The third-generation Mazda BT-50 2023 is the latest pickup truck offering from the Japanese marque. It still remains to be a body-on-frame model, and it is based on the third-generation Isuzu D-max.
For the Philippine market, the Mazda BT-50 for 2023 is available in three variants. These come with a price ranging from Php 1,390,000 to Php 1,858,000, with the BT-50 4x4 MT as the entry-level variant, and the BT-50 Pangolin Edition 2 4x4 AT as the top-spec variant.
Under the hood of the BT-50 is a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Available transmissions include a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. For drivetrains, only the top-spec variant comes with 4x4.
Size-wise, the new BT-50 2023 Philipines is 5,280mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,800mm in height. It also has a wheelbase of 3,125mm.
Competing against the Mazda BT-50 in the Philippine market is the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Maxus T60, etc.
Launch
The newest Mazda BT-50 was launched for the Philippine market on November 2021. It replaces the older BT-50 which has been around locally since 2013. Other markets however received by new BT-50 earlier in 2019.
The new version of the BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. And like the said model, the new BT-50 comes with a handful of improvements for its on-board tech, as well as its mechanical components.
Mazda BT-50 Exterior
While its roots are apparent on its general body shape, the third-gen BT-50 was provided with characteristics that are uniquely Mazda. For instance, it gets the hexagonal front grille, as well as a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters. These of course are also found on other Mazda models like the CX series of crossovers.
Exterior features include rain sensing wipers, a set of 18-inch wheels, power adjustable side mirrors with power fold, and roof rails for the top-spec 4x4 variant.
Size-wise, the BT-50 2023 Philippines comes with a length of 5,280mm, a width of 1,870mm, a height of 1,800mm, and a wheelbase length of 3,125mm.
Mazda BT-50 Interior
Like most trucks in the market today, the new BT-50 can comfortably seat up to five occupants. It’s interior space however, was designed to be more premium in look and feel. Furthermore, it also comes standard with a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, electronically adjustable front seats, leather seats and many other niceties.
Technology & Safety Features
Safety-wise, the top-spec BT-50 4x4 comes with the Mazda I-Activsense suite of driver assist technologies. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, among others. It also gets 7 airbags at most, as well as the usual safety features like stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, among others.
For entertainment, the top-spec 4x4 variant gets a 9-inch touchscreen headunit. It's connectivity options include Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then linked to an 8-piece speaker system. The other trims then have a seven-inch headunit with the same connectivity options, but it is linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Platform & Chassis
The BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. As such, it also uses a ladder-frame chassis. For suspensions, the Mazda-branded truck uses a double-wishbone for the front, and a leaf spring suspension for the rear. It then uses a ventilated front disc brake and a rear drum brake.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the 2023 Mazda BT-50 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can make up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. For transmissions, it either gets a five-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed automatic tranny with sequential shift.
The entry-level and midspec trims of the BT-50 use a 4x2 drivetrain. Only the top-spec variant comes with 4x4 and a locking rear differential.
aesthetics
Safety & Technology
Performance
Comfort & Practicality
Value for Money