The Mazda BT-50 arrives for the 2025 model year with a handful of major updates that Americans would love, but unfortunately, Mazda withdrew from American truck competition in 2011. Even then, Mazda’s truck n It wasn’t really a Mazda. The Ford Ranger and Mazda B Series (nicknamed “Mazda Truck” after 2002) rolled off the same Ford assembly line in Minnesota.

Although the 2025 Mazda BT-50 won’t be released in the United States, the midsize truck is available in many countries that appreciate its capabilities. The latest model arrives with updates ranging from style to technology.

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The 2025 Mazda BT-50 arrives with refreshed styling

The Mazda BT-50 already sported a design that rivaled American pickup trucks, and the latest updates add a touch of versatility and ruggedness. The 2025 model features unique LED headlights, a new grille and bumper, complemented by an air curtain that increases aerodynamic efficiency. Red Earth Metallic, Geode White Pearl and Sailing Blue Metallic bring the total number of paint colors available to seven.

The tailgate features an updated ridged design with new LED taillights complemented by a large Mazda logo. Alloy wheels exclusive to the 2025 model year further add to the rugged design created by the truck’s body lines. Put it all together and you get a firmer, more powerful stance, indicative of the BT-50’s off-road capabilities.

“An integral part of our Mazda model range here in Australia, the BT-50 has set the tone as a versatile, ready-for-anything vehicle that meets a variety of customer needs, whether it’s a faithful work companion or work tool. the passions of life, » said Vinesh BhindiManaging Director of Mazda Australia.

Updated interior makes Mazda BT-50 more user-friendly

Inside, the Mazda BT-50 features an all-new infotainment system with integrated touch switches located below the nine-inch touchscreen. A seven-inch multi-information display includes new content and improved connectivity. The display is also customizable and pairs well with the central touchscreen.

The central screen is designed to provide crucial and, frankly, interesting information about the BT-50, including the vehicle’s steering and lean angles in real time. Connectivity comes standard, with wireless Android Auto joining Apple CarPlay for the 2025 model year. USB-C jacks are also standard.

Interior materials have also been updated, with the door trims, console lid and dashboard trim finished in brown or black leather. Upper trims feature leather seat trim with synthetic suede and the BT-50 moniker stitched into the headrests.

When it comes to safety, the 2025 Mazda BT-50 is equipped with traffic jam assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and intelligent adaptive cruise control. A USB port located near the rearview mirror comes standard and is an ideal solution for simple plug-and-play dashcams.

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The Mazda BT-50 won’t come to the United States

Even though the Mazda BT-50 could be a real competitor to the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, the mid-size truck won’t be arriving here anytime soon. A 25% tariff on light trucks was established in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson and has not yet been repealed. Nicknamed the “chicken tax” due to its origin, in response to tariffs on American chicken, foreign trucks began regularly leaving the country.

Mazda got around the tax on the latest generation of its truck by striking a deal with Ford. Unfortunately, the Japanese automaker lost momentum, as the Mazda Truck was just a rebadged Ford Ranger. Due to declining popularity and profits, Mazda chose to permanently withdraw from the American truck segment.

The 2025 Mazda BT-50 comes with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that generates 188 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The midsize truck can tow up to 7,700 pounds and is based on the Isuzu D-Max. Starting at 35,520 AUD, or around 23,000 USD, the Mazda BT-50 is a competitively priced truck that could significantly undercut its American competitors.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Mazda BT-50 is a truck that could provide real competition to American models and spur innovation, so it’s a shame we don’t see it here. With refreshed styling and new standard technology, the BT-50 is excellent value for money for a mid-size pickup.

A USB port near the rearview mirror is a convenient feature that is slowly becoming more in demand as dash cameras gain popularity. With its off-road capabilities and premium interior, the Mazda BT-50 is a great truck for off-roading in the Australian Outback.

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