Which 2022 Mazda BT-50 variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide] 

Mazda Philippines has brought in the new, third-generation BT-50. It shares a platform with the new D-Max, and it also has the onboard tech to match. To this end, it has evolved into a viable contender in the highly contested Philippine pickup truck market.  

The all-new 2022 Mazda BT-50

The 2022 Mazda BT-50 has three variants available locally. So, which one of these would be the right one for you? Let us help you answer that question with this variant guide. 

Mazda BT-50 Variants: Exterior 

To start it off, the BT-50's variants all have nearly the same size. They all measure 5,280mm long, and all three are 1,870mm wide. The trim that stands out is the top-spec BT-50 4x4 AT, which is taller at 1,810mm. Other trims have a height of 1,785mm. 

The entry-level BT-50 4x2 MT

For exterior equipment, the top-spec model gets the most. It rides on a larger set of 18-inch wheels, it comes with rain-sensing wipers, and it also gets roof rails. In turn, the BT-50 4x2 AT and MT trims come with intermittent wipers, no roof rails, and a smaller set of 17-inch wheels. 

Also standard on all BT-50 trims are power-adjustable side mirrors with power fold. All three variants also come with LED headlamps, but only the top-spec variant has automatic on/off. 

The top-spec BT-50 4x4 AT

Differences in cosmetics though are subtle. For instance, the top-spec 4x4 trim has a black and machined finish set of wheels, chrome side mirrors, and a front grille with a silver finish. The lower-spec trims meanwhile get silver-only wheels, and black-colored front grilles. 

Mazda BT-50 Variants: Interior 

Inside, the 4x2 variants are equipped with black-colored fabric seats, and a single-zone manual air-conditioning system. They also have manual adjustments for the driver’s seat, and a urethane-clad steering wheel. 

A peek into the top-spec BT-50 4x4 AT's interior

In turn, the 4x4 top-spec variant comes with brown leather seats, power-adjustability for the driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, as well as a leather steering wheel. Moreover, the BT-50 4x4 AT also has adaptive cruise control, instead of the 4x2 variants’ standard cruise control.  

Moving on, the BT-50 4x4 AT also comes with a 9-inch touchscreen headunit, which is larger than the 7-inch screen on the 4x2 trims. Then again, both screens come with the same connectivity options. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.  

The BT-50 4x4 AT's seats

The 9-inch headunit then gets an eight-piece speaker system, whereas the 4x2 trims come with a six-piece speaker system. 

Mazda BT-50 Variants: Engine and Performance 

Under the hood of all the BT-50 variants is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. At maximum, this four-banger can make up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.  

As for transmissions, the entry-level BT-50 4x2 gets a five-speed manual gearbox. The mid-spec 4x2 and the top-spec 4x4 trim come with a six-speed automatic tranny with sequential shift. Only the top-spec trim has a 4x4 drivetrain, and it also comes with a locking rear differential. 

Mazda BT-50 Variants: Safety 

For safety, all BT-50 variants are kitted out with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, a reverse parking camera, hill descent control, and hill launch control.  

Security is then handled by a remote keyless entry system, a burglar alarm, as well as an engine immobilizer. Only the 4x4 variant has a remote engine start. 

For airbags though, the 4x2 trims only have dual front airbags, while the top-spec 4x4 trim has seven airbags. The top-of-the-line variant also gets front rear parking sensors. 

The top-spec BT-50 4x4 AT is also the only variant that gets active driver-assist safety features. This suite of high-tech features includes lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, automatic high beam control, and forward-collision warning. 

Mazda BT-50 Variants: Price 

Mazda BT-50 Variants: Conclusion 

Selecting the BT-50 you need is pretty clear-cut. If you like to row through gears and you just need a comfortable daily, then the entry-level BT-50 4x2 MT might do well for you. If you can’t tolerate changing gears every second in traffic, you’d want the slightly more expensive BT-50 4x2 AT. 

The all-new 2022 BT-50 is a sleek, but certified tough truck

For those who are extra concerned with road safety though, you have the BT-50 4x4 AT. Also, it is the only BT-50 variant that has potential off-road. It is also the most premium in terms of interior features for this model if that’s what ticks your fancy. 

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