2025 Mazda BT-50 ute 'major new update' teased: Isuzu D-Max twin to get huge boost to take the fight to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux

Mazda has teased a photo of the new BT-50 ahead of the updated model’s world premiere on October 18.

Scheduled for a 2025 arrival, Mazda has confirmed that the brand’s second-best selling vehicle is set for a “major new update” that will involve a comprehensive interior and exterior redesign.

There will also be significant improvements to the car’s Human Machine Interface (HM), safety systems and general functionality.

What shape those updates will take is unclear at this stage, but judging by the update Isuzu Ute gave to its shared-platform Isuzu D-Max earlier this year – and Mazda’s teaser shot – there are several clues.

For starters, Mazda’s teaser image shows a bigger, more pronounced Mazda emblem, likely on a redesigned grille as the Isuzu D-Max received.

There are also re-designed LED headlights that appear to add an extra accent to the headlights that are currently used on the Mazda SUV range.

That’s the extent of the teaser, but if we look at the current D-Max it’s likely the BT-50 will also gain new tail light designs and new wheel designs.

Inside, the BT-50 is poised to receive a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display on more expensive XTR, GT, SP and Thunder variants, while the XT and XS will receive a redesign of their analogue dials.

There’s also likely to be a bigger 8.0-inch multimedia display for lower-grade variants, while more expensive variants will maintain their 9.0-inch screens.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected to come standard, opposed to the previous wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto configuration.

The infotainment display is also expected to be powered by new software that adds features like off-road angle displays, tyre pressure monitoring and driveline information.

New touch-sensitive physical buttons are expected to be added for some infotainment, climate and volume controls, while new trim finishings, and possibly upholstery, are expected as well.

A better standard safety kit is likely to include a next-generation camera that is capable of scanning the road for cyclists and pedestrians.

There will also likely be improved lane keep assist, rear cross traffic assist and adaptive cruise control functionality.

It's unlikely any changes will be made to the BT-50’s current diesel engine, which consists of either a 1.9-litre in-line four turbo diesel engine that is capable of 110kW/350Nm, or a 3.0-litre variation capable of 140kW/450Nm.

Power will remain sent to the rear or all-four wheels – depending on the variant – through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The BT-50 is currently Mazda’s second best selling model and the fifth best selling ute in Australia, offloading a total of 9230 units to September this year, down 14.8 per cent on last year.