2024 Mazda BT-50 review: Full range detailed

The Mazda BT-50 is a mid-size ute that has a relatively car-like interior, good performance and decent payload and towing capacities.

The previous BT-50 shared a majority of its mechanicals with the relentlessly popular and high-achieving Ford Ranger, while this new generation – first introduced in 2020 – stepped away from that Ford collaboration as Mazda paired up with Isuzu to create a BT-50 that is technologically twinned with the D-MAX.

Available in a slightly different combination of powertrain and body configurations to the Isuzu, this generation of BT-50 offers the same basic solid package of the D-MAX with a lick of Mazda style on top.

115

JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing
• What body styles are available for the BT-50?
• What features are standard in BT-50?
• What key features do I get if I spend more?
• How safe is the BT-50?
• How comfortable & practical is the BT-50?
• How big is the tray/tub?
• I like driving, will I enjoy this ute?
• Which BT-50 engine uses the least fuel?
• What is the BT-50’s towing capacity?
• How long is the warranty & what are the BT-50’s servicing costs?
• Which version of the BT-50 does 4X4 Australia recommend?
• What are the BT-50’s key rivals?

Mazda BT-50 pricing

🔼 Back to top

What body styles are available for the Mazda BT-50?

The BT-50 drives either its rear wheels only (4x2 models) or all four wheels part-time (4x4), depending on the version.

It is classed as a light commercial vehicle. Cab-chassis models allow buyers to fit the tray of their choice, including designs tailor-made for specific applications. Single-cab or 'Freestyle' cab models come only in this form but you can have the dual cab either as a cab chassis or with a factory tub at the back.

Single-cab models only have room for two passengers, while Freestyle cab versions add two extra rear ‘jump seats’ accessed through shorter, rear-hinged back doors and can seat four. Dual-cab models have larger, more conventional rear doors and can seat five.

A dual-cab chassis GT variant was introduced to range in 2024, with the GT badge formerly only reserved for dual-cab pick-up variants.

🔼 Back to top

115

What features are standard in Mazda BT-50?

The features listed below are standard in the entry-level XS dual cab and will appear in higher-grade models unless replaced by more premium equivalent features.

In May 2024, Mazda added a Rough Terrain Mode on all 4x4 models. Mazda also introduced the ability for accessories to remain powered after the engine has been shut-off, on XTR models and above. Lower-spec XS and XT variants also gained an auto relock functionality, which was already standard on XTR models and above.

A premium infotainment upgrade accessory package was released in 2024 to suit the XTR cab chassis and pick-up; XTR LE pick-up; GT pick-up; SP pick-up; and Thunder pick-up. It’s unavailable for all lower-spec XS and XT variants, but it can be retro-fitted to suitable model grades.

The package replaces the standard nine-inch display with a new, larger 11-inch WXGA high-definition laminated touchscreen head unit developed by Alpine Electronics. The head unit is embedded with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; TIDAL high-res audio streaming app; HEMA off-road navigation; and it offers dual USB-C, HDMI and AUX interfaces. Plus, an in-built Class D audio amplifier channels sound to a crossover unit that is specifically tuned for the BT-50’s cabin.

🔼 Back to top

115

What key features do I get if I spend more?

Even when just looking at dual-cab variants, there is a complex array of feature changes as you step along the BT-50 model walk.

The starting point in dual-cab form is the XS pick-up, available in 4x2 or 4x4 configuration with the 1.9-litre 110kW and 350Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission combination.

Upgrading to XT specification (also available in 4x2 or 4x4) offers a bigger 140kW/450Nm 3.0L diesel engine with a six-speed auto only in 4x2 guise and with a six-speed manual (with six-speed auto option) as a 4x4.

115

Specification highlights of the Mazda BT-50 XT dual cab over XS centre on the 3.0L engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and an improved towing capacity (up from 3000kg braked with XS to 3500kg braked).

For extra features, you could spend more for a BT-50 XTR, which like the XT is available with the manual or auto 3.0-litre diesel with rear-wheel drive 4x2 or part-time 4x4.

The XTR also brings

115

Paying more again for a BT-50 GT gets you those features plus:

The BT-50 SP is the penultimate BT-50, and offers these features as its point of difference:

115

The BT-50 Thunder is the most expensive and most off-road-focused variant. It includes these features:

🔼 Back to top

How safe is the Mazda BT-50?

The BT-50, along with its donor ute the Isuzu D-Max, really lifted the safety game for mid-size utes when they arrived in 2019, with a raft of standard active safety gear across the range.

Accordingly, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the BT-50 with its full five-star rating in 2020.

The model scored well in child occupant protection as well as safety assistance systems thanks in part to the inclusion of standard auto emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep technology.

115

It lost marks for the absence of AEB in reverse and, like many high-riding utes, was marked down for vulnerable road user protection including head impact rating.

Other standard safety features include eight airbags, ISOFIX and top tether anchors for two child seats in the second row, blind-spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, driver fatigue monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and a reversing camera.

.🔼 Back to top

115

How comfortable and practical is the Mazda BT-50?

Mazda’s BT-50 has easily one of the most car-like cabins among dual-cab utes, with tasteful two-tone upholstery and a logical dashboard layout.

