Mazda BT-50 4x4 3.0L Thunder (2020-2023)

What is it?

It’s the Isuzu D-Max’s chisel jawed cousin, aka the Mazda BT-50. It shares the same hardware as the D-Max, but it gains a few luxurious upgrades AND a more hardcore off-road model.

The Thunder is an Australian specific trim that aims to package the most common off-road upgrades buyers would normally opt for in a special edition model.

I wanted to find out if these upgrades make a proper difference on and off-road, and if it’s worth paying for them.

Build Quality

You’re looking at standard ute ‘rugged’ build quality. It’s a commercial ute at its origin, so the leather seats, larger touch screen and LED lights are all additional features on an otherwise work-focused ute.

The interior feels ready to be greeted with dust, dirt and sand and feels well put together, however on the exterior of this Thunder model I wasn’t as impressed.

There was a crease in the side decal which would drive me mad if I just paid over $70,000 for this ute. And I found the weather stripping around the front bumper to look a little rough on the eye.

How Much Does it Cost?

At $71,290 before on road costs, this is the most expensive Mazda ute you can buy…for now.

It packs a few important off-road upgrades, like side steps, a front hoopless bull bar with a lightbar, rear sports bar and upgraded bi-pass suspension.

You’re also getting all the important ‘top trim’ details. Heated seats, a larger centre touch screen, LED lights, a tub-liner, an electric roller cover for the rear tray and 18-inch wheels.

Look, you can go out and find and fit your own accessories, but if you don’t want to spend the time doing that this is the price you’ll need to pay for Mazda to do it for you.

Warranty and Servicing

Mazda warranties all of the accessories fitted here along with its standard 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty. A plus point for those worries about any faulty modifications they might be tempted to do themselves. As pointed out by other experts though, if you pick proper branded accessories, you shouldn’t see any major issues.

Servicing costs are $1493 for 3 years of servicing or $2307 for 5 years. Services occur every 12 months or every 15,000 kilometers.

Noise Level

There’s no doubt you’re packing a diesel motor thanks to the unmistakable truck-like sounds that are generated from this 3.0L four cylinder.

Road noise is fairly minimal, even on the highway the BT-50 refuses to dramatically increase wind noise. Although that rear sports bar might make strong cross winds a little more noticeable to the ear.

Although this is a top-spec ute, the audio system certainly isn’t. Premium audio would go a long way from the standard speakers which seem to wash out the depth of the music you’re listening to.

Braking

Discs on the front wheels, and drums on the rear. That’s the standard ute set-up for brakes, and it’s exactly what the BT-50 Thunder gets.

Supposedly drum brakes are preferred for towing, but for an off-road vehicle like this, I really think rear discs would have been a better option as debris can sometimes enter the drum (like water).

Braking is no issue in the Thunder, despite looking like it weighs a little more thanks to that massive front bumper. Although there is a noticeable amount of pitch when you get a little enthusiastic with the brake.

Acceleration/Power

Using Isuzu’s tried and true 3.0L turbocharged diesel inline-four cylinder motor, the BT-50 Thunder ain’t no Ranger Raptor competitor.

Acceleration isn’t the Thunder’s strength, rather it’s a beast at towing and highway cruising. But overtaking on the highway can feel a little labored.

Producing 140kW and 450Nm and sending power to the rear wheels on the road means the daily drive is easily conquered thanks to a relatively large displacement for a four-cylinder.

Off-road, the Thunder cruises over tough and slippery terrain thanks to that accessible low-down torque.

Although I didn’t conduct a towing test, the BT-50 is capable of towing up to 3.5 tonne and is a popular option for those looking to hook up trailers to the back of their ute.

Gear Shifting

The six-speed automatic used in the BT-50 is an uncomplicated and easy to operate gearbox. You have low-range available along-side a rear differential lock to help take the BT-50 further off-road too.

Gear changes are obvious but smooth around town, and the ute does a good job of keeping revs low at higher speeds out on the open road. It’s not the fastest gearbox, but just like its powertrain, it’s a reliable one.

Suspension & Handling

The upgraded Old Man Emu suspension on this ute was exactly the upgrade I would happily pay money for over the standard BT-50.

The bi-pass shock absorbers offered one of the most comfortable rides in a BT-50/D-MAX I’ve ever experienced. Out on the road the BT-50 refused to slouch through corners as much as it would on standard shocks, and it was as comfortable as your grandma's couch in a straight line.

Off-road, the BT-50 gives you plenty of confidence despite being a high riding truck. I really feel at home in the BT-50, and the upgraded shocks add extra comfort and compliance when conquering the rough stuff.

Fuel Efficiency

Claimed fuel consumption is 8L per 100km, which is pretty achievable when driving just yourself and some people and luggage out on the open road. Around town, you’ll see figures closer to 10L per 100km.

Interior Design

Ever since Ford and VW partnered up to drop the hottest utes of 2023, the Isuzu/Mazda team have had their work cut out for them in the interior department.

The BT-50 offers some slightly nicer upgrades, like the luxurious leather trimmed seats. However, this cabin already is feeling a little aged ever since it launched back in 2021 by comparison to something like a Ford Ranger.

It’s a fuss free cabin, with plenty of hard buttons. So those who hate touch screens will appreciate the fact that the main controls for the car are not hidden inside the centre screen.

It’s a practical cabin space with some creature comforts which is what most buyers are looking for in this space.

Boot Size & Comfort

The rear tray measures in at 5470mm in length, 1790mm in height and 1870mm in width. Max payload in the rear is 887kg.

I used this BT-50 to move a queen size bed frame the week I had it. It managed well, although if you’re constantly hauling long and large items, you’re better off with a van.

For smaller items, it’s a very practical tub that is also secure when you park it thanks to an electronic roller cover. Although I do find it extremely frustrating that the rear tray does not lock with the central locking system of the BT-50.

Rear seats are great for two adults for long trips. Although taller adults might feel a little squished there. I’ve spent a lot of seat time in the D-Max and BT-50 and have to say, they’re one of the most comfortable ways to spend lots of time on a road trip. Thanks to lots of internal space, a supportive front seat design and plenty of driver aids, it’s a ute of choice for me if I need to clock some serious mileage.

Features

You’re getting every conceivable option you can tick and more with the BT-50 Thunder. For the price, I would say I would have liked to have seen a front facing camera and maybe ventilated seats (features that make the Ford Ranger easier to live with).

Buy it, Consider it, or Leave it?

If you don’t have the time, the know-how or the desire to buy a standard BT-50 and modify it your way, well here is your ute.

It’s cool to see Mazda offering a simple solution to buyers who want a one-stop solution when buying a modified ute, with the addition of a factory warranty for all third party parts too.

However, if you don’t fit the first description of a potential buyer. Then I’d say buy a BT-50 that fits your budget and head to reputable brands in the aftermarket to customize your ute. It could end up being cheaper if you don’t need all of the upgrades presented here too.