2025 Maverick Lobo Cat-Back Exhaust Comparison

[Cherokee]

A modern VVT 4 Cylinder Turbo engine sounds different from a lumpy cammed engine from the 70’s for sure. Both sound better than a Tesla though!

By a bunch !
I’m surprised there isn’t an EV with a full on imitation ICE sound system.

Can you Imagine watching a Tesla drive by sounding like a Ford coyote ?

Betcha it’s gonna happen.

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[wdninja]

By a bunch !
I’m surprised there isn’t an EV with a full on imitation ICE sound system.

Can you Imagine watching a Tesla drive by sounding like a Ford coyote ?

Betcha it’s gonna happen.

That’s already happening to a degree with the Hyundai IONIQ N models, and the “Fratzonic” on the new Dodge Charger Daytona.

 

[Cherokee]

That’s already happening to a degree with the Hyundai IONIQ N models, and the “Fratzonic” on the new Dodge Charger Daytona.

I’d rather walk or buy a junker than a Hindu.
Last I heard Dodge uses Fiat electronics and I know two Dodge Ram owners that pull trailers, both needing new engines well before 100,000 miles.
One got his new engine from the dealer, it lasted three short trips pulling his bass rig.
Screw that.

 

[Headcase650]

I'm amazed that ppl are willing to spend that kind of money on box kits. The exhaust on the Maverick isn't that complicated. I'm on my second exhaust and have spent less than the borla kit. I went side exit. Any competent exhaust shop should be able to fabricate this in an hour or two plus parts. Any 14" offset/center 2.5" muffler, 2.5" 90° mandrel, 2.5" 180° mandrel, two 3/8" hangers, tip of your choice and a couple feet of 2.5" pipe. The midbody resonator was from the first exhaust I put on but isn't really needed with the current set up.

 

[Escapologist]

it lasted three short trips pulling his bass rig.
Screw that.

Bass rig? That's not even much towing, offshore deep vee sportfisher might be towing, but a bass rig???

 

[Ben6berry]

I’ve gone through four different cat-back systems on my 2025 Maverick Lobo (Ecoboost), so I figured I’d share impressions for anyone considering an upgrade. The ones I tried: Ford Performance (Borla-made), Magnaflow, MRT Sidekick, and Thermal R&D.

Ford Performance (by Borla)

• Fitment was perfect, but the volume was extreme. Even the Ford tech thought it had a leak at first.
• Uses a larger muffler than Borla’s retail version, but it’s basically hollow, so it isn’t quieter.
• Loud on cold start and with any throttle input, easily the most aggressive of the bunch.

Magnaflow (2022–2024 kit)

• Ordered the earlier fitment since a 2025+ version isn’t out yet. It does not fit due to changes in the catalytic converter and hanger locations.
• I rigged it with Ford Performance piping just to test the sound.
• Very quiet with no drone, deeper tone but not much personality. Good if you want tame and drama-free, but wait for the proper 2025+ fitment.

MRT Sidekick (Street version)

• Exits in front of the passenger rear tire and eliminates some underbody piping, nice for ground clearance on my lowered truck.
• MRT claims “low drone.” That’s not accurate. I’d call it a 3–4 out of 5 on the drone scale.
• Tone and volume were otherwise good, but the drone was unbearable for me.

Thermal R&D (2025+ specific)

• Went with the dual black tips, driver-side exit. Fit was spot-on: good welds, hardware, hanger placement, and no cutting required.
• Tips hang ~¾–1" below the bumper, avoiding heat issues.
• Sound is excellent: louder than Magnaflow, but only really noticeable at cold start or heavy throttle. No drone at cruising speeds.
• Customer service was also reassuring, they were confident it would hit the “sweet spot,” and they were right.

Final Take

• Quiet / conservative: Wait for Magnaflow’s 2025+ kit.
• Aggressive / loud: Ford Performance (Borla).
• Perfect balance (my pick): Thermal R&D.

I took a video of the Thermal R&D cold start, warm-up idle, and 2k/3k revs:

Too bad they don't make it for the Tremor.

 

[Cherokee]

I'm amazed that ppl are willing to spend that kind of money on box kits. The exhaust on the Maverick isn't that complicated.

I’m amazed that ppl think these almost thousand dollars exhaust kits sound much better. Much less a thousand dollars better.

I’d do one if it had absolutely No drone and could be had, installed for a total outlay of no more than $200 or maybe $250

 

[Chops]

I'm amazed that ppl are willing to spend that kind of money on box kits. The exhaust on the Maverick isn't that complicated. I'm on my second exhaust and have spent less than the borla kit. I went side exit. Any competent exhaust shop should be able to fabricate this in an hour or two plus parts. Any 14" offset/center 2.5" muffler, 2.5" 90° mandrel, 2.5" 180° mandrel, two 3/8" hangers, tip of your choice and a couple feet of 2.5" pipe. The midbody resonator was from the first exhaust I put on but isn't really needed with the current set up.

Your setup looks great - but beyond my tools & talents for DIY.

My Lobo is a retirement hobby project. Only DIY is appropriate. Having someone else install would defeat the whole purpose.

Modifying the Borla was not part of the plan & I’ll grudgingly but politely use the services of a muffler shop to modify it.

 

[alex lobos]

I’ve spent over 6k in ceramic coating, tints, undercoating etc etc. 6 k in sounds. Probably 2k in some extras. I bought a lobo to dump the money in extras. I bought an extended warranty and want to keep it for a little. I bought my exhaust from the dealer and had them install it. Total cost $1600+ with everything. Including the $200 lug nuts from the dealer. What ever makes you guys happy do it. Whatever you plan people, fkn do it. If you have the money, do what makes you happy. I love my exhaust: I have every intention at some point pulling the 2.0 and putting a 2.2. Or putting a cam and bigger heads. My budget is $10,000 - 14,000 a year to dump in this money pit. This form is to help and encourage everyone, and promote mods and help. Do it people. Do what makes you happy. Because in the end. You drive your truck. Not them

 

[Cancunbadlands]

I’m amazed that ppl think these almost thousand dollars exhaust kits sound much better. Much less a thousand dollars better.

I’d do one if it had absolutely No drone and could be had, installed for a total outlay of no more than $200 or maybe $250

What muffler can you get for $200-250?

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Too bad they don't make it for the Tremor.

Don't they?

 

[Ben6berry]

Don't they?

No, they make it for the Lobo and the AWD

 

[Chops]

What muffler can you get for $200-250?

I thinking of having a muffler shop install this $135 Magnaflow muffler. With tax & labor about $250 or so.
Magnaflow is top tier quality and known not to be too loud or droney.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

I thinking of having a muffler shop install this $135 Magnaflow muffler. With tax & labor about $250 or so.
Magnaflow is top tier quality and known not to be too loud or droney.

Yeah! I used Magnaslow in the past, it's a good brand out there

 

[Headcase650]

If your looking for MagnaFlow sound and quality at half the price, check out Street Max.

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