Mazda's MU-X twin muzzled
BT-50 ute won’t spawn rugged seven-seat 4x4 SUV like the Isuzu MU-XMazda is not interested in leveraging its relationship with Isuzu to deploy a rugged seven-seat family SUV to take on the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
That’s the word from Mazda CX-50 and BT-50 design chief, Eiji Kimoto, who said the idea of a mud-plugging large SUV based on its dual-cab ute, BT-50, doesn’t fit with its Kodo design language.
“When it comes to Kodo design, it's more about elegance, substance and quality. So it doesn't have much compatibility with off-road vehicles,” he said via interpreter.
Further questioning around the potential for a bush-bashing Mazda troop carrier resulted in a firmer “I do not think so” but he also tempered his response, insisting that if there was customer demand the company would look at an Isuzu MU-X twin-under-the-skin.
“We will continue to talk with our customers and we need to think about the future based upon those discussions with customers.
The Mazda BT-50 ute is based on the D-MAX ute – Isuzu builds the car for Mazda and attaches the various external and internal bits designed by Mazda.
The Isuzu MU-X is essentially an SUV version of the D-MAX ute, adding more luxury and more sophisticated rear suspension.
Theoretically (and technically) it wouldn’t be a stretch for Mazda to request a version of the seven-seat large SUV in the same vein, complete with 3.5 tonne towing capabilities and hardcore off-road hardware.
Kimoto-san explained that the BT-50 will be its only heavy-duty off-road vehicle with ladder-frame for the time being.
“For BT-50 facelift, I elevated the toughness, I made sure that BT-50 really matches this great continent of Australia.
“So for BT-50, I think we should make sure the ladder frame should be able to drive through the rough roads,” he added, concluding that a diesel-powered ute-based SUV is not on the agenda.
Related: 2026 Mazda CX-5 hybrid reveal this year
Related: Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 Review
Related: 2025 Mazda BT-50 range available now
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