Mazda BT-50

Inside the Mazda BT-50, you are greeted with an abundance of soft-touch materials and space. Regardless of the variant, its seats are plush and effectively ensure that all passengers maintain a good and comfortable posture even on the open road. The 4x4 variant gets black leather upholstery, while the 4x2 gets the black fabric version. For a pickup truck, its second row is also a nice place to be in. Its rear has good amounts of legroom, headroom, and thigh support. 

Like most Mazda vehicles, it also features a driver-centric cockpit which offers a multicontrol steering wheel (leather-wrapped for 4x4, while urethane-wrapped for 4x2), a black shift knob, and a meter set. In terms of meter set, the higher 4x4 variant gets a 7-inch LCD display, while the 4x2 has a 4.2-inch LCD display with analogue.

For entertainment and information accessibility, the 4x4 offers a 9-inch LCD infotainment display, while the 4x2 has the 8-inch counterpart. This model line’s infotainment system is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free, and a USB-C port. The 4x4’s infotainment is linked to an 8-speaker sound system, while the lower trim gets the 6-speaker version. The BT-50 has two USB Type-C ports (one in the front row and one in the second row). With all of these in mind, Mazda did a great job enhancing the functionality and the comfort level of its pickup truck’s cabin.

The latest Mazda BT-50 showcases the most modern styling of its kind. Yet, it still carries the ruggedness that its predecessors possessed. In its simplest sense, the updated BT-50 represents Mazda’s refined “KODO design philosophy.” At the front, it sports a new black mesh-type grille, which exudes a bit more sophistication than its predecessor’s chrome-stripped version. It now also comes with slimmer LED headlamps with auto-leveling and LED signature illumination for the higher trim. For better visibility, it is given LED fog lamps. Standard to both variants is a black metallic signature wing for a sporty demeanor on the road.

Its side view still resembles that of its predecessor’s but with more contrast. It has blacked-out wheel arches and side step boards (only for the 4x4 variant). Meanwhile, at the rear, you get LED brake lamps with an emergency stop signal and a bedliner with a tailgate assist feature for easier cargo hauling. Its 4x4 variant also comes with rear fog lamps. 

In terms of dimensions, both variants are 5,280 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and 3,125 mm in wheelbase. The 4x4 variant is 1,810 mm in height and has a 240 mm minimum ground clearance. On the other hand, the 4x2 variant is 1,785 mm in height and has a 235 mm minimum ground clearance. The higher trim runs on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a diamond cut, while the lower trim gets the 17-inch counterpart in black metallic.

In terms of suspension, the Mazda BT-50 utilizes an Independent Double Wishbone suspension with coil spring and a stabilizer bar at the front, while Leaf Springs at the rear. It handles really well for its size and absorbs bumps and other road imperfections with ease. Its steering has the right amount of firmness and softness. However, there are times when you will feel its weight, especially when hitting turns or corners at high speeds. But, overall, it can offer a plush ride thanks to a great combination of plush seats and a well-tuned suspension setup.

The Mazda BT-50 lineup is powered by a 3L, In-line, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve, Intercooled Turbo Diesel engine, which produces a maximum power output of 190 PS and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. This truck runs on a 6-speed automatic transmission system with a Manual Mode. The lower trim utilizes a 4x2 drivetrain, while the higher trim utilizes a 4x4 Shift-On-The-Fly System.

This truck runs with confidence courtesy of its powertrain’s good power delivery. It accelerates quickly and can overtake with ease on free-flowing highways. Its transmission is responsive, really driver-centric. In addition, it can also be a practical daily vehicle in the city since it has an above average fuel economy for its size and segment. Ultimately, this pickup truck is engineered to be a daily commuter and a reliable off-roader.

One of the weaknesses of the Mazda BT-50 is that its 4x2 variant doesn’t have the brand’s advanced driver assist technology. Its higher trim sibling, on the other hand, gets adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, auto high beam control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and brake, pedal misapplication mitigation, multi-collision brake, and a driver attention assist.

Its braking setup consists of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes. This setup is protected by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and a brake assist, electronic stability control, and hill launch assist.

In my opinion, the updated model is likely to enhance the Mazda BT-50’s competitiveness in its segment. Its 4x4 variant is definitely well-packed for a 3L Turbo diesel engine-powered pickup truck. Though, I hope they’ll give the 4x2 variant an adequate set of ADAS moving forward.