2024 Mazda BT-50 Review

With nearly two dozen variants on offer, Mazda offers the BT-50 with both 4x2 and 4x4 systems and the choice of single and freestyle cab chassis formats, as well as the more family-friendly dual-cab ute.

With some fierce rivals in the ute segment, just how well does the BT-50 take the fight to its competitors? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Mazda BT-50 Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

All up, there are 21 variants of the Mazda BT-50 for buyers, with prices kicking off from $35,520 for the entry-level BT-50 4x2 XS 1.9 Single Cab Chassis and stretching out to $74,095 for the range-topping BT-50 4x4 Thunder Dual Cab Pickup.

Prices for some of the most popular 4x2 BT-50 variants, like the XT Dual Cab Pickup 3.0 stand at $47,460, while the BT-50 4x2 XTR dual-cab Pickup 3.0 is priced at $51,540.

Mazda’s most affordable 4x4 BT-50, the XT Single Cab 3.0 Manual is priced at $43,520, while the BT-50 XT Dual Cab Pickup is priced at $52,730 and the BT-50 XTR Dual Cab Auto is priced at $59,280.

Keep in mind that these prices do not include on-road costs.

If you’re after pricing information for a specific BT-50 variant, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

You could save money by using one of OnlineAuto’s car agents to assist you in finding the best car for you. As one of the leading car buying services in Australia, our team have access to a range of dealerships across the country to help find you the best deal.

Mazda BT-50 - XTR (4x2) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Mazda BT-50 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level BT-50 XS and BT-50 XT come riding on a set of 17-inch wheels and receive LED headlights, cruise control, a rear-view camera, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a decent list of safety features we’ll cover later in this review.

Stepping up to the BT-50 XTR range adds a set of 18-inch alloys as well as side steps, upgraded LED headlights with LED fog lights and daytime running lamps, a rear centre armrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, keyless entry & start and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Upgrading to Mazda’s BT-50 GT adds premium touches like leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with seat heating and heated side mirrors.

The Mazda BT-50 SP picks up black design touches for the alloys, door handles, front grille and mirrors, as well as a tub liner, black roller tonneau cover, leather and faux suede upholstery, a black sports bar and wheel arch flares.

Finally, the range-topping Mazda BT-50 Thunder picks up an LED light bar, a steel bull bar, a powered tonneau cover, side steps and a black sail-plane sports bar.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The BT-50 in base form comes packaged with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB+ digital radio.

Stepping up to the BT-50 XTR and above adds a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a satellite navigation upgrade.

Does the Mazda have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

The Mazda BT-50’s infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity for iPhone users, though owners with an Android smartphone will need to connect their phone via a USB cable, with the BT-50 offering wired Android Auto.

Is the Mazda BT-50 Comfortable to Drive?

It’s important to note from the outset that Mazda offers the BT-50 with a choice of two engines, with a rear-wheel drive base model and a range of four-wheel drive options.

At the base of the range, there’s a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel topped by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel for maximum pulling power and off-road performance.

All up, the Mazda has done a great job in making its rugged, off-road capable package a relatively simple car to pilot around town, with the BT-50 well-behaved on a daily drive.

Off the line, there’s more than enough power even from the base model thanks to ample torque provided by a turbo-diesel powertrain, with smooth shifts on offer from the six-speed automatic, and the option of a six-speed manual if you’re so inclined.

Around town, the BT-50 is more user-friendly than its large, rugged package might suggest, with a relatively lightweight steering rack that is easy to twirl while parking or darting through traffic.

The ride quality is also excellent, with a softer nature while unladen which only gets more sure-footed as you load it up with cargo.

Pick up the pace and the BT-50 proves a great long-distance tourer thanks to its versatile suspension package, insulated cabin and a decent range of feedback through the steering wheel.

All up, the Mazda BT-50 is one of the most impressive utes on the market when it comes to a surprisingly comfortable driving experience that remains user-friendly around town, making it a truly versatile package for Aussie buyers.

Is the Mazda BT-50 a Good Off-Roader?

With its platform and suspension package borrowed from the Isuzu D-MAX, the Mazda BT-50 proves a mighty strong performer when pushed off-road.

It offers great ground clearance, a low-range transfer case, a locking rear differential and a part-time four-wheel drive system that means it's the real deal when the going gets tough.

