Performance sub-brands are often profitable and valuable properties within a manufacturer’s portfolio. Badges that bestow a vehicle with extra special-ness and desirability. Because of this, car companies often don’t let these brands wither and die, instead using them regularly to give car lines a halo effect and make vehicles that keep enthusiasts coming back to a brand. Interestingly, Ford seems to have no interest in doing any of this, as we’ve watched them disregard the ST badge, two letters that used to guarantee a fun driving experience. Now, there’s just two STs left, one for America and one for Europe, and the last European one is sadly a shadow of what it once was.
It’s a sad state of affairs, but it didn’t have to be this way. Even with Ford’s abandonment of sedans and hatchbacks in America, there were plenty of opportunities to continue to spice up models like the Escape, Mustang and Maverick. Instead, Ford took every opportunity to do anything but ST, opting to use new brands like Lobo and RTR for some reason that remains a mystery. We’ll discuss what the future (or lack thereof) of ST looks like later, but first, let’s highlight the last STs on sale (for now).
For this article, we only included true ST models, not ST-Line or other sporty appearance packages. The Maverick Lobo was also included due to it having real performance enhancements, including the rear differential from the Focus RS.
Puma ST: The Final ST in Europe
Press images of the Ford Puma sold in EuropeFord
Ford Puma ST: Basic Specifications
Engine
1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder mild hybrid
Power
168 horsepower
Torque
183 lb-ft
0 to 62 mph
7.4 seconds
Starting price
£33,600 ($44,775 at current conversion rates)
For decades, Europe had all the cool hot hatches, and Ford worked hard to offer some of the best that were ever made. That drive seems to have evaporated, and instead of innovating and finding new ways to offer performance despite stricter emissions regulations (like other companies have done), Ford has given up. Even its UK media site only has two pictures of the current Puma ST, and the link to the sub-page for ST leads to a dead-end page that “no longer exists”.
While called a crossover, the Puma ST is only slightly bigger than the old Fiesta ST, and still shorter and narrower than the recently departed Focus ST. The only real difference from behind the wheel that makes it feel like a crossover is the slightly higher seating position from its taller height. All this to say that most view it as a worthy extension of the great hot hatches that Ford is famous for, which is what makes its dilution a real shame.
It formerly had the fun, 197-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder and six-speed manual from the Fiesta ST, and all reports suggest it was nearly as much fun as the Fiesta. However, with last year’s refresh, it now only offers the same 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that’s found in the regular Puma, just with a few more horsepower, and the regular version’s seven-speed DCT automatic is the only choice now. And to make matters worse, it’s now very expensive, costing nearly $45,000 at current exchange rates. So the other great cornerstone of hot hatches, affordability, has gone out the window as well. If you’re yearning for an ST in Europe, just find a nicely-kept used example with a more exciting powertrain.
Explorer ST: The Final ST in America
2026 Ford Explorer Front Angle View in BlueFord
Ford Explorer ST: Basic Specifications
Engine
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Power
400 horsepower
Torque
415 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph
5.2 seconds
Starting price
$57,295
Ford using the ST badge on large crossovers was very controversial when it began with the Edge ST back in 2019. The following year, Ford put it on the even bigger Explorer, a move that really made ST traditionalists mourn the loss of the original ST formula of small, lightweight hatchbacks. Still, at least the STs continued to hold up as spicier versions of the regular model, and the Explorer ST is an impressive performer. You get a sportier suspension setup on an already great chassis, a 400 horsepower twin-turbo V6 that sounds great, and a sportier look inside and out. If you miss the STs of old but have a family now, the Explorer ST is a great option. We even named the regular version our Family Car of the Year. We’re just thankful the ST still exists, and hasn’t been neutered like the Puma. Get it while you can.
It feels far less like a family hauler than you’d expect for a three-row SUV. There’s plenty of power when you hit the gas and if you’re not careful you’ll be pulling away from stoplights far more aggressively than intended. – Nicole Wakelin – CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
Honorable Mention: Maverick Lobo
Front-quarter shot of the 2025 Ford Maverick LoboFord
Ford Maverick Lobo: Basic Specifications
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Power
250 horsepower
Torque
277 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph
6.1 seconds
Starting price
$38,320
The Maverick isn’t attempting to be an ST, but we thought it was worth an honorable mention because, while it doesn’t have any more power than a top Maverick, it does have some real handling improvements in the spirit of ST, including a torque-vectoring rear differential descended from the Focus RS. And while that engine isn’t unique, it originated from the Focus ST. You also get a lower ride height, a sportier suspension setup, quicker steering, and even a unique seven-speed automatic that drops the second gear from the usual eight-speed automatic to improve autocross performance. And it’s fairly small, which helps it feel more in line with STs of old. In this era where Ford wants to make everything a truck or SUV, the Maverick Lobo is probably the closest we’ll get to the original ST formula for the foreseeable future.
Do we need a street truck in 2025? No. Is the Lobo a fun truck that people that want a fun truck should buy? Absolutely. – Ian Wright – CarBuzz Automotive Journalist
The Future of ST (Or Lack Thereof)
2025 Ford F-150 Lobo exteriorFord
In Europe, AutoExpress has reported that people within Ford want to see new STs and even RS variants of their EVs, and have even committed to making a faster Puma EV. So there’s a strong chance that a Puma ST EV becomes a thing. But what about us here in the States? Here at CarBuzz, we’ve speculated that a Mustang Mach-E RS would be fairly easy to do if you take the Rally trim with its RS-inspired wing and throw out the lifted suspension for a lower ride, but that may step on the toes of the GT version.
Here in America, Ford management seems keen to expand the Lobo trim, with the F-150 Lobo recently joining the Maverick Lobo. This, combined with a clear lack of interest in adding ST to any other models (like Mustang or Escape), likely means we won’t see any new STs ever again. Ford had a prime opportunity with the new Mustang RTR that just debuted recently, but instead went to the trouble of bringing an aftermarket brand in-house in order to make that one happen.
It’s easy to imagine even Explorer ST getting rebranded as a Lobo to bring consistency to that side of the lineup. So the future of ST looks grim for the States. Your choices now are to enjoy the ones we have left on the used market while they’re still road-worthy, or take your money to the companies that are still doing hot hatches, like Volkswagen and Toyota.
Sources: Ford UK, Ford North America, AutoExpress.
