Try our newest merchandise
The Mazda BT-50acquired a promising mid-life facelift earlier this 12 months, however you wouldn’t know that by trying on the gross sales figures.
As an alternative of spiking consistent with enhancements to the car, 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. Properly they have been till Mazda just 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 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 whole, there at the moment are 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 | Worth 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 | Worth 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 presently providing particular drive-away pricing on some BT-50 variants together with the GT pickup examined right here. Proper now you may get behind the wheel of a BT-50 GT dual-cab for $65,990 drive-away, a reduction of 1000’s 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 towards 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 in the case of 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 help. There’s additionally loads of adjustment within the steering column, so drivers of all sizes and styles can discover their excellent driving place.
Supplies apart, the BT-50 shares numerous elements with the Isuzu D-Max – a well-liked participant within the Australian ute panorama.
Meaning you get the 9.0-inch infotainment system from the D-Max, at the very least in greater spec variants of the BT-50. Whereas the brand new display is an improve over the outdated {hardware}, it’s not excellent.
The wi-fi Apple CarPlay connection stopped working throughout our take a look at, 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 in style 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 best way of configurability, nevertheless it presents all of the essential info in a method that’s simple to digest.
Once more although, if the newest and nice tech ranks extremely amongst your priorities, you’re most likely 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 an easy 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 may hope for, and there’s no wi-fi telephone charging pad to be discovered.
As an alternative, you’ll discover a pair of USB-C shops underneath 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 precious objects might be saved in a ‘hidden’ compartment above the glovebox.
From a practicality standpoint, the second row is a totally totally different proposition.
Legroom and headroom are spectacular for the section, and the center seat is totally usable. Darkish roof lining might 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, huge 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.
House 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 mushy opening.
The GT includes a neatly lined tub in addition to a normal 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 towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
There are two four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines accessible throughout the BT-50 vary, and so they’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 kind | 4-wheel drive |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 8.0L/100km |
| Gasoline economic system (as examined) | 9.5L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 207g/km |
| Gasoline tank | 76 litres |
| Weight | 2102kg |
| Payload | 998kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross car mass (GVM) | 3100kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6000kg |
The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X will turn out to be 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 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 towards 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, nevertheless it’s clearly down on torque in comparison with rivals.
The four-cylinder Ford Ranger is definitely extra keen, 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 compelled to work it more durable, and with that comes unwelcome noise and vibration.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) ranges additionally undergo 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 pace humps, and the rear finish solely feels settled while 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 eventualities. The steering itself is gentle and correct, there’s loads of outward visibility, and the car feels suitably manoeuvrable.
When unsure, you’ve received entry to a full-screen reversing digicam with overlaid tips, in addition to entrance and rear parking sensors.
Out on the freeway, the BT-50 is suffering from a number of the similar points I’ve already talked about, whereas new flaws additionally come to gentle.
This 3.0-litre variant can sustain with visitors at triple-figure speeds, nevertheless it lacks grunt when overtaking.
The final expertise is sort of loud and unrefined – wind noise is amplified by a pair of enormous 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 sluggish understand modifications in visitors circulation, usually resulting in conditions the place the motive force is compelled to intervene because the BT-50 hurtles in direction of a number one automotive. The lane-centring perform isn’t significantly efficient, both.
Trusted Critiques, Smarter Decisions, Higher Costs
The place knowledgeable automotive evaluations meet knowledgeable automotive shopping for – CarExpert provides you trusted recommendation, personalised service and actual financial savings in your subsequent new automotive.
Mazda usually does a superb job of calibrating its superior driver help programs (ADAS) for the actual 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 visitors, though there’s a helpful button to mute these warnings.
Whereas I used to be left a little bit dissatisfied 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 larger ease by growing low-speed traction and lowering the reliance on the differential lock, whereas all 4×4 variants now function a rear diff lock as commonplace.
These new inclusions complement a spread 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 strategy 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 car.
| 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 towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
On prime of an extended listing of ordinary tools, 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 tools highlights:
- 17-inch metal wheels
- LED headlights
- Black material upholstery
- Vinyl ground protecting
- 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 beneficial properties:
- 18-inch machined alloy wheels
- LED entrance fog lights
- Auto-levelling LED headlights with daytime operating 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 beneficial properties:
- 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 accessible for the BT-50, so it’s value visiting a Mazda supplier to take a look at and the customisation choices.
They’re additionally lined by the ute’s five-year manufacturing unit guarantee if fitted at supply, or a two-year guarantee if fitted after buy.
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Mazda BT-50 protected?
The Mazda BT-50 was awarded a five-star ANCAP security ranking in 2022, based mostly on checks performed on the Isuzu D-Max.
| Evaluation class | Rating |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Little one 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 acquired five-star rankings in 2020, because the D-Max and BT-50 acquired a design change to the motive force’s knee airbag and instrument panel.
Normal security tools 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 digicam
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Trailer sway management
- Flip help
To see how the Mazda BT-50 stacks up towards 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 $500/12 months. That’s greater than you’ll pay to service a Ford Ranger or Isuzu D-Max, however extra inexpensive than the service packages provided 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 towards 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 appears to be like of the outdated BT-50, so tweaks to the design wouldn’t be a large promoting level for me. That is after all, subjective.
Nonetheless, the security know-how positively feels extra intrusive than earlier than, which sours the driving expertise. And the engine stays merely sufficient, 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 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 a large 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 decide of the ute bunch. The brand-new Kia Tasman hits most of the similar beats just a bit higher than the Mazda, assuming you possibly can abdomen its divisive styling.
For GT cash you can even 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 achieved way of life ute that also represents nice worth for cash.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Mazda BT-50. Click on right here to get an excellent deal
Click on the photographs for the total gallery
MORE: Discover the Mazda BT-50 showroom