• Ground Clearance: 235 - 240mm

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angles: 25.8 - 30.0°

• Departure Angles: 23.9 - 25.3°

• Rampover Angles: 23.8 - 24.3°

How Much Can the Mazda BT-50 Tow?

Towing power from the Mazda BT-50 range depends on which engine you’re opting for, with the smaller-capacity 1.9-litre turbo-diesel offering 500kg less braked towing capacity than its bigger sibling.

• 1.9-litre Braked Towing Capacity: 3,000kg

• 3.0-litre Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Unbraked Towing Capacity: 750kg

• Maximum Towball Weight: 350kg

What are the Mazda BT-50’s Payload & GCM Figures?

Payload figures for the Mazda BT-50 lineup range from 887kg in the flagship Thunder Dual Cab Pickup to a maximum of 1,380kg in the XS Single Cab Chassis.

• Payload Figures: 887 - 1,380kg

• Gross Vehicle Mass: 3,000 - 3,100kg

• Gross Combination Mass: 5,500 - 6,000kg 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The great news for fuel-conscious buyers is that Mazda offers the Mazda BT-50 with a far more efficient engine option over the flagship powerhouse.

In the BT-50 4x2 range, the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel is rated at 7.0L/100km on the combined cycle, increasing to 7.7L/100km in 4x2 dual cab variants powered by the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The remaining BT-50 variants powered by the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel are rated at 8.0L/100km on the combined test cycle.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The Mazda BT-50 platform is a strong performer when it comes to practicality, offering buyers one of the most spacious cabins in the segment.

Up front, the driving position is nice and elevated, giving you a great view of your surroundings, with excellent headroom provided by the lofty cabin roofline and a nice adjustable seat and steering wheel.

It doesn’t receive as flashy of an interior layout as a typical Mazda passenger vehicle, though the design is utilitarian and doesn’t skimp on practical storage options that make a huge difference for families.

The centre console houses a pair of large cupholders, storage inside the folding armrest, a small tray sitting behind the gear lever, large bottle holders inside the doors and two gloveboxes sitting in front of the passenger seat.

Move to the rear of the BT-50 dual cab and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the amount of legroom on offer, making it one of the most family-friendly options in the ute segment.

The design itself is basic in the base model, though legroom is abundant, so too is headroom for adults sitting in the rear of the cabin.

For buyers with young ones in tow, you’ll be pleased to know that the BT-50 picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats, though the door aperture isn’t quite as wide as rivals, making it a bit of a squeeze fitting a bulkier child seat.

All up, the Mazda BT-50 is one of the best in the segment when it comes to space and practicality, and while the base model is a bit bland, more premium variants make it a lovely place to sit back on a long journey.

How Big is the Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab Ute’s Tray?

• Length: 1,571mm

• Width: 1,530mm

• Width Between Arches: 1,120mm

• Height: 828 - 833mm

Is it Safe?

Mazda has been particularly generous when it comes to active safety equipment bundled in with every member of the BT-50 ute range, with even the base model picking up a lengthy list.

As standard, every BT-50 variant comes packaged with autonomous emergency braking, turn assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure alerts, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist (for automatic variants) as well as driver attention monitoring and curtain airbags.

Does the Mazda BT-50 Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The Mazda BT-50 has picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing conducted in 2022 after scoring the following marks.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 86%

• Child Occupant Protection: 89%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 67%

• Safety Assist: 84%

What Warranty Does the Mazda BT-50 Come With?

Mazda offers the BT-50 range with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

There is also five years’ worth of roadside assist bundled in as well as five capped-price services included at purchase.

Service intervals for the BT-50 range stand at 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Mazda BT-50 Worth it?

With a tonne of variety within the BT-50 lineup, buyers are swimming in options within Mazda’s rugged and capable ute lineup, with the bonus of a fuel-efficient base model that maintains healthy power figures.

Thanks to its tough nature and well-refined behaviour on the road, the BT-50 is well worth a spot on any ute shortlist thanks to its abilities, safety equipment lists and particularly spacious cabin.

Five Mazda BT-50 Specs You Need to Know

1. Two turbo-diesel engines available

2. 7.0 - 8.0L/100km fuel economy figures

3. 3,000 - 3,500kg braked towing capacity

4. Five-star ANCAP safety rating

5. Single cab chassis, Freestyle cab & dual cab pickup variants available