2021 Mazda BT-50 Old vs New: Spot the differences

After nine years, Mazda finally reveals the third-generation BT-50 pickup truck. And instead of being based on the Ford Ranger (T6), it now shares the same mechanical underpinnings with the third-generation Isuzu D-Max. So this begs the question; just how different is the new BT-50? 

Mazda BT-50: The Kodo design language on a truck

At first glance, the 2021 Mazda BT-50 definitely gives off the contemporary Mazda vibe. That’s because despite being based on the D-Max, Mazda actually gave the BT-50 unique body panels, which exhibit the company’s Kodo design language.

As a result, the front end looks very much like the ones on the Mazda’s CX series vehicle lineup. The grille is now wider and more intricate looking, compared to the simpler single slat design found on the old BT-50. Another notable change is the pair of headlights which are now swept back, instead of upwards on the previous generation model.

And finally down below, the new Mazda pickup truck now features a more prominent bumper, which houses a set of rectangular fog lamps. There are however, things that remain the same, like the tasteful amount of chrome, and the creases on the hood, both of which provide a macho, yet dignified look for the truck.

Old vs New Mazda BT-50 (front)

If one looks at the new BT-50 from the side, it’s also very evident that the new BT-50’s front end has a more horizontal orientation compared to the old one’s curved front fascia.

Further towards the doors, you’ll also notice that the new BT-50 has fewer character lines. Unlike other Mazda cars however, it does have a single crease running across the lower part of the doors.

Old vs New Mazda BT-50 (side)

Towards the rear, the 2021 Mazda BT-50 now uses a pair of vertical tail light clusters, instead of the parallelogram shaped pair, which split into two whenever you opened the tailgate. We reckon that the new taillights were much simpler to implement, and it looks more modern looking too.

Old vs new Mazda BT-50 (rear)

Mazda BT-50: The more premium interior

Inside, the third-generation Mazda BT-50 has definitely grown up to be a more mature looking vehicle. It now favors soft surfaces, mostly covered in leather and fabric, instead of the old plasticky, utilitarian interior of the former model. The steering wheel is also like the sleeker ones found on contemporary Mazda models, and the aircon vents are now rectangular.

Old vs New Mazda BT-50 (interior)

On the dash, the touchscreen head unit is also larger, and the center console now uses a better looking, horizontally arranged control cluster instead of the busy looking one on the old BT-50.

Overall, it’s a much more premium looking vehicle inside and out, which is of course in line with what Mazda is going for with their models.

It’s also pretty evident that with the new BT-50, Mazda is now in a better position to compete in the highly contested global midsize pickup truck market. We also can’t wait for Mazda Philippines to bring the new BT-50, which we think would make the local pickup truck wars even more interesting.  

For more details about the new Mazda BT-50, please keep reading here on Philkotse.com.