2018 Mazda BT-50 Technology & Safety

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.

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.

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.