Mazda BT-50 GT review reveals a reliable family choice

With a toughened exterior and new tech, the Mazda BT-50 ute is working hard to fend off challengers.

Australia’s ute battleground has never been more fierce.

The seesawing rivalry for Australia’s top-selling vehicle continues between the Ford Ranger and Toyota’s HiLux, but there’s an uprising brewing.

BYD’s hybrid Shark 6 was named News Corp’s Car of the Year in 2024 and has quickly pushed into the top 15 overall sellers in Australia. Fellow Chinese manufacturers JAC and LDV have also come into the market where they are gaining traction at the bargain end of the ute segment.

Meanwhile, Kia is about to launch its much-anticipated Tasman in July. Yet among the segment stalwarts are twins under the skin, the Isuzu D-Max and the Mazda BT-50.

Isuzu developed the latest ute and sell the finished product to Mazda – who apply separate styling and tech touches.

Our family sampled the BT-50 GT, which can currently be driven away for just under $66k.

What do you get?

Earlier this year the BT-50 received a major update, which has included overhauled lights and wheels, along with a bigger grille plus a different front bumper and LED headlamps for a more rugged appeal.

The GT sits one rung from the top of the BT-50 tree, and among the best features are a nine-inch central touchscreen, heated front seats, remote engine start, black leather seat trim, parking sensors all around, tub liner, dual-zone aircon and side steps.

Our test machine also featured the new “red earth” metallic paintjob, which was apparently inspired by the Australian outback. That added $695 to the bottom line, as does blue, black, grey, silver and a metallic white – there is a flat white option for no additional cost.

Upgrades have been made to the seven-inch driver display with additional functionality.

Not many utes remain standard these days and Mazda meets the market with an array of extras. Use the online configurator and you can quickly bolster the price with more than 100 accessories, like a sports bar ($1592), snorkel ($1186), soft ($1157) or hard electric tonneau ($5333), nudge bar ($1262) or a canopy ($4693).

There are also various suspension upgrade options from $4114 to $6928. Handy for those who want to jack things up without voiding the five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Capped price servicing is available for the first seven return visits to a dealer. Prices are reasonable with the average cost about $550.

If you are happy to forgo the latest updates, Mazda currently has a run-out deal for 2024 plated models. That can represent a saving of about $5000 depending on specification, with the GT currently leaving the showroom for less than $60,000.

Among the leading features in the Mazda-BT-50 GT are a nine-inch central touchscreen, heated front seats, remote engine start and black leather seat trim.

How was the drive?

Nothing changed mechanically with the latest update, it’s the same strong 3.0-litre turbo-diesel which has close relatives in the small Isuzu truck range.

Behind the wheel is a familiar workhorse feel for those with ample dualcab experience. It’s not as refined as the Ranger or VW Amarok, but sits middle ground and a comfort step up from the rugged Mitsubishi Triton.

While it does not have the power of some rivals, its readily accessible 450Nm of torque and decisive six-speed automatic transmission compensate. The firm suspension handles major bumps well but can feel less refined on rough surfaces, emphasising its ute character during daily driving. The steering is responsive enough for confident control, though it lacks the precision of Mazda’s passenger cars.

Off-road, the BT-50’s rugged suspension absorbs impacts. While bumps are noticeable, the solid build inspires confidence in challenging conditions. Its part-time four-wheel drive system includes a locking rear differential for excellent traction on slippery or uneven terrain. Ample ground clearance and sturdy underbody protection safeguard vital components from damage.

Towing is a pivotal reason for having a BT-50, and its 3.5-tonne capacity matches the best in class.

The recent update also improved the autonomous emergency braking system. It can now apply the anchors if pedestrians and bikes are detected and the driver fails to act quick enough. Adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning are also new additions across the range.

During our test the BT-50 returned an average fuel consumption figure of 8.3L/100km, which is only slightly above the official Mazda claim.

The Mazda-BT-50 GT starts from $65,990 drive-away.

Would you buy one?

Kel: We’ve driven a lot of utes over the years and I didn’t mind our time with the BT-50. With heated seats, good cup holders plus ample storage through the cabin along with Apple CarPlay, it ticked all the feature boxes for me and it wasn’t difficult to drive. As a family machine I could certainly live with one if we were regularly heading off-road or towing.

Grant: The Isuzu underpinnings provide a dependable foundation. I’d absolutely spend another $2000 on the SP model which gains tougher external kit like glossy black roofrails, side steps, grille, sail plane sports bar, alloys and the tonneau cover. Currently there is a deal on the SP for $67,990 – which is $1000 less than the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain. While not as technologically flashy as some like the Shark 6 and the incoming Tasman, the expansive Mazda dealer network and trustworthy reputation may well be the extra peace of mind to convince those looking to explore.