Review: 2025 Mazda BT-50 GT
Posted in Vehicle Reviews
Review: 2025 Mazda BT-50 GT
Tough, Polished, and Ready for More Than Just Work
Utes in Australia carry a heavy load - and we're not just talking about tools or trailers.
They've got to look sharp enough to pull up at a café, handle the Monday-to-Friday grind, and still be game for a weekend trip off the blacktop.
In places like Brisbane, where you can be in the city one moment and halfway up a bush track the next, that kind of versatility isn't a bonus - it's expected.
Mazda knows this, and with the 2025 BT-50, they've served up a ute that wants to do both.
It doesn't shout for attention but spend a bit of time behind the wheel and you'll see it's got plenty going on under the surface.
First Impressions: The Tough Guy Cleans Up Well
The facelift is subtle but meaningful. The bigger grille, reshaped headlights, and bold Mazda badge up front give the BT-50 a cleaner, more confident look.
It still means business - this is no soft-roader - but it's more polished around the edges now.
Mazda has also ditched the split-tone interior in favour of a black-on-black leather trim in the GT. It's a safer bet, and honestly, it makes the cabin feel more refined - even a bit luxurious in the right light.
You notice it more when you jump in with muddy boots and realise it still somehow looks tidy.
Inside the Cabin: Thoughtful, Not Flashy
The GT's leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable driver's seat (with lumbar support) make for a relaxing setup. Especially useful when I was crawling through some early-morning congestion near Eight Mile Plains.
The dual-zone climate control kept things calm inside, even when traffic wasn't.
The heated front seats are a bonus, even in Brisbane’s “winter”, when those early morning starts in July can still bite a bit.
Rear air vents are included, and there's decent space for passengers. If you're over six foot and stuck in the back, headroom could be a little tight, but for most, it's a comfortable place to be.
The seats are sculpted well enough that even a longer drive out west doesn't feel like a chore.
Storage is solid too - there's the two-tier glovebox, cupholders that actually hold a proper coffee, and a lidded centre console. Small things, but they make a difference over time.
Infotainment: Getting There, Mostly
The 9.0-inch touchscreen is a big step up in usability thanks to the addition of volume and tuning knobs. It sounds minor, but try adjusting your playlist while bouncing over roadworks and you'll get it.
The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No wireless charging, though, which feels like a miss in a ute at this level. Still, you can also plug in via USB-C to stay charged.
You've also got sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, and an eight-speaker sound system. It's fine - does the job, but doesn't blow your socks off. Better than some of the tinny setups in cheaper utes, but you're not going to confuse it with a Bose system either.
On the Road: Relaxed, With a Few Quirks
Under the bonnet, the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel pushes out 140kW and 450Nm, and while it's not the fastest off the mark, it pulls strongly in the low-to-mid revs.
The six-speed auto is smooth. It kicks down cleanly when overtaking and doesn't hunt around too much. Highway cruising felt easy and relaxed.
That said, the rear suspension does feel a bit light when unladen - especially noticeable when hitting some of the rougher patches along the Logan Motorway. It was a bit bouncy without anything in the tray, but load it up and it calms down nicely.
The steering is slow but reassuring. At low speeds - think tight turns in a Bunnings car park - it takes a bit more twirling than you'd expect. But on the open road, it settles into a steady, planted rhythm that suits the BT-50's nature.
In terms of towing, the BT-50 can haul 3500kg (braked) - more than enough for your tinny, caravan, or even a float for the horses.
Its 998kg payload capacity also puts it within striking distance of full-tonne duties.
Off-Road Ability: It'll Get You Out of Trouble
Mazda has added some proper kit to the BT-50 - Rough Terrain Mode and a locking rear diff. Together with part-time four-wheel drive and low-range gearing, it gives you real capability if the road turns to track.
The Bridgestone highway-terrain tyres aren't built for mud or soft sand. They're fine on gravel, but if you're heading to K'gari or exploring hitting the tracks at the Glass House Mountains, a switch to proper all-terrains is a smart first mod.
Safety Tech: Solid Where It Counts
Safety is well covered on the GT. You're looking at:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist and departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Reverse camera + front and rear parking sensors
- Speed sign recognition
- Trailer sway control
The adaptive cruise control worked well during a long stint on the Gateway, keeping a smooth gap and handling stop-start traffic like a pro.
The lane-keep assist can be a bit overenthusiastic on straight roads - nudging a bit more than needed - but it's easy enough to toggle off when you don't want it.
It all works pretty well, though the reverse camera clarity could be sharper, especially at night. A 360-degree camera system would be a welcome addition in future updates.
Ownership & Cost of Living With It
Mazda offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty on the BT-50, and unlike some competitors, that coverage stays intact for commercial use - a big plus for tradies and fleet buyers.
Servicing is capped over seven years, with 15,000km or 12-month intervals. Total cost over five years comes to $2498, which is competitive and easy to plan for.
In terms of fuel, Mazda states 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres, although our figures were a touch higher with a mix of highway runs and a fair bit of low-speed crawling. With the 76-litre tank, you're looking at over 850km of range on a single fill.
The Verdict: Does the BT-50 GT Stack Up?
The 2025 Mazda BT-50 GT strikes a confident balance between work-ready toughness and weekend-friendly polish. It's not a flashy show pony, and it doesn't try to be. What you get is a ute that feels dependable, comfortable, and capable - without going overboard.
Is it the smoothest ride in the segment? No. Could the infotainment be slicker? Probably. But with the right tyres and a bit of gear in the back, it really comes into its own.
If you're after a ute that'll do the hard yakka Monday to Friday and still back it up with a chilled weekend escape, this one should definitely be on your radar.
Want to see if it fits your lifestyle? Come take the 2025 Mazda BT-50 GT for a spin at Browns Plains Mazda.
