Mazda BT-50 SP 2023 review: off-road test

Given the fact there are no changes to the BT-50 for the 2023 model, there are no pricing changes either. 

It ranges in price from $33,950 for the base 4x2 XS single-cab chassis and tops out at $71,290 for the 4x4 Thunder dual-cab pick-up.

When it comes to its rivals, the Mazda represents solid value for money. It is more expensive than models like the older Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara, but it is on par with its twin, the Isuzu D-Max.

The BT-50 ranges in price from $33,950 for the base model and $71,290 for the top of the line.

It is more affordable than the new-gen Ranger that runs from $35,930 to all the way up to $85,490 for the Raptor.

Across the model range, standard gear varies greatly depending on the grade, but starting from the XS, equipment includes power adjustable mirrors, power windows, black cloth trim, LED headlights, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto, Bluetooth, digital radio, and a reversing camera.

Higher up in the GT you’ll get an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather trim, heated front seats, remote engine start and front parking sensors.

Across the model range, standard gear includes LED headlights.

The Thunder tops the range with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 20-inch lightbar, a roller tonneau cover, black side steps and fender flares and more.

Mazda offers no fewer than 12 accessory options packs for the BT-50, with each one available on selected grades and body styles. They include basic offerings like the Boss Protection Pack ($1152) that includes rubber floor mats, bonnet and headlight protectors and scuff plates.

There’s also mid-range packs like the Boss Touring Pack (from $10,386) with a tow bar kit, canopy, a polished nudge bar and Lightforce driving lights.

The mid-range Boss Touring Pack comes with a very useful tow bar kit.

If you want to spend a bit more and really trick out your BT-50, there is the Boss Adventure pack (from $14,145) that includes black steel bull bar with hoops, Lightforce driving lights, electric roller tonneau cover, a black sports bar with an adaptor kit for the tonneau cover, tub racks and more.

You can buy individual accessories, of course, like the tow bar, bull bar, suspension upgrade, canopies, lighting, tub-liners and more.

Spending an extended amount of time in a ute is no longer the chore it once was. Comfort levels are now as close to a regular passenger car or SUV as they ever have been, and the BT-50 is no exception.

I spent most of my time in the second-from-top-spec BT-50 SP which is priced at $66,390 in automatic guise. It included a heavy-duty tow pack ($2142) and premium paint ($695), which brought the price up to $69,227 before on-road costs.

This grade comes with the lovely two-tone leather trim and the seats offer excellent levels of support and comfort on road and off. 

It is not a complex car to navigate - the dials and controls on the steering wheel are clear and logical, as are the air-con controls.

The 9.0-inch touchscreen in the SP – up from 7.0 inches in the XS and XT – is also relatively simple to navigate, but it won’t win any awards for tech innovation. It’s slow to respond to inputs, features dated graphics and feels about a generation old already. And this was a new system when the D-Max and BT-50 launched two years ago.

The BT-50 is let down by this outdated multimedia set-up, especially when you consider the new Ranger’s system.

Elsewhere up front you get a USB-A and 12-volt outlet, powered driver’s seat and strong air con.

It has two gloveboxes – a regular one and a smaller one above – a deep central storage bin, two large cupholders in the centre console and extra push-out holders on the dash, and more than enough space for large bottles and folders in each front door.

The rear-seat backrest is upright, like in most dual-cab utes, but the flat pew is comfortable enough. Rear passengers will find another USB port, rear air vents on XTR grades and up, and a central fold-down armrest.

Overall, it’s a well-executed cabin that is in need of a tech upgrade.

There are two powertrain options for the BT-50, with the entry-level XS grade the only version that comes with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that outputs 110kW and 350Nm. 

It is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission but buyers can opt for two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

All other BT-50s come standard with a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit, offering up a beefier 140kW and 450Nm. A six-speed manual gearbox and six-speed automatic are available with 4x2 and 4x4, depending on the grade.

The two powertrain options include the entry-level's 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine or a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit, on all other grades.

Our time on bitumen was limited to the BT-50 SP and there are plenty of things working in this ute’s favour.

The 3.0-litre unit is punchy and responsive enough for a diesel workhorse, with loads of torque for towing and overtaking. It gets away at the traffic lights with ease.

The six-speed auto is a good match for the powertrain, changing gears at the right moment and without fuss. 

The main problem with the engine is that it is rowdy, especially when it’s being pushed hard. Isuzu worked hard to address complaints directed at the previous D-Max that it was agricultural.

There is no noticeable vibration through the BT-50’s steering wheel.

While the new D-Max and BT-50 have quieter cabins than the previous Isuzu ute, it doesn’t feel like enough. Once again the new Ranger is the new benchmark here.

However, there is no noticeable vibration through the BT-50’s steering wheel, so the work done to ensure a more refined drive experience isn’t for nothing.

The BT-50’s steering is much lighter than the old model, so it feels less truck-like on urban roads. 

The ride quality of the BT-50 when driven unladen is also impressive. Granted, there weren’t any challenging road surfaces during our on-road test but, nonetheless, the BT-50 impresses. 

Fuel economy in the 1.9L BT-50 is 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, and for the 3.0L it is 7.7L/100km for the manual and 8.0L in auto guise.

Given our test was almost exclusively on sand, we did not record an on-test fuel figure for the BT-50. 

Both powertrains have a 76-litre fuel tank.

The BT-50 has a fuel tank capacity of 76 litres.

The BT-50 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and five years of capped-price servicing with an average price of $480.

The servicing schedule is every 15,000km or 12 months - whichever comes first.

Mazda provides a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for the BT-50.