If you haven’t had a chance to test drive the popular Mazda BT50, then the 2023 edition would be a
great place to start. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the BT50 great and what changes have been
made to the design.
It probably won’t surprise you to hear that the BT50 has recently been recognized by CarExpert as the
Best Towing and Performance Ute of 2023. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why and may
even decide to test-drive one yourself.
Mazda BT-50 Overview
Mazda BT-50 Overview
The BT-50 is lightly based on the Isuzu D-Max but has a frontend design that’s a lot closer to other
Mazda crossovers like the CX-9. Other similar vehicles like the Nissan Navara Pro-4x Warrior or the
Toyota Hilux Rogue offer a bulkier look while the BT-50 has a more elegant charm.
The SP model capitalizes on this design and offers aesthetic enhancements that are typical of other SP
versions that Mazda offers. The black gloss mirrors, fender flares, and alloy wheels offer a sleek and eye-
catching look that you may not expect out of an off-road vehicle.
The interior has a similar upscale theme and features a black and driftwood finish. Under the hood, you
get all of the power you need to tackle any off-road situation you can imagine. The 1.9L/3.0L turbo
diesel engine features a 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC inter-cooled turbo system.
One of the biggest updates from the 2022 model is the addition of noise-reducing components like extra
foam, improved seals, and more carpeting to offer a ride quieter than ever. Other new technology like
remote engine starting, heated seats, and wireless connectivity, are also included, making it one of the
most modern vehicles currently available.
It is currently being offered in single, freestyle, and dual cab models, in either 4x2 or 4x4. Beyond that,
there are several sub-models available that can be customized to meet your specific wants and needs.
This level of variety basically allows you to build your own custom BT-50.
Mazda BT-50 Cost
The recommended drive away price (excluding on road costs) for the BT-50 starts from just $42,598* -
$79,582*.
If you are after the BT-50 SP model, then you can expect to pay from $73,269* before on-road costs.
This model includes the standard transmission though you can upgrade to the optional automatic for
around $2.500 more.
You can of course add a range of different accessories and color modifications, for a premium cost of
course. This price is around the average for similar vehicles from different brands. Some of the most
popular rivals of the Mazda BT-50 and their prices have been listed below for comparison:
- Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain: $67,500*
- Nissan Navara Pro-4X: $61,230*
- Toyota HiLux SR5+: $64,430*
Mazda BT-50 Interior Details
The latest BT-50 features an interior with a more upmarket look that benefits from the black and
driftwood color scheme. The actual material used in the interior is high quality as ever, with intricate
stitching details throughout the cabin as well as a soft-touch covering for the dashboard.
The BT-50 has a lot of similarities with the interior of the D-Max, with most of the essential design
features being the same. It has a similar 9-inch screen that is compatible with Apple Carplay, making it
an extremely functional infotainment center.
As far as storage space is concerned, you'll find that that you have plenty of room to work with. The Spacious center console bin, as well as thed dual glove boxes and bottle holders, give enough room to spread out.
Mazda BT-50 Under the Bonnet
The BT-50 has a 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel that is capable of producing 140kw of power at 3600 RPM. Torque capacity is around 450Nm between 1600 and 2600 RPM. It's available in either a six-speed manual or a a six-speed automatic, depending on your driving preferences.
The four-wheel drive system offers different gearing options with a total payload of around 892kg. Fuel
economy is once again pretty impressive, with most averaging around 9.5L per 100km. Paired with the
76L fuel tank, the BT-50 would be appropriate for much longer commutes.
Mazda BT-50 Driving Experience
The BT-50 is a smooth ride, even over rougher terrain. The engine is capable of producing a good
amount of low-end grunt that feels satisfying and provides enough power to traverse rocky, steep
terrain. Noise levels on the inside are good too, as Mazda has taken extra care to add more foam and
carpeting to reduce outside noise.
Braking and steering are well within the Mazda standard for quality and overall feels like a really fluid
and responsive vehicle to drive. If you are planning on doing a lot of off-roading, then the BT-50 will
offer you plenty of power to play around with.
Mazda BT-50 Safety Ratings
The BT-50 currently has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on tests conducted related to the Isuzu D-
Max. Some of the key safety features included have been listed below:
- Turn assist
- Driver attention monitoring
- Front, front-side and curtain airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Front-centre airbag
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Final Thoughts on the Mazda BT-50
The BT-50 is widely regarded as one of the best Utes currently available. With a more upscale look and
powerful internals, it’s clear that Mazda is looking to take a place at the top of the Australian market.
The past few years have seen Mazda achieve record sales with the BT-50 and the newest models are
continuing that trend of success.
In fact, the BT-50 is so popular that Mazda is even toying with the idea of releasing it in other parts of
the world like the United States. But for now, the Mazda BT-50 remains a region exclusive and one that
has quickly become one of the best utility vehicles on the market.
The 2023 model builds on all the things that made the previous BT-50 great and adds some cosmetic
charm and extra power under the hood. Now is the perfect time to test drive one but stock is limited, so
call us at Redlands Mazda today and schedule one!
For more information please visit: https://www.redlandsmazda.com.au/new-mazda/BT-50