The Mazda BT-50 has always been a solid contender in the dual-cab ute segment, offering a blend of rugged capability and everyday usability. The 2025 model brings subtle refinements, improved infotainment, and off-road enhancements, making it a compelling choice for buyers in the market for a tough yet refined pickup truck. But does it justify its price tag, and how does it stack up against competitors like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max? Let’s dive deep into the BT-50’s performance, features, and overall value in this comprehensive review.

Exterior Design: Bold Yet Familiar

Mazda has kept the design changes to a minimum for the 2025 BT-50, maintaining the sleek yet rugged aesthetic that has become its signature. The front grille is bold, featuring chrome accents that add a premium touch, while the LED headlights provide excellent visibility at night. The sculpted body lines and muscular fenders give it an aggressive stance, ensuring it looks at home both in urban settings and off-road trails.

Some notable exterior highlights include:

• LED Headlights & Taillights: Standard across all trims for improved visibility.
• 18-inch Alloy Wheels: Enhances the truck’s stance and offers good road grip.
• Higher Ground Clearance: 240mm of clearance ensures better off-road capability.
• New Color Options: Mazda introduces fresh color schemes for added personalization.

Interior Comfort & Infotainment: A Step Up

Stepping inside the 2025 BT-50, you are greeted with an upgraded infotainment system, a more intuitive control layout, and comfortable seating. Mazda has finally addressed the issue of physical knobs, which makes adjusting volume and climate controls much easier while driving.

Key Interior Features:

• 9-inch Infotainment Display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Physical Knobs for Infotainment (a much-needed improvement over touch-only controls)
• Dual-Zone Climate Control for optimal cabin comfort
• Leather Upholstery (SP variant) adds a touch of luxury
• Spacious Cabin: Provides ample legroom and headroom for passengers

The new infotainment system is a highlight, as the addition of physical knobs eliminates the need to solely rely on steering-wheel controls. The overall cabin experience feels well-balanced, with Mazda keeping ergonomics and usability in focus.

Performance & Engine Specs

The BT-50 continues to be powered by the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, producing 187 hp (140 kW) and 450 Nm of torque. While these numbers aren’t class-leading, they are more than adequate for towing, hauling, and everyday driving. The 6-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear shifts, while the refined suspension setup enhances ride comfort.

Acceleration & Braking Tests

• 0-100 km/h: 11.1 seconds (marginally quicker than the previous model)
• 80-120 km/h Overtaking Time: 8.8 seconds (not the fastest but adequate for highway overtakes)
• 100-0 km/h Braking Distance: 43.5 meters (longer than expected, could be improved)

The BT-50 isn’t the quickest dual-cab ute on the market, but it delivers consistent performance. However, its braking distance is a bit on the longer side compared to its rivals.

Road Manners: Smooth but Noisy

On-Road Performance

Driving the BT-50 on highways and city roads reveals a comfortable ride with stable handling. However, the traction control system feels a bit too overactive, making acceleration somewhat restrained. Unlike competitors such as the Ford Ranger, which offer a dedicated sport mode, the BT-50 could benefit from a similar feature for better throttle response.

Road Noise Levels

Mazda has kept road noise to a reasonable level, but if you opt for all-terrain tires, expect an increase in cabin noise. Our decibel meter tests showed that it remains within the acceptable range for a dual-cab ute.

Off-Road Capability: Impressive Traction System

The BT-50 shines when taken off the beaten path. With a ground clearance of 240mm, approach angle of 30.4 degrees, and a departure angle of 24.2 degrees, it is well-equipped for tackling rough terrain.

Off-Road Drive Modes:

• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range): Best for paved roads.
• 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range): Ideal for loose gravel and sand.
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range): For challenging terrains like rocks and steep inclines.
• Rear Differential Lock & Rough Road Mode: Enhances traction on uneven surfaces.

Mazda has introduced a Rough Road Mode, which significantly improves traction over obstacles. In our tests, engaging this mode transformed the way the truck tackled off-road conditions, proving its effectiveness in real-world situations.

Towing & Payload Capacity

The BT-50 remains a strong workhorse with the following capabilities:

• Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg (braked)
• Payload Capacity: 1,095 kg

Whether you’re hauling construction materials or towing a boat, the BT-50 is built to handle heavy-duty tasks with ease.

Safety Features: Comprehensive Yet Lacking Front Camera

Mazda has equipped the BT-50 with an impressive array of safety features, but the absence of a front-facing camera is a notable downside, especially for off-roading.

Key Safety Features:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Hill Descent Control & Hill Start Assist

The Hill Descent Control system works adequately but could offer more refinement in speed modulation, similar to some competitors.

Fuel Efficiency: Decent for a Dual-Cab Ute

The 2025 BT-50 returns an average fuel consumption of 8.0L/100km, which is quite respectable given its size and powertrain.

Pricing & Value for Money

Mazda has positioned the BT-50 as a premium offering, and its pricing reflects that:

• XT 4×4 Dual Cab: $55,000
• XTR 4×4 Dual Cab: $60,000
• SP 4×4 Dual Cab: $68,000

The SP grade sits at the top of the range, offering premium interior touches, but at a steep price. Whether it’s worth it over a Toyota Hilux or a Ford Ranger depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Mazda BT-50?

The updated BT-50 builds upon an already solid foundation. The improvements in infotainment, off-road capabilities, and interior comfort make it an attractive option for those seeking a versatile ute. However, its pricing pushes it close to premium rivals like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, making the value proposition debatable.

Pros:

✔️ Rugged Design & Improved Infotainment ✔️ Excellent Off-Road Features (Rough Road Mode is a Game-Changer) ✔️ Strong Towing & Payload Capacity ✔️ Fuel-Efficient for Its Class

Cons:

❌ No Sport Mode for Better On-Road Performance ❌ Longer Braking Distance Compared to Rivals ❌ No Front-Facing Camera for Off-Road Visibility

If you’re looking for a capable and comfortable workhorse with solid off-road credentials, the Mazda BT-50 is a worthy contender. However, if you prioritize on-road dynamics and braking performance, you may want to compare it closely with the Ranger and Hilux before making a decision.

What do you think? Would you pick the BT-50 over its competitors? Let us know in the comments below!