Mazda BT-50 GT 2021 review: snapshot

At the very top of the launch range for the 2021 Mazda BT-50 line-up is the GT variant, which takes a bit more of a luxurious tack than some of its rival utes that chase the ‘sport’ market.

The 2021 Mazda BT-50 GT is available as a 4x4 dual cab Pickup (pick-up or ute - no cab-chassis version). You can choose between either a six-speed manual version at $56,990 (MSRP/RRP - not including on-road costs), or the six-speed automatic for $59,990. 

Like the rest of the BT-50 range the GT is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 140kW (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm (at 1600-2600rpm). Towing capacity is 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked). Fuel use is claimed at 7.7L/100km for the manual and 8.0L/100km for the auto.

Explore the 2021 Mazda BT-50 range

• Mazda BT-50 XT 2021 review: snapshot
• Mazda BT-50 XTR 2021 review: snapshot
• Mazda BT-50 GT 2021 review: snapshot
• Mazda BT-50 2021 review
• Mazda BT-50 2022 review: XS 1.9, plus SP
• Mazda BT-50 2021 review: XT 4x4 manual GVM test
• Mazda BT-50 2021 review: XTR 4x4 auto
• Mazda BT-50 2021 review: XT Freestyle cab chassis GVM test
• Mazda BT-50 2021 review: Thunder off-road test
• Mazda BT-50 2022 review: XS 1.9 dual cab - GVM test
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 1
• Mazda BT-50 SP 2023 review: off-road test
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 2
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 3
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 4
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 5
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: GT - off-road test
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 6
• Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR LE

The top-end GT model scores a number of additional spec items over the XTR below it, including chrome mirror caps, heated exterior mirrors, an eight-speaker stereo system, power-adjustable driver’s seat, front parking sensors, remote engine start for the automatic model, and a brown leather interior with heated front seats.

That’s in addition to 18-inch alloy wheels (identical rims to the XTR, weirdly), full LED front lighting, a 9.0-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay (USB and wireless) and Android Auto (USB), digital radio, sat nav, carpet flooring, rear USB port, rear directional air vents, dark headlining and more. What you don’t get that some rivals offer at this level is a sports bar, tonneau cover, tub liner, tow bar or anything of that ilk.

But there is exceptional safety gear: AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front turn assist, driver attention assist, eight airbags including a ute-first front centre airbag, a reversing camera, and more. Manual variants miss out on adaptive cruise control, but autos get that tech standard.