Tough ute gets sporty makeover: 2025 Mazda BT-50 scores sharper appearance and fresh tech following Isuzu D-Max's lead in targeting best-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux

One of Mazda’s most important models is getting a major overhaul, as the BT-50 ute takes on a series of safety and design upgrades.

The updated Mazda BT-50 ute will launch in the first quarter of 2025 and, while pricing is yet to be confirmed, Mazda has already confirmed the ute’s major changes.

With Australia by far the most important market in the world for BT-50, it’s important for the ute to be competitive with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a country full of picky ute-buyers.

Following the recently updated Isuzu D-Max, with which it shares its platform and running gear, the 2025 Mazda BT-50 ute gains similar same safety features but departs from Isuzu’s ute when it comes to the interior tech.

From the outside, the BT-50’s update is distinctive — an attempt to create a little more design separation from the rest of the Mazda line-up. It features a new bumper with an ‘air curtain’ for more efficient aerodynamics, an updated grille design with a larger Mazda badge in the centre and fresh LED headlights. 

New wheel designs and body cladding are visible down the side, though the body panelling is all the same until you reach the tailgate, which has a ridged design and more aerodynamic top edge.

2025 Mazda BT-50

There are also three new paint colours: Sailing Blue Metallic, Geode White Mica and the hero Red Earth Metallic (pictured).

Mazda has taken the interior upmarket and, with all the safety updates that the facelift brings, there's quite a bit going on when it comes to tech.

A new multimedia system and graphics package enhances the looks and a 7.0-inch customisable digital driver display comes along too.

2025 Mazda BT-50

There are now physical dials for the volume and tuning, which follows the lead of the Isuzu D-Max’s updated system and is a welcome change — as is the addition of wireless Android Auto along with Apple CarPlay. 

A new optional interior theme includes a mix of black leather with terracotta Maztex and synthetic suede high accents for the upholstery while matte plastics replace smudgy gloss piano black.

The climate control panel and steering wheel remain the same as they did before, borrowed from the D-Max.

2025 Mazda BT-50

New standard safety features include rear cross traffic brake, adaptive cruise control, motorcycle detection and pedestrian detection at intersections for AEB, while the lane-keep assist can now detect road edges without line markings.

The proven Isuzu-sourced drivetrain remains unchanged in the new BT-50, meaning an option of a 1.9- or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, making either 110kW/350Nm or 140kW/450Nm, respectively. Currently, a choice between a six-speed automatic or manual transmission is available.

The current BT-50 range runs from XS single cab chassis at $35,520, before on-road costs, up to $68,690 before on-roads for the SP trim. An accessorised Thunder grade is available for a bit more again at $74,095 MSRP.

2025 Mazda BT-50

Full pricing and specifications will be confirmed in the new year before the updated BT-50’s launch, but the Isuzu D-Max’s update resulted in price increases between $500 and $1500 depending on the variant.

It’s possible the BT-50 could increase by more, but it depends on Mazda Australia’s plan for the ute when the update arrives.