The Mazda BT-50obtained a promising mid-life facelift earlier this 12 months, however you wouldn’t know that by wanting on the gross sales figures.
As a substitute of spiking in keeping with enhancements to the automobile, BT-50 gross sales have stagnated this 12 months, and it stays an afterthought for ute patrons in comparison with section leaders just like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, BYD Shark 6 and even its twin-under-the-skin, the Isuzu D-Max.
However why? Maybe it’s as a result of costs are up by between $550 and $3510 in comparison with pre-facelift variations. Effectively they had been till Mazda lately launched drive-away offers throughout the mannequin lineup. Or possibly the arrival of latest gamers has prompted patrons to buy round.
Regardless of the purpose, the BT-50 nonetheless doesn’t command the identical consideration that Mazda’s passenger automobiles do, particularly the CX-3 and CX-5 SUVs.
With that in thoughts, let’s briefly shine a highlight on the BT-50 – particularly the premium-leaning GT – to see if it’s an underrated gem in considered one of Australia’s best segments.
How a lot does the Mazda BT-50 price?
In complete, there are actually 15 BT-50 variants, down from 22. The GT sits close to the highest of the lineup, under solely the SP flagship.
4×2
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XS single-cab/chassis 1.9-litre | $36,400 | $38,990 |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT single-cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $39,400 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT ‘Freestyle’ cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $43,000 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT dual-cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $46,610 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT dual-cab pickup 3.0-litre | $48,210 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XTR dual-cab pickup 3.0-litre | $53,790 | N/A |
4×4
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT single-cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $47,250 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT ‘Freestyle’ cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $51,000 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT dual-cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $54,620 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XT dual-cab pickup 3.0-litre | $56,220 | $54,990 |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XTR dual-cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $59,650 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 XTR dual-cab pickup 3.0-litre | $62,750 | $62,490 |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 GT dual-cab/chassis 3.0-litre | $63,070 | N/A |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 GT dual-cab pickup 3.0-litre | $66,170 | $65,990 |
| 2025 Mazda BT-50 SP dual-cab pickup 3.0-litre | $71,500 | $67,990 |
Mazda Australia is presently providing particular drive-away pricing on some BT-50 variants together with the GT pickup examined right here. Proper now you will get behind the wheel of a BT-50 GT dual-cab for $65,990 drive-away, a reduction of hundreds in comparison with common pricing.
Alternatively, patrons of XTR, GT and SP pickups can decide to forgo a reduction in favour of a standard-fit Tow Pack valued at over $1500.
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s the Mazda BT-50 like on the within?
Cabin presentation has all the time been a power of Mazda with regards to the BT-50, and the up to date mannequin is not any exception.
In GT guise, the seats, door playing cards, centre console, steering wheel and sprint are all trimmed in leather-based, which supplies the inside an actual sense of high quality.
These perceptions of high quality additionally translate to consolation, because the entrance seats are ergonomic and forgiving over lengthy journeys. Two-stage heating comes commonplace with the GT, as does full electrical adjustment with lumbar assist. There’s additionally loads of adjustment within the steering column, so drivers of all styles and sizes can discover their good driving place.
Supplies apart, the BT-50 shares a number of parts with the Isuzu D-Max – a preferred participant within the Australian ute panorama.
Meaning you get the 9.0-inch infotainment system from the D-Max, not less than in larger spec variants of the BT-50. Whereas the brand new display is an improve over the outdated {hardware}, it’s not good.
The wi-fi Apple CarPlay connection stopped working throughout our check, and the infotainment graphics nonetheless fall flat in comparison with rivals just like the Ford Ranger and Kia Tasman.
Nonetheless, the system is in any other case user-friendly. Contact buttons on the base of the unit present fast entry to widespread capabilities, and there aren’t so many menus that the tech turns into overwhelming.
Likewise, a naked bones digital driver show sits proudly behind the steering wheel, flanked by old-school analogue gauges. There’s nothing flashy about this setup, and little in the way in which of configurability, but it surely presents all of the crucial info in a manner that’s simple to digest.
Once more although, if the most recent and nice tech ranks extremely amongst your priorities, you’re in all probability higher off with a Kia Tasman or BYD Shark 6. But it surely’s honest to imagine that solely applies to a small sub-section of ute patrons.
The BT-50 additionally utilises the local weather management panel from the D-Max, which consists of a simple row of toggle switches connected to a skinny digital show – good and tactile, which is ideal for making changes on the transfer.
That’s usually the case with this inside, though I wasn’t so keen on the unseparated steering wheel buttons.
And whereas the cabin is a pleasing place to spend your time, it’s not essentially the most sensible within the section. All the principle inside storage areas are smaller than you would possibly hope for, and there’s no wi-fi telephone charging pad to be discovered.
As a substitute, you’ll discover a pair of USB-C shops beneath the centre stack, plus a 12-volt energy outlet. There’s one other USB outlet positioned close to the rear-view mirror, appropriate for sprint cameras.
The cupholders are comfortably giant sufficient for an XL takeaway espresso, and extra precious objects may be saved in a ‘hidden’ compartment above the glovebox.
