We drive the Mazda BT-50 SP 4WD Dual Cab Ute

Is the Mazda BT-50 SP a good 4WD Ute

Mazda BT-50 SP  – Last week I drove the Mazda BT-50 4WD Ute with the SP option pack. This caters for buyers that want extra features but with manufacturer warranty.

Mazda BT-50 SP front quarter 3 The BT-50 Ute is a robust and capable 4WD with a 3.0L turbo diesel engine that provides 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. It drives though a shift in the fly dual range 4WD system and a 6 speed AT. The BT-50 makes an excellent towing vehicle with 3500kg rating and low torque delivery.

The BT-50 SP pack comes with stylish Black and driftwood leather seat trim, 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. In addition, there is upgraded lifted suspension with twin tube shock absorbers.

Up front there is an integrated Lightforce light bar that has excellent brightness but needs better calibration with the automatic headlights.

The BT-50 SP comes with wireless smart phone connectivity, heated front seats, and a comfortable thick rimmed steering wheel.

Its compliant around town and was at home on dirt roads, forest trails and the beach.

The Mazda BT-50 SP is priced from around $68,500 plus the usual costs and is a reliable, robust 4WD Ute.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find the full review on the Mazda BT-50 SP HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA BT-50 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

AnyAuto Mazda BT-50 SP Video

Mazda BT-50 SP profile 1

What is good?

  • Upgraded suspension.
  • 4WD and towing Capability
  • Interior comfort

What is not so good?

  • No wireless charging tray
  • Central screen starting to date.
  • Turning off LKA every time

Instead of a Mazda BT-50 SP what else could I buy?

The recreational Dual Cab Ute segment is packed. And the top end is the most popular.

Buyers could look at the Isuzu D-Max X-TerrainNissan Navara Pro 4X WarriorToyota HiLux Rogue, or the HiLux GR SportFord Ranger Wildtrak, or the all new Mitsubishi Triton

Mazda BT-50 SP suspension upgrade 2

Some other Mazda BT-50 Articles

Mazda BT-50 SP front quarter 4

Mazda BT-50 SP final thoughts

I like the BT-50 SP with the enhancement packs. They add a level of ambience and practicality to an otherwise good Ute.

Its compliant around town and was at home on dirt roads, forest trails and the beach.

The price is getting up there, but also good value compared to the escalating prices from competitors.

Mazda-BT-50-SP-engine

Mazda BT-50

Model

BT-50 SP

Model Price$68,510 MLP*
Engine3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5
Drivetrain6 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD
Power140kW @ 3,600rpm
Torque450Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm
Safety5 Star ANCAP (August 2022)
0-100kmh / Top SpeedTBA
CO2 Emissions207 g/km
Economy ADR8.0L/100km / 76L capacity
Economy on test9.5L/100k
Max Range1101km
Range on test950km
Servicing12Mth / 15,000km 5 Yrs. Capped Price
Warranty5yr/ Unlimited km
Roadside Assist5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

Mazda BT-50 SP front interior 2

Overall Rating    

89/100

Behind the Wheel9
Comfort9
Equipment9
Performance8
Ride and Handling9
Practicality8
Fit for Purpose9
AWD/Towing Capability*10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5)
Technology/connectivity9
Value for Money9

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

Mazda BT-50 SP Ute tub 1

Dimensions

Mazda BT-50 SP

Overall Length5280mm
Wheelbase3125mm
Width1870mm
Height1790mm
Wheels18×7.5 Alloy
Tyres265/60 R18
Max ground clearanceUp to 240mm
Wading Depth800mm
Approach27 degrees
Rampover23.8 degrees
Departure angle24.2 degrees
Turning Circle KTK12.5m
Tub Length1571mm
Tub width arches1120mm
Tub width1530mm
Tub Depth490mm
Kerb Weight2035kg
Payload (kg)1080kg
GVM (kg)3100kg
GCM6000kg
Towing Capacity (braked)3500kg
Tow Ball rating350kg

Mazda BT-50 SP rear quarter 3

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

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Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Overall Rating
  • 8.9/10
    Rating - 8.9/10
8.9/10

Summary

Mazda BT-50 SP final thoughts

I like the BT-50 SP with the enhancement packs. They add a level of ambience and practicality to an otherwise good Ute.

Its compliant around town and was at home on dirt roads, forest trails and the beach.

The price is getting up there, but also good value compared to the escalating prices from competitors.

About Rob Fraser 2492 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.