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*
Engine 3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5
Drivetrain 6 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD
Power 140kW @ 3,600rpm
Torque 450Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP (August 2022)
0-100kmh / Top Speed TBA
CO2 Emissions 207 g/km
Economy ADR 8.0L/100km / 76L capacity
Economy on test 9.5L/100k
Max Range 1101km
Range on test 950km
Servicing 12Mth / 15,000km 5 Yrs. Capped Price
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km
Roadside Assist 5Yr. 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 Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 9
AWD/Towing Capability* 10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5)
Technology/connectivity 9
Value for Money 9

*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 Length 5280mm
Wheelbase 3125mm
Width 1870mm
Height 1790mm
Wheels 18×7.5 Alloy
Tyres 265/60 R18
Max ground clearance Up to 240mm
Wading Depth 800mm
Approach 27 degrees
Rampover 23.8 degrees
Departure angle 24.2 degrees
Turning Circle KTK 12.5m
Tub Length 1571mm
Tub width arches 1120mm
Tub width 1530mm
Tub Depth 490mm
Kerb Weight 2035kg
Payload (kg) 1080kg
GVM (kg) 3100kg
GCM 6000kg
Towing Capacity (braked) 3500kg
Tow Ball rating 350kg

Mazda BT-50 SP rear quarter 3

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

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You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

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.

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About Rob Fraser 2507 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.