Mazda BT-50 Thunder is back for 2026, with help

Mazda has finally revived the BT-50 Thunder and returned the halo variant to the top of the range for the 2026 model year, however this time it isn’t coming alone. Also joining the fray is the cut-price BT-50 Boss which inject some extra attitude into the work-focused XT recipe as the XTR, GT and SP grades gain a 360-degree camera.

Retaining its seat at the head of the BT-50 table but still not offering any extra capability, the Thunder is as close to a ready-made hero ute as you can get from Mazda, given it ships with a hoopless bull bar, Lightforce Beast driving lights, elaborate sports bar, a manual roller cover, decals and anti-slip side steps.

It’s based on the luxury-oriented GT trim which means it scores leather upholstery, satnav, heated seats with power adjustment for the driver, a 9.0-inch infotainment system, an eight-speaker sound system, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors all-round and LED headlights.

Still missing from the ensemble are all-terrain tyres and, compared with a lot of the competition – Isuzu D-MAX Blade, Nissan Navara Warrior, Ford Ranger Tremor etc – at least, upgraded off-road suspension.

The Thunder has also shed its wheelarch extensions for a sleeker, less knock-kneed aesthetic.

As for the BT-50 Boss, think of that as a dual-cab XT pick-up dolled up with gloss black door and tailgate handles, gloss black exterior mirrors, a black steel sports bar and alloy wheels, tub liner and side steps.

Both newcomers are powered exclusively by the venerable and much-loved turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine that still chugs out 140kW/450Nm and drives the axles via a six-speed automatic transmission.

No changes have been made to the part-time 4x4 system of any applicable variant range wide.

Speaking of the rest of the range, the XTR, GT (Thunder by default) and SP trims all now include a 360-degree camera as standard.

Arriving in showrooms imminently, the 2026 BT-50 line-up now comprises 20 variants and has had been subject to a $500-$1540 price increase – depending on the variant – for the new model year: the bigger ones predictably applying to the grades with equipment gains.

Looking for a fast sales start at the volume end of the segment, the Boss is temporarily being offered from $58,990 drive-away, saving consumers at least $5000 of on-road costs, not to mention the circa-$1200 RRP discount.

How much does the 2026 Mazda BT-50 cost?
4x2
XS 2.2L single CC – $38,400 (+$500)
XT 3.0L single CC – $40,900 (+$500)
XT 3.0L freestyle CC – $44,500 (+$500)
XS 2.2L dual-cab PU – $47,210 (+$500)
XT 3.0L dual CC – $48,110 (+$500)
XT 3.0L dual-cab PU – $49,710 (+$500)
XTR 3.0L dual-cab PU – $55,780 (+$1540)
4x4
XT 3.0L single CC – $48,750 (+$500)
XT 3.0L freestyle CC – $52,500 (+$500)
XS 2.2L dual CC – $53,620 (+$500)
XS 2.2L dual-cab PU – $55,220 (+$500)
XT 3.0L dual CC – $56,120 (+$500)
XT 3.0L dual-cab PU – $57,720 (+$500)
Boss 3.0L dual-cab PU – $60,220
XTR 3.0L dual CC – $61,600 (+$500)
XTR 3.0L dual-cab PU – $64,740 (+$1540)
GT 3.0L dual CC – $65,020 (+$500)
GT 3.0L dual-cab PU – $68,160 (+$1540)
SP 3.0L dual-cab PU – $73,490 (+$1540)
Thunder 3.0L dual-cab PU – $78,400
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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