Mazda BT-50 GT 2025 Review

The 2025 Mazda BT-50 starts at $36,400 for the XS and ends at $71,500 for the SP. While we drove three different models, we spent the most time in the up-spec BT-50 GT dual-cab 4x4 pick-up, which retails for $66,170 – an increase of $1810 over its predecessor. All those prices exclude on-road costs.

The BT-50 range has been condensed to ‘just’ 15 variants spanning five model grades: XS, XT, XTR, GT and SP. Check out our 2025 Mazda BT-50 pricing and specification story for more details on retail prices, body styles and drivelines, such as 4x2 and 4x4.

However, it should be noted that Mazda Australia’s managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, confirmed that drive-away pricing would be offered for the foreseeable future on key models, as follows:

XS single-cab-chassis 4x2 – $38,990
XT dual-cab pick-up 4x4 – $54,990
XTR dual-cab pick-up 4x4 – $62,490
GT dual-cab pick-up 4x4 – $65,990
SP dual-cab pick-up 4x4 – $67,990

These promotional prices will run “…for a long period,” stated the Mazda boss.

“I can’t give you a guarantee whether it stays at that number beyond the next few months,” he added.

For what it’s worth, Mazda executives also told us that almost 100 per cent of BT-50 buyers historically buy an average of $3800-worth of genuine accessories at the time of purchase, which are also covered by the same five-year warranty that protects the entire vehicle.

Headline equipment on the BT-50 GT includes 18-inch machined alloy wheels, side steps, full tow bar and wiring setup, heated leather seats up front, remote engine start, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry.

A new 9.0-inch central touchscreen comes with sat-nav, while a rough-terrain drive mode joins the locking rear diff for weekend adventures.

An upgraded 7.0-inch digital driver’s display has more functionality while USB-C sockets are now standard, and wireless Android Auto now joins wireless Apple CarPlay.

Safety systems include emergency lane keeping with road edge detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera, and front and rear parking sensors, while some new safety features have joined the list, like traffic jam assist and rear cross-traffic braking.

While changes to the vehicle’s front-end design add a bit more machismo, the powertrain line-up stays the same – except for the deletion of manual transmissions.

That means the BT-50’s turbo-diesel powertrains include the base-grade XS’s 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine (110kW/350Nm) while the rest of the range adopts the widely praised 3.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant (140kW/450Nm), both of which are paired with a six-speed automatic.

Looks are subjective, but I reckon the 2025 Mazda BT-50 is a better-looking rig than its predecessor, thanks to the tweaked grille work and headlight clusters.

The GT model we drove was festooned with accessories too, including an integrated (and Aussie designed and engineered) bull bar, stretched rear sports bar, new-look black alloy wheels and side steps, a roller cover and UHF radio, all of which provide a tough-truck look. And add circa-$20,000 to the purchase price.

Beyond the new look and wealth of locally engineered and tested accessories, the new 9.0-inch central touchscreen (first seen in the updated Isuzu D-MAX upon which the BT-50 is based) is a big improvement on the previous system, with more features and functionality, including the arrival of wireless Android Auto.

It also adds new off-road angle displays which are really useful, not to mention tyre pressure monitoring info and 4x4 driveline details.

The 7.0-inch digital driver’s display is a welcome addition too and now has more data to scroll through. Sure, it doesn’t extend the full width of the instrument panel like top-end Ford Rangers or the BYD Shark 6, with analogue dials still in the Mazda, but it is a worthwhile improvement on previous equipment.

Another good thing about the Mazda BT-50 is that service costs have not gone up and while the vehicle is mechanically identical to its forebear, the ute is still a solid performer on- and especially off-road.

Like its donor car, the Mazda BT-50 is still one of the best-riding utes on the market, and it’s a great cruiser too thanks to its gutsy 3.0-litre turbo-diesel. The powertrain is a standout, delivering strong off-the-line punch and flexible power, while sipping fuel at a decent rate.

Off-road? No stress, it’s built to impress. The 2025 BT gets the same rough terrain mode (RTM) for improved traction in tricky conditions, working with the rear diff lock to help crawl through challenging terrain.

We filmed an advice piece on locking rear diffs at the launch drive and trying to get the BT-50 GT to lose traction or spin one rear wheel was very challenging – testament to the vehicle’s impressive rock-hopping capabilities, generous wheel articulation and savvy suspension geometry.

Ground clearance and towing capacity stay competitive, with a solid 3500kg braked towing limit. Payloads vary depending on spec but are again comparable to league leaders.

The interior of the vehicle has been improved, especially in the top-spec BT-50 SP model with its super-sport tan leather seats, but even the GT hay hauler we spent a lot of time in had good leather seats.

It’s great to see physical audio dials replace awkward push buttons as this makes volume adjustment a breeze, even when bouncing around off-road. Faster-charging USB ports and a retained AM band keep country folk and talkback fans happy too.

There’s an argument to be made that the ‘new’ 2025 Mazda BT-50 isn’t new or different enough, something Mazda has strenuously denied to carsales.

The exterior design has been changed for the better but is more evolution than revolution, and compared to some rivals like the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger there’s no head-up display or electric park brake – weird given the Isuzu MU-X SUV has one (the MU-X too is based on the D-MAX).

While up-spec models get the 7.0-inch digital display in the instrument cluster the overall layout has a somewhat dated look and feel compared to class-leading utes.

There’s also no 48V mild-hybrid technology like on the Toyota HiLux, that would reduce fuel consumption… but maybe that’s a good thing?

Prices have also headed north by between $550 and almost $3500. As mentioned, the BT-50 GT we’re focussing on here has risen in price by just over $1800, although the limited-time drive-away pricing improves the value equation for now.

If you have a current-generation Mazda BT-50 already this update might be a stretch but on balance the upgrades should be meaningful enough to warrant a closer inspection for rusted-on Mazda loyalists.

Perhaps the only thing missing from an optics point of view is a flagship tough truck, like the now-deleted BT-50 Thunder.

But, compared to its rivals, the refreshed BT-50 offers solid value. It’s not the most advanced or innovative ute on the market today, but it ticks all the boxes in terms of on-road, off-road, payload and towing capability, and it should continue to be one of Mazda’s best-selling models.

2025 Mazda BT-50 GT at a glance:
Price: $66,170 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 207g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2023)

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