The 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo is built to revive the street truck spirit of the 1980s, and it’s already proving that it can hold its own against sporty compact cars. Recently, YouTuber Sam CarLegion tested the Maverick Lobo against the Kia K4 GT-Line and Mazda3 Turbo to see how the compact pickup stacks up in real-world performance battles.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engine, the Maverick Lobo delivers 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Despite weighing around 3,700 pounds, it showed impressive acceleration and agility. In a roll race against the Kia K4 GT-Line, the Maverick Lobo dominated, finishing well ahead. Even in a standing drag race, the Kia put up more of a fight but ultimately couldn’t beat Ford’s sporty pickup.

The real challenge came against the Mazda3 Turbo, which also boasts 250 horsepower but slightly more torque at 320 pound-feet while weighing less. In head-to-head races, the Mazda3 edged out the Maverick Lobo, but the compact truck still closed the gap once it gained momentum. These results demonstrate that the Maverick Lobo isn’t just a stylish throwback – it’s a serious contender.

While it didn’t take every win, the Maverick Lobo proved its quick reflexes and street-ready performance, showing why Ford’s latest compact pickup is earning attention. Combining power, personality, and the practicality of a truck bed, the Maverick Lobo is shaping up to be a versatile and exciting option for drivers who want the best of both worlds.