With the recent advent of the lifestyle pickup truck these past few years, most manufacturers have accepted that fact that these work trucks need to be ready for consumers that demand the latest and best in in-car amenities and technology. They may look tough on the outside, but you’ll find that most pickups that vie for the top spot in the segment also come with creature comforts that rival that of sedans and more “road-going” vehicles.
Mazda has quietly updated their BT-50 midsize pickup truck throughout the years, and the thoughtful additions have helped make it a good choice on technological and safety merits alone. Despite feeling a little dated, we did enjoy the time we had with Mazda’s BT-50. What kind of niceties can we expect? Let’s dive into the details.
Updated where it matters most
While the exterior or interior design of the Mazda BT-50 might be left behind when put right up against segment leaders, it doesn’t fall behind in the essentials to make driving and owning one a comfortable and rewarding experience. In fact, no matter what trim level you get, the 4x4 and 4x2 choices come with essentially the same features, save for the reversing camera, hill descent control, and locking differential with dual range transfer in the 4x4.
You still get an updated JVC touchscreen interface with additional USB ports for your phone paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The nice six speaker sound system is also present, and dual zone automatic climate control is standard. The BT-50 also comes equipped with an auto dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and steering wheel controls. Overall, it’s a good spec for the price, and the fact that the distinction between top trims and base models are so small makes the BT-50 one of the most comprehensively equipped in its class.
Left behind in the safety department
The Mazda BT-50 kinda falls short in this department, especially when it comes to the number of airbags. At just two airbags, one for each front passenger, it pales in comparison to its rivals that hit the four to six airbag count, covering all passengers. It also lacks any ISOFIX mounts for child car seats, and the rear center passenger only gets a lap belt.
ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution does come standard, and stability control, traction control, towing assist, roll mitigation, hill start assist, a brake override system, and emergency stop signal are all included across the range. Overall, passive safety systems are good, but the active crash protection is lacking, trailing behind competitors with newer platforms.
Specifications
Engine
3.2 LFuel Type
DieselPerformance
197 hp @ 3,000 rpmTransmission
Automatic-
Summary
-
Name Mazda BT-50 3.2 4x4 AT Body Type Pickup Truck Price ₱1,550,000 Transmission Category Automatic -
Engine
-
Engine Size 3.2 L Displacement 3,198 cc Number of Cylinders 5 Number of Valves 20 Transmission Type 6-Speed Automatic -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Four-Wheel Drive Max Output (hp) 197 hp @ 3,000 rpm Max Torque (nm) 470 Nm @ 2,500 rpm *estimated -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Diesel Emissions Standard n/a Fuel Capacity 80.0 L Combined Fuel Consumption 9.3 km/L *estimated -
Dimensions
-
Length 5,365 mm Width 1,850 mm Height 1,821 mm Wheelbase 3,220 mm Deck Length 1,549 mm Deck Width 1,560 mm Deck Height 513 mm Payload Capacity n/a Turning Circle 24 m Ground Clearance 237 mm Trunk Capacity L Number of Doors 4 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Dynamic Stability Control, and Hill Descent Control
Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
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Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 17 in Wheels Metal Type Aluminum Alloy Airconditioning System Electronic Automatic Dual Zone Entertainment System Multifunction Display with USB, Aux-in, and Bluetooth Voice Control via 6 speakers Connectivity USB, Aux-in, Bluetooth Navigation Ready Warranty 3 Years (100,000 km) Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
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Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
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