The Mazda BT-50obtained a promising mid-life facelift earlier this yr, however you wouldn’t know that by trying on the gross sales figures.
As a substitute of spiking according to enhancements to the automobile, BT-50 gross sales have stagnated this yr, 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. Properly they have been till Mazda not too long ago launched drive-away offers throughout the mannequin lineup. Or perhaps the arrival of latest gamers has prompted patrons to buy round.
Regardless of the motive, 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 one in all Australia’s best segments.
How a lot does the Mazda BT-50 price?
In complete, there at the moment are 15 BT-50 variants, down from 22. The GT sits close to the highest of the lineup, beneath solely the SP flagship.
4×2
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 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 value |
|---|---|---|
| 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 at the moment 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 choose 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 at all times been a power of Mazda on the subject of the BT-50, and the up to date mannequin isn’t any exception.
In GT guise, the seats, door playing cards, centre console, steering wheel and sprint are all trimmed in leather-based, which provides 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 excellent driving place.
Supplies apart, the BT-50 shares a whole lot of elements with the Isuzu D-Max – a preferred participant within the Australian ute panorama.
Which means you get the 9.0-inch infotainment system from the D-Max, a minimum of in larger spec variants of the BT-50. Whereas the brand new display screen is an improve over the previous {hardware}, it’s not excellent.
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 common features, 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, nevertheless it presents all of the essential data in a manner that’s simple to digest.
Once more although, if the newest and nice tech ranks extremely amongst your priorities, you’re in all probability higher off with a Kia Tasman or BYD Shark 6. Nevertheless it’s truthful 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 hooked up 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 retailers beneath the centre stack, plus a 12-volt energy outlet. There’s one other USB outlet situated close to the rear-view mirror, appropriate for sprint cameras.
The cupholders are comfortably massive sufficient for an XL takeaway espresso, and extra helpful objects will 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 simply 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… absolutely there’s room for 2 to stop arguments between tech-obsessed youngsters and tradies.
Area can be ample within the tub, which stretches again the furthest of any mainstream mid-sized dual-cab at 1571mm in size.
The packaging can 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 tender opening.
The GT contains a neatly lined tub in addition to a typical 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 |
| Peak | 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 obtainable 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 |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 8.0L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 9.5L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 207g/km |
| Gasoline 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 turn into obtainable with the Japanese model’s new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel from the fourth quarter of this yr.
And we anticipate the brand new engine, which is claimed to devour 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 finally 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, nevertheless it’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 take into account 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 bit of sluggish, you’re compelled 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 once you load up the bathtub.
Whether or not 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 bought entry to a full-screen reversing digicam with overlaid pointers, in addition to entrance and rear parking sensors.
Out on the freeway, the BT-50 is suffering from among the identical 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, nevertheless it lacks grunt when overtaking.
The final expertise is kind of loud and unrefined – wind noise is amplified by a pair of enormous facet mirrors, and the engine is at all times audible.
There’s the choice to interact 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 modifications in site visitors circulation, typically resulting in conditions the place the driving force is compelled to intervene because the BT-50 hurtles in direction of a number one automobile. The lane-centring perform isn’t notably efficient, both.
Trusted Critiques, Smarter Selections, Higher Costs
The place skilled automobile opinions meet skilled automobile shopping for – CarExpert offers you trusted recommendation, personalised service and actual financial savings in your subsequent new automobile.
Mazda usually does a very good 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 bit of disenchanted by the BT-50 within the reduce and thrust of city life, its off-road prowess is effectively documented.
The turbo-diesel engine doesn’t really feel fairly as under-gunned on the paths, and it’s simple to position the BT-50 given its manageable dimensions.
The addition of Tough Terrain Mode permits the BT-50 to traverse troublesome and uneven terrain with larger ease by rising low-speed traction and decreasing 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 bought your self a succesful journey automobile.
| Off-road dimensions | Mazda BT-50 GT |
|---|---|
| Monitor entrance and rear | 1570mm |
| Floor clearance | 240mm |
| Method 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 high of a protracted listing of ordinary 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 screen
- 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 good points:
- 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 good points:
- 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels
- Gloss black exterior highlights
- Sail airplane 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 obtainable for the BT-50, so it’s price visiting a Mazda supplier to take a look at and the customisation choices.
They’re additionally lined 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 assessments carried out on the Isuzu D-Max.
| Evaluation class | Rating |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible street person safety | 67 per cent |
| Security help | 84 per cent |
The utes have 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.
Normal security gear consists of:
- 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 digicam
- 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 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $2496 |
Service pricing is capped for 5 years, with the annual common understanding to round $500/yr. That’s greater than you’ll pay to service a Ford Ranger or Isuzu D-Max, however extra reasonably priced than the service applications supplied for the Kia Tasman and Toyota HiLux.
With that stated, 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 yr, I expressed optimism for this facelift and what it might do for the mannequin. Having now pushed a high-spec instance, I need to say I’m a bit of underwhelmed.
I didn’t thoughts the seems of the previous BT-50, so tweaks to the design wouldn’t be a large promoting level for me. That is after all, subjective.
Nonetheless, the protection know-how undoubtedly feels extra intrusive than earlier than, which sours the driving expertise. And the engine stays merely satisfactory, 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 constructive observe, there’s nonetheless loads 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 a large leap over the previous 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 suppose the BT-50 GT is a high decide of the ute bunch. The brand-new Kia Tasman hits most of the identical beats just a bit higher than the Mazda, assuming you may 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 motive – it’s an completed way of life ute that also represents nice worth for cash.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Mazda BT-50. Click on right here to get a terrific deal
Click on the photographs for the complete gallery