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We combined 3 expert Mazda BT-50 reviews to save you time.
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How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of Cars Guide, CarsApproved and WhichCar to bring you the Finder score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the 4 different expert ratings you see below.
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Critic reviews
Website
Rating
Notable quotes
Cars Guide
78%
"Nice to drive, on and off road, well appointed, and good-looking, the BT-50 surely deserves to be better represented in sales figures in the Australian market than it currently is."
"Mazda's BT-50 is among the best utes to drive and offers one of the stronger engines, a 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder turbo-diesel that is quite fuel-efficient."
"The 2017 Mazda BT-50 is a ute that is at its best when put to good use, but it's not just for the reason you'd expect."
Finder
78%
"If you are in the market for a 4x4 ute, it is worth taking the BT-50 for a test-drive. You might find that you can save a few thousand dollars when looking at equivalent competitors."
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Prices for the 2017 Mazda BT-50 began at $27,490 for a 2.2-litre diesel-engined, RWD, single-cab chassis model. On the opposite end of the scale sat the fully decked out GT dual-cab automatic 4x4, costing $49,990.
Prices quoted are recommended delivered prices (RDPs) for postcode 3000. At the time, Mazda didn't charge more for paint colour options. Prices shown include 12 months' registration and compulsory third party insurance (CTP), stamp duty and statutory fees, plus dealer delivery and administration costs.
Mazda also offered optional accessory packs for the BT-50. They were:
3.2 diesel 4x4 freestyle-cab chassis auto – $31,300-$34,400
3.2 diesel 4x4 dual-cab auto – $34,400-$37,300
Depending on the model, the 2017 Mazda BT-50 holds value relatively well.
Mazda BT-50 reviews from around the web
Overview
From 2006-2020, the BT-50 was a "twin-under-the-skin" with the Ford Ranger. The 2 utes shared the same chassis, engine and other common mechanical parts. However, outside, the styling is quite different from the Ranger, with the 2 vehicles sharing only a handful of common exterior panels. For some reason, the BT-50 never matched the Ford Ranger on sales. Mazda Australia engineers worked on the BT-50, opting for a tighter suspension and a slower steering set-up. All-in-all, journalists felt the Mazda was not as well made as its Ranger cousin.
However, the BT-50 packaged a gutsy, decently fuel-efficient engine range, with similar off-roading abilities to the Ranger. All that came in a less costly exterior shell, so if you're looking for an alternative to a Ford Ranger from this time period but want similar specs, the BT-50 could be a great option.
Pros
Cons
Notable quote
WhichCar
One of the stronger multi-use utes
Powerful 3.2 diesel
Stability control standard feature
Hefty low-speed steering
Firm ride
Higher-end models omit CD player
"Mazda's BT-50 is among the best utes to drive and offers one of the stronger engines, a 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder turbo-diesel that is quite fuel-efficient."
"If you can do without the Ranger's latest gadgets, the BT-50 does just about everything the big Ford can do, at a cheaper price."
CarAdvice
Comfy, well-designed interior
Ample power
Well insulated
Missing Mazda's MZD infotainment system
Below best-in-class fuel economy
Turbo lag (in city)
"We like the BT-50 at CarAdvice, but it isn't at its best in XTR specification. It's still decent value for money, but there are more compelling reasons both up and down the Mazda model grade tree."
CarsGuide
Pleasing styling
Determined engine
Excellent all-rounder
Auto gearbox city performance
Parking sensors not standard
Inconsistent ride
"Nice to drive, on and off road, well appointed, and good-looking, the BT-50 surely deserves to be better represented in sales figures in the Australian market than it currently is."
Engine and performance
Mazda offered 2 engine options for the BT-50. Those were a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel and a 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder diesel. Though Mazda rebadges these engines as "MZ-CD" motors, they are in fact based on Ford Duratorq diesels. You'll find the same engine in Ford Rangers.
Surely, this duet of power plants will perform the same as they do in the Ranger?
Reviewers say there are some key differences, which unfortunately hold back the BT-50 a smidge.
A few of the journalists mentioned that the engines suffered from observable turbo lag, which is evidenced as a hesitancy in stop-start traffic. It could just be the engine's tune, though peak torque on both the 2.2 and 3.2 appear to kick in at pretty RPMs. The problem seems to be magnified by an automatic transmission that holds on to cogs till the last minute. In the end, some reviewers suggested the Mazda was more agricultural than its blue oval relative.
