2021 Dual Cab 4WD Ute Comparison: Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain vs Mazda BT-50 GT

If you know your Mazda BT-50 history, you know the previous versions of the Mazda pickup have always been based on an equivalent from the Blue Oval brand - in recent years, meaning you'd be buying a Ford Ranger in disguise.

Now, though, the tide has turned. The latest offering from Mazda is instead an Isuzu D-Max with a different look. That's right - the dual cab 4WD utes may not look all that similar from the outside, but they share plenty under the metal.

We wanted to see if the shift away from Ford ute roots to Isuzu's tough truck traditions was a good move for Mazda - by putting all three of these vehicles against each other in high-spec 4x4 auto trim levels. As such, here you see the 2021 Mazda BT-50 GT up against the 2021 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

We put these double cab models through their paces on-road and off-road to see how they compare. The results were closer than even we were expecting. But is there a catch? One of these models is falling behind in terms of tech and safety gear, and it costs more, too!

Watch the review to see what we're on about, or you can head to the CarsGuide site for the full, comprehensive detailed comparison test.

00:00 Intro
00:37 Pricing
02:09 Mazda BT-50 on-road
07:12 Isuzu D-Max on-road
12:40 Ford Ranger on-road
17:11 Mazda BT-50 off-road
21:09 Isuzu D-Max off-road
22:55 Ford Ranger off-road
26:40 Verdict

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[farokhbulsara]

At the end of the day, it doesnt matter how many reviews by these so called experts you watch, most of these reviewers are not motor mechanics, , , its their opinion, sometimes biased towards one brand, as a motor mechanic for over 47 years, ill pick an isuzu anyday over the others, engines are bullet thats my unbiased

[nigelclats]

Wow, a vehicle comparison that doesn't have shitty music blaring over the narration, as though we are 12yr olds needing a double entertainment fix.
Thank you, thank you !!!

[arrakiun]

Mazda BT-50! : I never liked this ute before knowing that it has a Ford Engine in it. It has the most expensive aftersales parts and service in the Philippines! But now, since MAZDA (the classy exterior and interior designer) made a VERY GOOD decision to partner with ISUZU, (the maker of the most durable engine and affordable aftersales parts and services), I now super admire the 2021 Mazda BT-50. At last, the good looking pick-up in our country that became underrated because of its Ford platform, will surely climb the sales ladder and has a potential of becoming the best-selling pick-up truck in our country.

I am so happy with the partnership of these two 🇯🇵🤝🇯🇵Japanese manufacturers.

The 2021 Mazda BT-50 is a SUV (exterior) + Sedan (interior) + Pick-up (engine, transmission and suspension) in ONE! 👏👊 so excited to actually see this truck soon! 😍

[unknownd]

Considering the Ranger is almost a 10-year old platform, it is still mighty impressive. A next generation Ranger would revolutionize the segment again.

That said, if I were to choose now, it would be the D-Max/BT-50 simply because it's fresher and safer. Wouldn't go wrong with the Ranger too, though.

[D-rw]

Dmax for me. Rear airbags, rear air vents, radar cruise, best looking and cheapest

[douglasyong]

Always wondered if there is some solid methodology to test the reliability of these utes..presently own a 2.0 biturbo Wildtrak, and so far had a steering rack replaced . Still loving it but confidence definitely dented!

[limpunsing]

I don't need a pickup but I'd prefer the D Max

[sw]

I won't pick up the top spec Ute for work more like target to ranger XLT or hilux SR5. Bt50 is more degisn for liftstyle and bit of work mix, I believe same as ranger wildtrak. As far as I know ranger XLT price is good now. New hilux Sr5 is definitely over price. Will wait for another year when market is cooling down.

[waynegale]

I would like to see a brake down on longevity on these tested vehicles.
No one makes any mention of the intercooler issues with the the Ranger, let alone the transmission problems being dealt with.
From what I see in many work shops, they are mostly occupied with Jeep's and Ranger's.
If the the current Wildtrak is so good, why are they being repaired early on and
It would be nice to read some candid appraisals based on what you guy's would really invest you money on.

[effbee]

Two things come to mind- value for money and likely durability. The Mazdasuzu pair win on these. Be interesting to see what sort of resale 5 yr old Ranger vs Isuzu as a percentage of original list price. I would back the Isuzu motor coupled to the Aisin trannie to outlast the Ford by many miles.
But if my employers were going to give me a new work ute every 3:or 4:years I might go for the Ford.
For my money the Mazda, but for other people's money the Ford!!!

[wernerziemerink]

Dang, that D-max looks the business. Isuzu would easaly be my choice.

[tgv]

good video guys and gals at Carsguide. The only issue with Ranger is if you want a manual version you are stuck with either the 2.2L (and nobody wants that) and the now rapidly aging 3.2L 5cyl turbo diesel, that said the 3.2L still is the better choice if you intend on doing long distance towing over the 2L sequential turbo diesel /10-speed auto, as for the new twins, I would tend to favor the Isuzu D-Max for 1 major reason, it's there baby and they will do the most development work with it over the next 5 years, like Ford with Ranger doing running changes and development changes I can't see Mazda doing anything other than styling revisions which leaves me with the thought that if Mazda don't move enough volume that they will simply leave it be and do the absolute bare minimum which also means when it comes to warranty they will try and find ways out of horning warranty issues whereas Isuzu will be bending over backwards to ensure customer support is at high levels.

[ryanpoulton]

They already made the decision before test driving

[takudzwachimutanda]

Thank you for finally do this review. We had been asking for a long time

[kentaylor]

I would like to see the dmax compared with the triton

[blownflatheaddeuce]

Like the Wildtrak, but 29lbs of boost in a 2.0 engine does'nt make for a long term reliable combo one would feel. Rangers have had persistent steering rack, engine and trans issues that have'nt really been resolved. The D Max should be a better long term proposition.

[robertiravonga]

The ranger is ok while the warranty lasts and Dmax has its grumblings but it’s maintenance in the long run is why I’d put my money on the Dmax

[colincameron]

Paid a deposit on Wildtrak yesterday. worst part about the thing is i have to wait one month to get it.

[GR-btjn]

Where is the toyota hilux rogue? In Thailand dmax got 1.9L diesel turbo engine

[johnnumbat]

I agree about cup holders. You may say I need to get a life but it has been a deal breaker for me choosing a vehicle. I had one where I could only put the coffee cup or water mug in the centre console and managed to spill hot coffee all over the console and my passenger. It’s also dangerous because it also momentarily takes away your concentration on the rood ahead. The dash mount cupholders in my 2010 Hilux are perfect as you can easily reach while looking at the road ahead. For me that crucial safety issue matters. John.