fierce at this year’s Texas Truck Rodeo,” said TAWA President Nic Phillips. “Journalists put in more than 300 hours of driving time, evaluating the vehicles presented. The results in several categories are separated by the narrowest of margins … confirming just how competitive the trucks and utility vehicles are today,” Phillips said.

 

Full-size Pick-up of Texas: Nissan Titan. Photo by Kevin McCauley.

Engineers from the competing manufacturers were on hand to answer questions from journalists about the vehicles and to aid in the evaluation process. Vehicles are measured on their interior, exterior, value, performance, and personal appeal

Traditionally, new features or new models tend to attract the most votes. Restyled for 2018, one memorable moment in the F-150 Limited included getting a massage from the all-new seat massage function. This is the ninth win for Ford at the rodeo and a repeat from last year when the Ford F-250 won the title.

Mid-size CUV of Texas-Mazda CX-5. Photo by Kevin McCauley.

“With the new 2018 F-150, we’re honored to earn back-to-back Truck of Texas awards for F-Series, a recognition that speaks to the truck team’s dedication to our hard-working customers,” said Raj Nair, executive vice president and president of North America. “That’s especially true here in Texas – truck capital of the world.”


The SUV of Texas win represents a three-peat for Volvo. It was also the last SUV to be named Truck of Texas in 2003, prompting creation of the SUV and CUV of Texas awards. The 2018 XC60 T6 and the super luxe T8 Hybrid, with premium features like an Orefors crystal shift knob, were entered to compete in the Mid-Size Luxury SUV of Texas category, which it won as well. Additional awards for the XC60 included Best Connectivity for its Sensus infotainment system and Best Powertrain. Alfa Romeo’s first CUV also won the Luxury CUV of Texas category.

Overall, Nissan was the most overall awarded brand with five category wins and Mazda swept the three non-luxury CUVs, categories. Other highlights from the event included a near vertical climb up a hill with the Ram Power Wagon, assisted by a winch and the Land Rover Discovery, assisted by cruise control.

The following is a list of all the winners.

The 2018 award categories and winning vehicles were:

  • Truck of Texas: 2018 Ford F150
  • SUV of Texas: 2018 Volvo XC60
  • CUV of Texas: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport
  • Heavy duty pickup truck: 2018 Ram 2500 Limited Tungsten
  • Best commercial vehicle: 2018 Nissan Titan King Cab SV
  • Luxury pickup truck: 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Southfork
  • Off-road pickup: 2017 Ford F150 Raptor
  • Full-size pickup: 2018 Nissan Titan Midnight Edition
  • Midsize pickup: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
  • Best technology: Nissan Pro Pilot
  • Best connectivity: Volvo XC60
  • Best powertrain: Volvo XC60
  • Off-road utility vehicle: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon
  • Sub-Compact SUV: 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk
  • Compact SUV: 2018 Nissan Rogue Platinum
  • Mid-size Luxury SUV: 2018 Volvo XC60
  • Compact Luxury SUV: 2018 Infiniti QX30 Premium AWD
  • Full-size SUV: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
  • Mid-size SUV: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
  • Compact SUV: 2018 Nissan Rogue Platinum
  • Full-size CUV: 2018 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring AWD
  • Mid-size CUV: 2017 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring GT
  • Compact CUV: 2018 Mazda CX3 Grand Touring FWD
  • Luxury CUV: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport

Ford Recalls Certain F-150, E-350, Escape, and Lincoln MKC models

 Recalls  Comments Off on Ford Recalls Certain F-150, E-350, Escape, and Lincoln MKC models
Aug 172017
 


E-350

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.

The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Lincoln MKC

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 17S17.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.