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Mazda gives the BT-50 a tougher heart for 2025
Mazda has quietly but meaningfully refreshed the BT-50 pickup for 2025, and the most notable change arrives under the bonnet: a larger 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel replacing the outgoing 1.9‑liter unit. The update brings more power and torque, an eight‑speed automatic transmission, and improved fuel economy — all aimed primarily at the Australian market where the truck is sold. For readers outside Australia (and particularly in the U.S., where Mazda’s BT-50 isn't offered), this is a reminder that Mazda still competes in the global pickup segment and is sharpening its credentials.
Key numbers at a glance
- Engine: 2.2L four‑cylinder turbodiesel
- Power: 120 kW (163 PS / 161 hp)
- Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb‑ft)
- Transmission: new eight‑speed automatic
- CO2: reduced by 17 g/km
- Fuel economy: improved by 0.7 L/100 km compared with the previous 1.9L setup
Those figures translate to a modest but important bump over the previous unit — roughly +10 kW (14 PS / 13 hp) and +50 Nm (37 lb‑ft) — improving real‑world driveability for towing and off‑highway work.
Transmission and drivetrain: 8‑speed auto and 4x4 now possible
A major practical change is the introduction of an eight‑speed automatic gearbox paired with the new 2.2 turbodiesel. The extra ratios help extract more usable torque from the engine, smooth out acceleration and contribute to the fuel economy gains Mazda is advertising. Crucially, Mazda has also made this powertrain available with a selectable four‑wheel‑drive system — something the previous 1.9‑liter turbodiesel could not offer (it was 4x2 only). That means buyers who need genuine off‑road capability or greater load‑stability while towing can spec the 4x4 layout on Dual Cab Chassis and Dual Cab Pickup body styles. The Single Cab Chassis remains 4x2.
The availability of 4WD opens the BT‑50 to a wider audience of tradies, farmers, and recreational users who require a tougher drivetrain without moving to a heavier or more expensive pickup.
Trim and specification notes
Mazda has tied the new turbodiesel and 4x4 availability to specific specification levels. Vehicles equipped with the 2.2 turbodiesel receive alloy wheels as standard rather than steel and are offered in the XS specification for the 4WD-capable variants. Across the XS grade Mazda lists a healthy baseline of equipment:
- LED headlights
- Reversing camera
- Wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
These items aim to raise the BT‑50’s refinement to match buyers’ rising expectations from modern pickups.
Other mechanical updates and fuel-saving tech
While the headline is the 2.2L diesel and 8‑speed auto, Mazda has also applied other fuel-saving measures elsewhere in the range. Models equipped with the 3.0‑liter engine at XT grade and above now feature a new Idle Stop System. As the name implies, the system shuts the engine off when stationary to reduce consumption and emissions; Mazda claims up to an 11% reduction in fuel use for vehicles fitted with this feature. Towbars are standard on the XTR and GT 4x4 Dual Cab Chassis models — an important inclusion for buyers planning to tow caravans, trailers or work gear.
Pricing and market roll‑out
Mazda has positioned the refreshed BT‑50 competitively in Australia, where it will arrive in dealerships from October 2025. Pricing for the grades equipped with the new 2.2 turbodiesel is as follows (manufacturer figures):
- Single Cab Chassis (2.2) – AU$37,900 (approx. US$25,010)
- Dual Cab Pickup (2.2) – AU$46,710 (approx. US$30,820)
- Dual Cab Chassis XS (2.2) – AU$53,120 (approx. US$35,050)
- Dual Cab Pickup XS (2.2) – AU$54,720 (approx. US$36,105)
At the top end of the range the Dual Cab Pickup SP remains the most expensive BT‑50, starting at AU$71,950 (approx. US$47,475).
How the BT‑50 stacks up against its cousin, the Isuzu D‑Max
The BT‑50 shares underpinnings and powertrain architecture with the Isuzu D‑Max — and Isuzu has also introduced the new 2.2 turbodiesel for the Australian D‑Max lineup. The move underscores the close technical collaboration between the two brands and helps both models benefit from economies of scale and proven diesel technology.
Price-wise, Isuzu’s D‑Max undercuts the BT‑50 at entry level: the D‑Max base model with the same new engine starts at AU$36,200 (approx. US$23,885). Buyers comparing the two should weigh trim, dealer networks, warranty, and the character of interior design as much as headline numbers; Mazda tends to emphasise a slightly more car‑like driving feel and interior refinement, while Isuzu leans into commercial toughness and value.
Buyer considerations
- If you need genuine 4x4 capability with a modern diesel and a refined cabin, the BT‑50 2.2 with XS trim is now a compelling choice.
- Those prioritising the lowest possible purchase price may still favour the D‑Max or the BT‑50’s lower‑trim 4x2 variants.
- For towing-heavy customers the torque increase and 8‑speed auto should improve highway performance and reduce downshifts.
Design and comfort — subtle but purposeful
Exterior changes are modest: Mazda has focused this update on mechanical and equipment upgrades rather than a full visual refresh. The alloy wheels and LED lighting increase perceived value, while interior upgrades like wireless smartphone integration and the reversing camera make everyday use more pleasant. The BT‑50’s cabin remains functional and durable — a good fit for commercial users — but Mazda’s additions nudge it toward mainstream consumer expectations for a modern midsize pickup.
Market positioning and why this matters
The BT‑50’s update is an example of how automakers can keep a competitive midsize pickup relevant without a full model change. By increasing displacement and torque, introducing a more advanced automatic gearbox and expanding 4x4 availability, Mazda addresses two important trends: rising demand for usable torque for towing and a preference for better fuel economy and lower emissions.
For Mazda, the BT‑50 refresh helps protect its slice of markets like Australia and New Zealand, where midsize pickups are practical daily drivers as well as workhorses. Global pickup buyers may not see the BT‑50 in every market, but the technical choices — a sensible 2.2 turbodiesel, an 8‑speed auto and a broader 4x4 offering — reflect the priorities of today’s pickup customers.
Final thoughts
This update won’t shock the pickup world, but it is the kind of sensible engineering move that improves usability and broadens appeal. More torque, a smoother, more efficient automatic gearbox and a wider availability of 4x4 capability make the 2025 Mazda BT‑50 a stronger proposition for buyers in markets where it’s sold. With competitive pricing and shared technology with the Isuzu D‑Max, the BT‑50 should remain a contender for those seeking a practical, reasonably refined midsize pickup.
Highlights:
- New 2.2L turbodiesel: 120 kW / 400 Nm
- New eight‑speed automatic for improved driveability and economy
- 4x4 available with the 2.2 engine on Dual Cab models
- Standard tech upgrades on XS: LED lights, adaptive cruise, wireless smartphone integration
- On sale in Australia from October 2025; closely related Isuzu D‑Max also receives the new engine
Source: autoevolution
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