Away from town, on the highway, motoring experts said the 3.2-litre donk had plenty of power. Mazda labels it as "gutsy". One journalist found that it wasn't difficult to spin up the rear wheels on damp roads, thanks to the engine's power and torque. When this happens, the dashboard will light up like a Christmas tree, showing the electronic stability control system is working to get things settled again.
When fully loaded up, the 3.2 supposedly performs well. During their testing, writers found it always had plenty of muscle to get the BT-50 moving, even going up hills.
The most efficient 2017 BT-50 models in the range claim 8.0 litres/100km. Those numbers are for a single-cab chassis 2.2 diesel with a manual gearbox and RWD.
With more power and capacity, the 3.2 naturally uses more diesel. The precise amount will vary depending on the body/gearbox/drive configuration, but official figures are as high as 10.0L/100km for a GT 4x4 dual-cab auto.
Once you've factored in real-world driving conditions, the fuel usage is almost always higher than those brochure figures. During their time behind the wheel, one reviewer could only achieve 12.8L/100km for an XTR dual-cab, though this was predominantly driving around town.
Emissions
Unusually, Mazda's website and brochure for the BT-50 (at the time) didn't list emissions. After a little digging, we found that the 2.2-litre puts out 199g/km of CO2 and 3.2-litre models are responsible for as much as 245g/km.
Handling
Many reviewers found fault with the BT-50's handling. They discovered the ride was overly firm and stiff, which can be quite jarring on rough roads. This seems peculiar when you consider that it shares a platform with the Ford Ranger.
Clearly, Mazda Australia engineers evidently went down a firmer suspension route, where Ford's team worked on blending the ability to lug loads with keeping as much passenger comfort as they could. Reviewers suggested the BT-50 bounces and jostles around, where the Ranger stays more planted.
The steering system is also different in feel to the Ford Ranger's. On the Ranger, steering response varies depending on speed, so when parking, you get more assistance. The BT-50 doesn't share this variable input assistance and motoring journalists were quick to notice this. Test drivers said it was heavy, requiring a lot of effort to manoeuvre at low speeds.
Pair that with a sizeable turning circle of 12.4m and you'll need to be a calm and confident driver to pick your way through bustling supermarket car parks.
Interior and other features
The cabin of the BT-50 is described as simple and unexciting. However, it is practical and hard-wearing – qualities that tradies look for in a ute.
The basic work spec trucks have cruise control, a trip computer, a 4-speaker radio system, Bluetooth® and audio streaming, as well as USB/auxiliary jacks. BT-50s have steering-wheel mounted controls for the radio. Bog standard utes also have a CD player, and height-adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat.
Driver assists across the range include electronic traction control, trailer-sway control and hill-launch assist. The 4WD models have a manually selectable locking rear diff for off-road terrain, as well as hi/lo range gear ratios.
As you move through the range, commercial steel wheels become 17" alloy rims. Reversing cameras become a standard fitment on XTR and upward dual-cabs. XTR utes also receive an 8-inch touch screen with HDMI, USB and AUX inputs. This system features integrated satellite navigation with 3D off-road terrain maps. An additional 2 speakers bring the total count to 6 around the cabin. However, some journalists lamented the lack of a CD player on the upgraded infotainment system compared with the work trucks.
XTR models also swap vinyl flooring for carpet, with the addition of dual-zone air conditioning as well as automatic rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, fog lights and side steps.
The most expensive GT model has leather seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated/folding wing mirrors and privacy glass.
Before the latest 2020 model, the BT-50 served as a budget Ford Ranger, in more rounded outer wrapping. Behind the body panels, there were a few differences, but journalists still appeared to prefer the Ford Ranger. The Ranger is better equipped, rides better and some would say is better looking.
But you can't deny the price difference, as the pre-2020 BT-50 was very competitively priced. In the end, Mazda's 2nd-generation ute is a solid, all-rounder that is underrated.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Ben Gribbin is an experienced automotive writer and life-long car enthusiast with a passion for restoring classic vehicles. He brings many years of experience working with and writing about cars to Finder.
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