From a practicality standpoint, the second row is a totally completely different proposition.
Legroom and headroom are spectacular for the section, and the center seat is totally usable. Darkish roof lining could contribute to claustrophobia for taller adults, however that’s not a dealbreaker.
The rear bench advantages from beneficiant padding and the identical high quality supplies that you just discover up entrance, each of which make it comfy.
Above: SP proven
Rear facilities embody twin air vents, bottle-shaped door bins, large map pockets on the seat backs, and a centre armrest with built-in cupholders. A single USB-C outlet additionally options… certainly there’s room for 2 to stop arguments between tech-obsessed youngsters and tradies.
Area can also be ample within the tub, which stretches again the furthest of any mainstream mid-sized dual-cab at 1571mm in size.
The packaging can also be glorious – the wheel arches take up an excessive amount of area, whereas the addition of hydraulic struts makes gentle work of working the tailgate and permits for delicate opening.
The GT incorporates a neatly lined tub in addition to a regular tow bar, though it misses out on a guide curler tonneau cowl and sports activities bar, each of that are solely commonplace for the flagship SP.
| Mazda BT-50 GT | |
|---|---|
| Size | 5280mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Top | 1790mm |
| Wheelbase | 3125mm |
| Tub size | 1571mm |
| Tub width | 1530mm (most), 1120mm (between wheel arches) |
| Tub depth | 490mm |
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
There are two four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines accessible throughout the BT-50 vary, they usually’re the identical ones seen within the D-Max and MU-X. Fitted solely to the bottom XS 4×2 is the 1.9-litre engine, whereas all different variants come commonplace with Isuzu’s trusty 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.
| Specs | Mazda BT-50 GT |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 140kW |
| Torque | 450Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Drive sort | 4-wheel drive |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 8.0L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 9.5L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 207g/km |
| Gas tank | 76 litres |
| Weight | 2102kg |
| Payload | 998kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3100kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6000kg |
The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X will develop into accessible with the Japanese model’s new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel from the fourth quarter of this 12 months.
And we count on the brand new engine, which is claimed to eat about 10 per cent much less gasoline than the 1.9-litre engine it replaces, will quickly additionally energy entry-level variations of the D-Max’s twin, the Mazda BT-50.
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Mazda BT-50 drive?
The mechanicals of this BT-50 could also be tried and true, however I used to be in the end left wanting extra.
The BT-50 and D-Max share a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 140kW of energy and 450Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automated transmission and four-wheel drive.
It’s a loud lump on startup, bursting to life with a clatter that by no means actually goes away. Shift into drive and the BT-50 will get rolling with out an excessive amount of fuss, but it surely’s clearly down on torque in comparison with rivals.
The four-cylinder Ford Ranger is definitely extra prepared, whereas the V6 is in one other league. And that’s earlier than you think about of the brand new wave of plug-in hybrid utes, all of that are brimming with battery-powered punch.
As a result of the BT-50 feels a little bit sluggish, you’re pressured to work it more durable, and with that comes unwelcome noise and vibration.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) ranges additionally endure from a busy suspension setup that makes the BT-50 really feel jittery round city. Our tester wasn’t in any respect forgiving when uncovered to coarse surfaces or velocity humps, and the rear finish solely feels settled whenever you load up the bathtub.
Whether or not it’s laden or unladen, the BT-50 is on the very least simple to steer in city situations. The steering itself is gentle and correct, there’s loads of outward visibility, and the automobile feels suitably manoeuvrable.
When unsure, you’ve received entry to a full-screen reversing digital camera with overlaid pointers, in addition to entrance and rear parking sensors.
Out on the freeway, the BT-50 is suffering from a few of the similar points I’ve already talked about, whereas new flaws additionally come to gentle.
This 3.0-litre variant can sustain with site visitors at triple-figure speeds, but it surely lacks grunt when overtaking.
The final expertise is kind of loud and unrefined – wind noise is amplified by a pair of huge facet mirrors, and the engine is all the time audible.
There’s the choice to have interaction adaptive cruise management and let the computer systems do all of the work, however that comes with its personal set of compromises.
For one, the system is gradual understand adjustments in site visitors move, usually resulting in conditions the place the driving force is pressured to intervene because the BT-50 hurtles in the direction of a number one automobile. The lane-centring perform isn’t notably efficient, both.
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Mazda usually does job of calibrating its superior driver help methods (ADAS) for the true world, however the BT-50 stands out as an exception. Along with freeway cruising complaints, I discovered the entrance proximity sensors to be hyper-sensitive in metropolis site visitors, though there’s a useful button to mute these warnings.
Whereas I used to be left a little bit disillusioned by the BT-50 within the reduce and thrust of city life, its off-road prowess is nicely documented.
The turbo-diesel engine doesn’t really feel fairly as under-gunned on the paths, and it’s simple to put the BT-50 given its manageable dimensions.
The addition of Tough Terrain Mode permits the BT-50 to traverse tough and uneven terrain with higher ease by growing low-speed traction and lowering the reliance on the differential lock, whereas all 4×4 variants now characteristic a rear diff lock as commonplace.