The Mazda shares much of its underpinnings with the Isuzu D-Max but manages to introduce some differentiation including its more luxurious cabin finish, and in upper-spec models, electric driver’s seat adjustment, a classier black roof lining and heated front seats.

Its front seats are as comfortable as they look and offer a generous 90mm of headroom for the driver. The impressive 9.0-inch central touchscreen is one interior item that the BT-50 does have in common with the Isuzu and while it has sharp graphics and decent features, the system takes more than 20 seconds to boot up after the engine is started.

115

There’s also a neat double glove box that boosts interior stowage capacity and options.

Unlike some others, the information and entertainment system does not incorporate the climate control functions, instead relegating them to a specific panel below with a clean digital display and physical switches.

Also common to both Isuzu and Mazda are a small, sporty and ergonomic steering wheel covered in top-quality leather with two-way adjustment, an upholstered dashboard with real stitching, a big phone storage tray, and USB-A and 12-volt power for the front row.

There’s also a neat double glove box that boosts interior stowage capacity and options. Second-row passengers are also well looked after with a whopping 100mm of knee room, another USB socket, ample toe room, and great visibility even for smaller occupants.

Headroom is limited in the second row with just 40mm of space and the rear doors don’t open as wide as some other utes, which could make loading people and things a little trickier.

🔼 Back to top

115

How big is the tray or tub?

Roller tonneau covers are fitted to the upper-spec models, which are simple in operation and offer effective security but take up valuable real estate and will be the first thing taken off if you need to use the BT-50’s tray much at all.

The BT-50 tray measures 1571mm long by 1530mm wide and features just two tie-down points, towards the rear of the tray.

With a payload of up to 1065kg, the BT-50 is a true one-tonner and, with the 3.0L engine, it has a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

🔼 Back to top

115

I like driving, will I enjoy this ute?

Yes. The Mazda BT-50 has a well-balanced set of dynamic attributes for a mid-size ute.

With its D-Max shared underpinnings, the BT-50 offers the same sweet steering that is direct and mechanical but not rough, as well as handling that makes the Mazda very easy to position on the road.

Driving dynamics are generally similar but the BT-50 chassis tune has been softened off slightly for a more comfortable ride while maintaining enough entertainment and involvement for the driver. The result is a level of dynamics and comfort that manages to keep all occupants happy.

It’s also one of the best to live with in tighter spots thanks to overall proportions that feel smaller (in the right way) and good outward visibility. This nicely pairs with the parking radar and reversing camera.

115

We’re not recommending any dual-cab as the ideal suburban runabout, but the Mazda is one that makes relatively light work of metro duties.

Power and torque delivery from the 3.0L engine does not stand out from the ute pack, with a similar functional nature that’s found in virtually all vehicles of this class. There’s a little more noise and clatter from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder than the 1.9L but nothing unacceptable, while the automatic transmission is largely benign and smooth.

But with only six speeds, the auto is feeling its age among some rivals that are now bragging about seven, eight and even 10-speed offerings.

🔼 Back to top

115

Which Mazda BT-50 engine uses the least fuel?

The BT-50 XS 1.9L 4x2 Automatic uses just 6.7L/100km (claimed) on the combined cycle, while the 3.0L-engined 4x2 (automatic) and 4x4 manual models use a claimed 7.7L/100km.

Automatic 3.0L versions have claimed fuel consumption of 8.0L/100km, while all dual-cab BT-50 models have a 76-litre fuel tank.

While the smaller-displacement 1.9L engine has better fuel economy, it does lack the bigger engine’s power and torque (by 30kW and 100Nm) as well as towing capacity (by 500kg). While it would only matter to a very small percentage of buyers, the 1.9L, in 4x2 or 4x4, is only available with an automatic transmission.

🔼 Back to top

115

What is the Mazda BT-50’s towing capacity?

The Mazda BT-50 has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3000kg (1.9L engines) or 3500kg (3.0L engines), with a tow ball download maximum rating of 350kg on all models.

Payload ranges from 887kg in the Thunder to 1135kg for the XS 4x2 pick-up.

🔼 Back to top

115

How long is the warranty and what are the Mazda BT-50’s servicing costs?

Since April 2019, all new Mazdas have been covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty along with roadside assistance for the same period.

The BT-50 requires scheduled servicing every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first, and the cost of each service ranges between about $330 to $700 depending on the scheduled requirements.

🔼 Back to top

115

Which version of the Mazda BT-50 does 4X4 Australia recommend?

At first glance, the BT-50 XTR would appear to be the sweet spot in the range with its significant uplift in useful features over XT.

But once you add the 4x4 and automatic transmission options into the mix, it doesn’t appear to be as good value as the BT-50 GT, which costs barely more than $3000 extra and gives the best features per dollar spent as well as the highest-spec powertrain.

You don’t pay extra for 4x4, or the automatic transmission, and get added safety with front parking sensors as well as the nice-to-have heated front seats, (plus power adjustment for the driver’s side) and leather upholstery.

🔼 Back to top

115

What are the Mazda BT-50’s key rivals?

• Ford Ranger
• GWM Ute Cannon X
• Isuzu D-MAX
• LDV T60
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Nissan Navara
• Ssangyong Musso
• Toyota HiLux
• Volkswagen Amarok

🔼 Back to top

115