Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 – what’s the difference?

The new Isuzu D-MAX is coming to Australia in September and will be followed later this year by the 2021 Mazda BT-50.

Both are all-new machines inside and out, but beyond their unique interior and exterior designs they’re almost mechanical twins, after Mazda ditched the Ford Ranger and instead chose the Isuzu D-MAX as the basis for its new BT-50.

Although both Japanese brands are still keeping some details secret before the launch of their Thai-built one-tonners, there are key differences between the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-MAX. Here’s what you need to know.

The Isuzu D-MAX has rugged visuals thanks to its angular front-end styling cues and pumped wheel-arches. The sharp angles used on the headlight clusters and LED lights along with the chunky grille deliver adventurous, outdoorsy optics.

The Mazda BT-50 ute couldn’t be more different. We’ve spent hands-on time with the BT-50 and although it has a more rounded look than the D-MAX it still presents a bold image.

Unmistakably part of the Mazda family now, it looks more like a muscled-up version of the Mazda CX-5 SUV than the previous-generation BT-50.

The headlights and grille have a more upmarket – dare we say ‘lifestyle’ – appearance, that has more in common with an SUV than a traditional one-tonne ute.

Both vehicles appear very similar when viewed in profile as they share the same doors, windscreens and rooflines. However, the D-MAX has plastic edging around the wheel-arches and it has a more sloped snout.

Differences at the back-end include unique tubs, tailgates and tail-light clusters. Again, the D-MAX is all chunky and boxy, the BT-50 a little more sophisticated. Unique alloy wheel designs set them apart too.

While both models will again be available in single-cab, extended-cab and dual-cab form – in both pick-up and cab/chassis configuration – the D-MAX is expected to be offered from launch with replacements for its existing Single Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab models.

Meantime, the Mazda BT-50 will be launched initially only in the most popular Dual Cab form, which traditionally commands 70 per cent of sales, with Single Cab and Freestyle Cab models (the latter with rear-hinged back doors) to follow next year.

However, unlike the vehicles they replace, neither extended-cab model will be able to carry four occupants because of Australian Design Rule issues with their twin rear seats.

In terms of size, all versions of both the D-MAX and BT-50 ride on a 3125mm wheelbase and measure about 5265mm long, 1870mm wide and 1785mm tall, while the dual-cab weighs 1890kg.

By comparison, the top-selling Toyota HiLux Rugged X is longer (5350mm), wider (1885mm) and taller (1815mm).

As with its exterior, the Mazda BT-50 has gone for an upmarket SUV-inspired look and feel, but this time the Isuzu has a fairly sophisticated cabin look and feel too.

The differences are minimal inside, with the dashboard design and air-vent shapes being the major changes.

Both vehicles get power-adjustable and heated seats on top-spec models, but the Mazda BT-50 is shooting for premium style with uniquely trimmed leather seats.

The underlining electrical architecture is the same, as are the fancy new heating/cooling controls and switchgear, gear shifter, double glove boxes and single USB, 12V and AUX ports up front. There is a second USB port for back seat occupants of both utes.

Each Japanese brand will specify their ute slightly differently, but it’s safe to assume the top-spec Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 dual-cab models will come with all the bells and whistles.

Some of them will be class-leading, like the central airbag that prevents the heads of front-seat occupants clashing in a side impact, and both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Safety systems will include twin front and side airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, front/rear parking sensors and traction/stability control.

Both utes will also bring an automatic parking function and bigger 320mm front brake rotors, but both will also stick with rear drum brakes. Only the Volkswagen Amarok and outgoing Mercedes-Benz X-Class utes have rear disc brakes.

Neither vehicle has been crash-tested at the time of writing, but both brands will be hoping for a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Both utes will also finally score steering wheel reach adjustment (in addition to rake), joining the Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton and SsangYong Musso.

Also standard – at least on top-spec models – will be automatic LED headlights, LED tail-lights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, voice recognition, remote engine start via proximity key fob, leather seat trim, digital speedometer, a large 9.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system, rear-seat air-vents and one USB in the front and one in the back.

The new Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 utes are essentially identical in terms of powertrains, both using a more powerful version of Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.

Outputs are now 140kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm. That’s up from 130kW/430Nm for the Isuzu but down from 147kW/470Nm for the Mazda, although Mazda says less weight and a better torque spread will make the new BT-50 quicker than the Ranger-based model it replaces.

As before, and in line with its key rivals, both the D-MAX and BT-50 will also offer towing capacity of 3500kg (braked). The payload in the rear tub will be slightly more than 1000kg.

Fuel economy figures haven’t been revealed (and should be very similar for both) but the 2021 Mazda BT-50 is claimed to be around 20 per cent more efficient than the current 3.2-litre model.

Therefore both utes are likely to come with a combined fuel consumption figure of around 8.0L/100km. Both will be available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The top-selling model grades for both brands are expected to be mid- to high-spec dual-cab 4x4 variants, but entry-level two-door 4x2 models will continue to open the range.

After crawling around inside and underneath the Mazda BT-50 we can confirm that 4x4 models will get a three-mode drive select system, with 2H, 4H, 4L and a push-button operated electronic locking rear diff for really challenging off-road scenarios.

There’s also a hill descent control system and hill start assist.

This is one area where we may see more tangible differences. Both models ride on the same new steel ladder frame – a robust chassis type designed primarily for load-lugging and off-roading more than ride comfort and refinement.

Also like their key rivals, both the new utes feature double-wishbone front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear suspension set-up, but it’s not yet clear whether there will be meaningful differences between the way these pick-up trucks ride and handle.

Previously Mazda went for a sportier (read: firmer) ride than that of the ougoing BT-50’s donor model, the Ranger. But it remains to be seen whether it chooses to differentiate its new ute from the D-MAX via suspension and steering tune, and whether it takes step forward over the existing T6 platform-based model in terms of the refinement, ride and handling.

Both vehicles now offer electric power steering systems and Isuzu has said its new D-MAX has faster steering response than its predecessor.

Wading depth is now 800mm for the D-MAX – and therefore the BT-50 – matching the class-leading figure of the current BT and Ranger.

Neither Mazda nor Isuzu has talked about coinage – that will happen on August 13 for the latter – but current D-MAX pricing spans $28,600 to $54,800 while the BT-50 is a $29,060-$63,250 affair.

Given the increases in safety, tech, equipment, design and efficiency, those prices are likely to rise.

Indeed, aftersales support could be the biggest differences between these two vehicles.

The Isuzu D-MAX ute is currently offered with a six-year/150,000km warranty versus the Mazda BT-50’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

If that continues, customers who make their buying choices based on warranty will have to weigh up the unlimited kays of the Mazda’s versus the extra 12 months of the Isuzu.

Both brands have a strong nationwide dealer, service and parts network (Mazda has 134 dealerships and Isuzu Ute offers access to around 156 outlets) so aftersales backup should be pretty good for both utes.

Capped-price servicing could be an area in which astute buyers see pros and cons but, like the sticker prices, these details remain unknown.

Whichever ute you choose, you might be in for a long wait. We’re told that while the new D-MAX is officially on sale from September 1, stocks will be limited for the rest of this year.

Supply issues will also affect the new BT-50, which as part of Mazda’s deal with Isuzu will follow the D-MAX on sale in most markets, so you may not be able to choose the exact specification you want until well into 2021.