These new inclusions complement a variety of drive modes embody low-range 4WD, high-range two-wheel drive (2H) and four-wheel drive (4H). Nonetheless, There’s no automated 4H mode as in top-spec Rangers.
The BT-50 additionally advantages from an off-road pleasant method angle and first rate floor clearance.
All that’s left is to throw on a set of all-terrain tyres on and also you’ve received your self a succesful journey automobile.
| Off-road dimensions | Mazda BT-50 GT |
|---|---|
| Monitor entrance and rear | 1570mm |
| Floor clearance | 240mm |
| Strategy angle | 30.4 levels |
| Departure angle | 17.9 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 23.8 levels |
| Wading depth | 800mm |
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
On prime of a protracted checklist of normal gear, the GT brings leather-based seat trim, heated entrance seats with energy adjustment, heated mirrors, and distant engine begin performance.
2025 Mazda BT-50 XS gear highlights:
- 17-inch metal wheels
- LED headlights
- Black material upholstery
- Vinyl flooring masking
- Air-conditioning
- Energy home windows
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
BT-50 XT provides:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Rear air vents (pickup solely)
- Tailgate help
- Tough terrain mode (4×4 solely)
- Locking rear differential (4×4 solely)
BT-50 XTR positive aspects:
- 18-inch machined alloy wheels
- LED entrance fog lights
- Auto-levelling LED headlights with daytime working lights (DRLs)
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Aspect steps
- Tow bar with receiver, tongue and wiring harness (pickup solely)
- Tub liner (pickup fashions solely)
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-based-wrapped gear selector
- Twin-zone local weather management
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Superior keyless entry
BT-50 GT provides:
- Heated mirrors
- Black leather-based seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Distant engine begin
BT-50 SP positive aspects:
- 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels
- Gloss black exterior highlights
- Sail aircraft sports activities bar
- Aspect steps
- Wheel-arch flares
- Roof rails
- Mirror caps
- Door and tailgate handles
- Handbook curler tonneau cowl
- Black and terracotta ‘Maztex’ and suede upholstery
Moreover, there are greater than 100 real Mazda equipment accessible for the BT-50, so it’s price visiting a Mazda vendor to take a look at and the customisation choices.
They’re additionally coated by the ute’s five-year manufacturing facility guarantee if fitted at supply, or a two-year guarantee if fitted after buy.
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Mazda BT-50 protected?
The Mazda BT-50 was awarded a five-star ANCAP security score in 2022, primarily based on exams carried out on the Isuzu D-Max.
| Evaluation class | Rating |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible highway consumer safety | 67 per cent |
| Security help | 84 per cent |
The utes had been reassessed regardless of having already obtained five-star scores in 2020, because the D-Max and BT-50 obtained a design change to the driving force’s knee airbag and instrument panel.
Commonplace security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Entrance parking sensors (GT and SP solely)
- Rear parking sensors (pickup solely)
- Reverse digital camera
- Visitors signal recognition
- Trailer sway management
- Flip help
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Mazda BT-50 price to run?
The Mazda BT-50 is roofed by the Japanese model’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, which incorporates roadside help for a similar interval.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mazda BT-50 GT |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual capped-price service price | $499.20 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $2496 |
Service pricing is capped for 5 years, with the annual common figuring out to round $500/12 months. That’s greater than you’ll pay to service a Ford Ranger or Isuzu D-Max, however extra reasonably priced than the service packages supplied for the Kia Tasman and Toyota HiLux.
With that mentioned, Kia’s providing covers seven years of servicing.
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda BT-50 GT
Writing in regards to the pre-update BT-50 in November final 12 months, I expressed optimism for this facelift and what it might do for the mannequin. Having now pushed a high-spec instance, I have to say I’m a little bit underwhelmed.
I didn’t thoughts the seems to be of the outdated BT-50, so tweaks to the design wouldn’t be an enormous promoting level for me. That is in fact, subjective.
Nonetheless, the security expertise positively feels extra intrusive than earlier than, which sours the driving expertise. And the engine stays merely ample, much more so now when you think about the rise of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) utes.
The usual suspension setup leaves loads of room for enchancment, too.
On a extra optimistic observe, there’s nonetheless a lot to love in regards to the inside of the BT-50. The cabin is spacious and trimmed in high quality supplies, whereas the brand new infotainment system is a step ahead, albeit not an enormous leap over the outdated tech.
And the BT-50 is now higher geared up to enterprise off the blacktop – a key consideration for adventurous patrons.
Nonetheless, on stability, I simply don’t assume the BT-50 GT is a prime choose of the ute bunch. The brand-new Kia Tasman hits lots of the similar beats just a bit higher than the Mazda, assuming you possibly can abdomen its divisive styling.
For GT cash you may as well get behind the wheel of a Ranger Sport bi-turbo, which guarantees superior on-road refinement.
And if critical off-roading isn’t in your radar, the BYD Shark 6 has rocketed up the gross sales charts for a purpose – it’s an completed way of life ute that also represents nice worth for cash.
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