Mazda has updated its BT-50 4WD diesel ute in the first significant refresh for more than four years.

The BT-50 is one of several platform-shares in the market. Its heritage runs back to 2006, when it replaced the B-series utes sold from 1961-2006.

The BT-50 was based on the Ford Ranger in its first two generations. When the third-gen model arrived in 2020, Mazda switched platforms to use the Isuzu D-Max’s underpinnings.

The 2025 Mazda BT-50 receives updated headlights with an LED daytime running light.

The front bumper has been tweaked to integrate an ‘air curtain’ to improve aero efficiency.

At the rear there are fresh tail-light graphics and a redesigned bumper with a ridged bottom section. Rounding off the tweaks on the outside are newly designed alloy wheels.

Inside, there’s a new nine-inch infotainment unit with touch-sensitive shortcut keys flanking the tune and volume knobs. The row of physical switches positioned below has been carried over, much like the separate small display for the HVAC info. The driver’s digital increases to seven inches and can now show off-road info previously available only on the centre screen: drive mode/diff lock status, steering and tilt angles and the tyre pressure monitoring system.

Wireless Android Auto is new for 2025, joining the existing wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Next to the rearview mirror, there’s now a USB port to power a dashcam. Other tweaks include Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition, and new front stereo cameras.

The BT-50 and D-Max are built together in Thailand at Isuzu’s factory.

As before, BT-50 uses the Isuzu 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine. In Australia, there’s also a smaller 1.9-litre diesel.