MAZDA BT-50 GT
THE BT-50 GT is another top-spec model and as such, has a feel of class and lux to its interior.
Since 2020, Mazda’s ute has come from a collaboration with Isuzu so what you get is basically a reskinned D-MAX with a bit of Mazda personality and style.
As such, the BT gets Isuzu’s trusted 4JJ diesel engine and Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission backed by a part-time 4WD system, just like in the D-MAX. It makes a modest 140kw of power and 450Nm of torque, so it’s feeling the pinch against some of the newer and more sophisticated engines.
The BT-50’S chassis has a 3125mm wheelbase and Mazda has differentiated it from the D-MAX with its own suspension tune which is softer in the way it rides and controls a load. As a result, it pulls the Jayco caravan with composure but was a bit bouncy over the undulations. The BT-50 felt like it would really benefit from an aftermarket suspension upgrade to make it a better towing ute and many owners would be going down this route anyway.
The Isuzu engine does an admirable job of pulling the 2100kg trailer considering its outputs, but it does work hard on the hills. It also proved to be most economical of all the utes we towed with, in both the Mazda and the Isuzu. The transmission likes to shift through to the higher gears quickly which helps with fuel economy but not when you want some engine braking. Thankfully, the transmission shifter easily taps across toward the driver for manual gear selection and to hold the ratios you want. The only time the transmission did kick back a few ratios was on the long hill climb where the engine was working its hardest.