The midsize pickup will benefit from a “comprehensive redesign inside-out”, following the example of the Isuzu D-Max it is based on
October 11, 2024 at 06:00
Mazda published the first teaser of the facelifted BT-50 in Australia, announcing its premiere for October 18. The midsize pickup will benefit from styling and tech upgrades, in order to stay fresh against the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton rivals.
The BT-50 was introduced in 2020 and received mild updates for 2024. However, 2025 will be the year of a more substantial facelift, described as a “comprehensive redesign inside-out”.
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The teaser focuses on the front end, which adopts more aggressive LED headlights reminiscent of the Mazda CX-5. We can also see a revised grille, and what appears to be the largest version of the Mazda badge ever to be fitted on a production vehicle.
Besides the sharper exterior design, the pickup will benefit from enhancements to the interface, safety features, and functionality. The Mazda BT-50 is based on the Isuzu D-Max, which got its own mid-lifecycle update one year ago, giving us an idea of what to expect.
Chances are that the facelifted Mazda will inherit the new 7-inch digital instrument cluster from the closely-related Isuzu, as with the revised switchgear under the 9-inch infotainment, the extra USB-C ports, the remote engine start function, and a few extra ADAS. The truck could also gain Isuzu’s Rough Terrain Mode setting, which is said to improve traction in more challenging off-road conditions.
Under the hood, we expect carry-over powertrain options. The outgoing BT-50 is available with a 1.9-liter turbodiesel producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), or a more potent 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS). The engine are mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, sending power to the rear or to all four wheels depending on the version.
The BT-50 is Mazda’s second best-selling model in Australia, following the popular CX-5. However, the truck was recently axed from New Zealand and South Africa where it failed to gain traction with buyers. Production of the Mazda BT-50 takes place in Thailand, alongside the Isuzu D-Max.