Mazda BT 50 Thunder 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2021 Review

We drive the Mazda BT-50 Thunder Ute on a Road Test Review

Exclusive to the Australian market, and developed locally by the Mazda in house engineering team, the Brand-New Mazda BT-50 Thunder brings an aggressive appearance and added accessories to the GT Dual Cab Ute.

2021 BT50 THUNDER front qtr Added features include

  • a single hoop steel bull bar with a Lightforce dual-row LED lightbar,
  • 18-inch black alloy wheels,
  • wide fender flares and side steps,
  • a premium sports bar and
  • an advanced electric roller tonneau, which securely covers a tub liner for additional tray protection and
  • a set of ‘Thunder’ decals applied to the tub sides.

2021 BT50 THUNDER interior

All-up, the additional equipment adds over $13,000 total value, ensuring the Mazda BT-50 Thunder delivers in the value stakes, too.

TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

2021 BT50 THUNDER engine

Powered by a robust 3.0L 4 Cylinder turbo diesel that produces 147kW and 450 Nm it has enough power and torque for all situations you may find yourself in on and off road. It makes an excellent tow vehicle as well.

Alongside its awesome 4WD capability its also very comfortable inside.

Pricing for the BT-50 Thunder starts at $65,990 plus the usual costs for the 6 speed MT and add $3000 for the 6 speed AT.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

2021 BT50 THUNDER underneath

What is good?

  • Styling and Comfort
  • Safety features
  • 4WD and towing Capability

What is not so good?

  • Centre screen resolution affected by sunlight
  • Some user interface for MFD controls time consuming
  • Would love 150Kw/500Nm

2021 BT50 THUNDER front

Also Look At

2021 BT50 THUNDER profile

Model   

2021 Mazda BT-50 Thunder Dual Cab 4WD Ute

Model Price $68,990 MLP*
Engine 3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo
Drivetrain Dual Range 4WD 6 Speed AT
Power 140kW at 3,600rpm
Torque 450 Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm
Safety Five Star ANCAP (OCT 2020)
CO2 Emissions Euro 5 compliant g/km
Economy ADR 8.0 L/100km
Tow Capacity 3500 Kg
Tow Ball Rating 350 kg
Servicing 12mths/ 15000km Capped Price
Warranty 5yr/ 150,000 km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

2021 BT50 THUNDER rear side

Overall Rating    

88/100

Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 8
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Ability 10
Off Road Capability 10
Value for Money 8

2021 BT50 THUNDER rear

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 5470mm
Wheelbase 3125mm
Width / Height 1870mm / 1790mm
Unladen ground clearance / wading depth Up to 240mm / 800 mm
Approach / Rampover / Departure angles 25.8 degrees / 23.8 degrees / 24.2 degrees
Fuel Tank  / Turning Circle 76 Litres / 12.5mts KTK
Kerb Weight / Payload / GVM / GCM 2213kg / 887kg / 3100kg / 5950KG
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating 3500kg /3250kg

Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio networkMotoring Minutes have an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. This is more than 750,000 listeners a week.

Motoring Minutes are also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia and has a weekly audience of over 430,000.

  • 8/10
    Behind the Wheel - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Comfort - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Equipment - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Performance - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Ride and Handling - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Practicality - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Fit for Purpose - 9/10
  • 10/10
    Towing Ability - 10/10
  • 10/10
    Off Road Capability - 10/10
  • 8/10
    alue for Money - 8/10
8.8/10

Summary

Exclusive to the Australian market, and developed locally by the Mazda in house engineering team, the Brand-New Mazda BT-50 Thunder brings an aggressive appearance and added accessories to the GT Dual Cab Ute.

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About Rob Fraser 2506 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.