Mazda BT-50 2021 review: GT off-road test

Mazda's BT-50, once based on the Ford Ranger platform, is now essentially an all-new Isuzu D-Max with Mazda styling.

As well, the new ute has a new look, a new engine (producing less power and torque than in the previous-generation BT-50), and it has a market-leading level of safety tech.

The new D-Max has impressed us, but how will the BT-50, effectively the Isuzu’s twin, perform on- and off-road?

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[trevorevans]

Looks way better than the previous model. Another good choice among many.

[biondiwiyono]

Def not complaining with the transition to Isuzu-based, because we all know how reliable those isuzu engines are

[ronpancik]

just bought a BT50 on friday nice drive going to take it around Australia towing a off-road van

[varzacwarin]

Looking much better than previous model! Great system, I trust Dmax!

[Cooliemasteroz]

It looks too nice to take off road unlike the Dmax which looks a bit more rugged and truck like. It would have been good to compare the torque curve with the old ranger as I think the Isuzu engine might actually have more torque at the lower rev range which could make it just as good if not better even though the maximum torque is less than the old BT50 engine.

[Urkuwayku]

In Ecuador, the DMax is assembled in the country and comes with a 2.5 diesel motor (with turbo). Despite being an Isuzu, in Ecuador the DMax is sold as a Chevrolet (something seems wrong about that!). The Mazda is assembled in Thailand and comes with a 3.0 diesel motor (no turbo). The speed advantage of the 3.0 is palpable. I've driven the Chevy DMax for over 200, 000 kms and the Mazda BT-50 for about 100K -- both rough farm work and occasional four-wheeling about the Andes. The Ecuadorian DMax chassis needs to be adjusted every year and the doors and bed gate rattle. According to my experience, the difference in quality is substantial and well worth the premium price (about 20%) for a BT-50.

[pauloyoshizaki]

BT - 50 : Motor - 4 Cilindros :
3.0 L : Turbo - Diesel : Tração : (4x4) Rodas : Top - Torque : 450 Nm : Top :
Potência - Força : Top - Designer - Lindo !!! -
Beatfill !!! BT - 50 : Pick - up :
MAZDA .

[dannytuomo]

I would like to see the power and torque curves compared to the old 5 cylinder version. Peak power doesn’t really mean anything if it’s only peaking at redline

[Lesiba]

it looks descent, better than the outgoing model. Maybe the reason Mazda never sold so many units was because of its aesthetics.

[mowerman]

A test with decent tyres would have been good.
I take delivery of my new bt50 next week and it will have a new set of all terrains straight away.

[kentaylor]

I prefer the DMax, but if I had to spend it on something the Triton still wins because the value is just better. Need more reviews of the Triton off road.

[dratempest]

Great review Crafty, honest as always ! Would be nice to see a v6 diesel/petrol engine options at some stage down the track.

[anthonyhawken]

Before watching this video I am going to make some guesses. 1 It is really an Isuzu Dmax in disguise. 2 It drives like the Dmax. 3 The convo will keep coming back to Dmax. 4 It doesn't look any near as good as the Dmax.
Dmax, Dmax, Dmax.

[darrenhodgson]

Plus I want to see how other company’s make there bull bars fit & look of it after fitting.

[kingwillbisthebest]

Actually looks good IMO. Looking forward to the rumoured more offroad ready variant that will compete with the Ranger Raptor. I have heard there may be a more powerful diesel coming. Any truth to that?

[atkrea]

Hi, is this the black color, or meteor grey? thanks in advance

[jeremygeduldt]

The Mazda BT-50 is based on Isuzu D-Max platform.

[voquangtruong]

i want to know about something.Does BT 50 have center differential, 2-wheel fast drive system
,
2 slow drive system?

[robdodin]

I think your reviews are a little How can you say the new BT50 is 'identical' to the DMax, same everything except for the skin, you actually say you have already reviewed the DMax and it drives, feels, handles the same etc....yet you give the BT50 a score of 7.8 and the DMax a score of 8.0 - Should be the same score.

[NabilNashar]

Calls the video off-road test
Proceeds to mention the 1st even remotely off-road related spec at 5:55