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2023 Mazda BT-50 review: Full range detailed

The Mazda BT-50 is a popular midsize ute, available in single, extended and dual-cab forms. Learn more about the BT-50 range including price, interior, tray space, safety assists and performance.

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Gallery115
7.0/10Score
Score breakdown
8.0
Safety, value and features
7.5
Comfort and space
7.0
Engine and gearbox
7.5
Ride and handling
6.0
Technology

Things we like

  • Comprehensive standard safety list
  • Respectable road manners
  • Very fuel efficient

Not so much

  • Long warm-up
  • Slow infotainment boot-up
  • Clattery engine

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

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.

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JUMP AHEAD


Mazda BT-50 pricing

2023 Mazda BT-50 pricing
XS Single Cab Chassis 1.9 6 SP Automatic 4x2$35,370
XT Single Cab Chassis 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x2$38,370
XT Freestyle Cab Chassis 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x2$41,870
XT Dual Cab Chassis 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x2$45,910
XS Dual Cab Pick Up 1.9 6 SP Automatic 4x2$44,310
XT Dual Cab Pick Up 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x2$47,310
XTR Dual Cab Pick Up 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x2$51,390
XT Single Cab Chassis 3.0 4x4 6SP Manual$43,370
XT Freestyle Cab Chassis 3.0 4x4 6SP Manual$46,870
XT Dual Cab Chassis 3.0 6 SP Manual 4x4$51,180
XTR Dual Cab Chassis 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x4$57,730
XS Dual Cab Pick Up 1.9 6 SP Automatic 4x4$52,930
XT Dual Cab Pick Up 3.0 6 SP Manual 4x4$52,580
XTR Dual Cab Pick Up 3.0 6 SP Manual 4x4$56,630
GT Dual Cab Pick Up 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x4$62,510
SP Dual Cab Pick Up 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x4$68,510
Thunder Dual Cab Pick Up 3.0 6 SP Automatic 4x4$73,410
Prices exclude on-road costs
Cab Chassis Standard Tray adds $3356
4x4 XT and XTR Auto option $3000

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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.

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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.

2023 Mazda BT-50 standard features
Colour seven-inch touchscreen, one 12v auxiliary and two USB input sockets.Wheels (17-inch) made from steel, and a full-size steel spare wheel.
Android Auto (wired) and Apple CarPlay (wired or wirelessAM/FM and DAB+ radio
Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming. Hill-assist control, which operates the brakes automatically to make take-offs on hills easier.
Reversing camera.Downhill brake control, which can regulate speed automatically on steep downslopes when driving off-road.
Sound system with at least four speakers.Eight airbags, including driver knee airbags
Single-zone climate control.Electronic stability control
Driver seat height adjustment.autonomous emergency braking
Vinyl floor covering.brake assist
Adaptive cruise control (auto models only).high beam control
Halogen daytime running lights and LED headlights.forward collision warning
Auto-on headlights.lane departure warning
Rain-sensing windscreen wipers.traffic sign recognition
Active safety features including autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist.driver attention warning
Controls on the steering wheel for operating the cruise control, the sound system and Bluetooth.blind-spot monitor system including rear-cross traffic
An automatic transmission (standard on 4x2, optional on some 4x4 models).Locking rear differential which ensures the rear wheels turn at similar speeds to improve traction and handling (standard on 4x4).
A trip computer that presents fuel use and distance information.

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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.

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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

2023 Mazda BT-50 XTR features
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror.Six speakers.
Leather steering wheel.Smart Keyless entry and start that doesn't require you remove your keyfob from your pocket or bag.
Driver seat lumbar adjustmentLED front fog lights.
Dual-zone climate control.Power folding side mirrors.
Nine-inch infotainment screen.18-inch alloy wheels
Satellite navigationSilver side steps.
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Paying more again for a BT-50 GT gets you those features plus:

2023 Mazda BT-50 GT features
Standard 3.0L, 6 Sp Automatic 4x4 powertrain.Heated front seats.
Remote engine start.Chrome, heated side mirrors.
Leather seat trim.Front parking sensors.
Driver seat cushion height and tilt adjustment, powered.

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

2023 Mazda BT-50 SP features
Leather and synthetic suede seat materialLower front bumper garnish.
Fender flares in gloss black.Tub liner, to protect the painted finish of the inner tub area.
Sail plane in gloss blackManual aluminium roller tonneau cover.
Gloss black painted wheels, side mirror caps, grille.
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The BT-50 Thunder is the most expensive and most off-road-focused variant. It includes these features:

2023 Mazda BT-50 Thunder features
Leather seats.Premium black steel rear hoop bar.
Single hoop bull bar in matt black.Black side steps.
Lightforce 20-inch dual-row LED lightbar.Fender flares in matt black.
Powered aluminium roller tonneau cover.Chrome, powered, folding side mirrors.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Which version of the Mazda BT-50 does Wheels 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.

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

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7.0/10Score
Score breakdown
8.0
Safety, value and features
7.5
Comfort and space
7.0
Engine and gearbox
7.5
Ride and handling
6.0
Technology

Things we like

  • Comprehensive standard safety list
  • Respectable road manners
  • Very fuel efficient

Not so much

  • Long warm-up
  • Slow infotainment boot-up
  • Clattery engine
Phil Lord

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