- The 2025 BT-50 adds new tech, larger logos, and styling inspired by Mazda’s passenger cars.
- It now includes wireless Android Auto, USB-C ports, and a larger infotainment screen.
- Powertrain options include a new 2.2-liter turbodiesel, and a carry-over 3.0-liter turbodiesel
Mazda has revealed the facelifted version of its third-generation BT-50 truck, improving the look and luxury, and also adding some useful safety equipment. For 2025 the mid-size pickup gets a visual makeover that adds a touch of Mazda’s Kodo soul of motion design language and brings the design a little closer to the brand’s cars and SUVs.
The exterior refresh is most noticeable at the front, where LED headlights are framed by a new grille as well as a redesigned bumper that Mazda claims has an ‘air curtain’ to improve fuel consumption. At the rear, the tailgate gets a ridged design and is joined by revised LED lights. Both the front and rear now feature the largest Mazda logos we’ve ever seen, just in case you in case you somehow forget that this isn’t just an Isuzu D-Max trying its hardest to look like a Mazda.
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Mazda has also introduced three new paint colors to keep things fresh: Red Earth Metallic, Geode White Pearl, and Sailing Blue Metallic, bringing the total available palette to seven. The Red Earth Metallic is exclusive to the BT-50, while the new alloy wheel designs complete the exterior updates.
New Screens Inside
Moving to the interior, the BT-50 now boasts a new 9-inch infotainment system that gives the cabin a more modern look, complete with physical volume and tuning dials—an increasingly rare but always appreciated feature. The instrument cluster screen (Multi-Information Display) has grown from 4.2 inches to 7.0-inches and now provides real-time vehicle data, including tire pressures, steering angles, drive modes, and diff lock status.
Furthermore, Android Auto now activates wirelessly, something previously limited to Apple CarPlay. And if you’d rather plug and play you can now do it via usb-c sockets.
Mazda’s design team has also paid attention to the finer details, updating the materials used on the door trims, console lid and dashboard, and switched from brown to black leather on some trims. Flagship models take it a step further with optional black and terracotta Maztex leather seat trims with synthetic suede, featuring the BT-50 name stitched into the front headrests.
Upgraded Safety Features
The current BT-50 is based on the Isuzu D-Max and was launched in 2020, when safety tech was less advanced than it is now, so Mazda has used the facelift as an opportunity to redress the balance and introduced advances already on the latest Isuzu. Rear Cross Traffic Brake, adaptive cruise and traffic sign recognition join the list of standard equipment and new stereo cameras at the front double the truck’s field of view. The auto emergency brake system can now detect motorcycles and pedestrians at intersections and the lane-keeping tech no longer needs to see line marking to tell where the edge of the road is.
In Australia, Mazda is rolling out a range of new Genuine Accessories, developed specifically for the local market in partnership with “trusted suppliers”. While Mazda is keeping quiet about the details for now, expect these add-ons to cater to the BT-50’s adventurous, workhorse nature.
Powertrain Options
The midsize pickup gains a new 2.2-liter turbodiesel powertrain option that replaces the old 1.9-liter unit with more power and torque. The mill generates 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, which is 13 hp (10 kW) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) more compared to its predecessor. The new engine can be mated to a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic, sending power to the rear wheels.
The flagship trim of the facelifted Mazda BT-50 retains the 3.0-liter turbodiesel powertrain of its predecessor, producing the same 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The larger engine is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, sending power to the rear or to all four wheels. The 4WD version features a rear differential lock and an off-road driving mode.
Pricing and Availability
As for when you’ll be able to get your hands on one, that will depend on the market. The 2025 BT-50 will be available in Thailand from late November 2024, and is expected to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing and final specifications will be revealed closer to the launch date.
