2024 Isuzu D-Max vs 2023 Mazda BT-50

What's the difference?

For some strange reason, the Isuzu D-Max isn't often mentioned on the list of Australia's most popular vehicles.

You hear all about the Ford Ranger and the Toyota HiLux, of course. And you hear about the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Tesla Model Y and a handful of others, too.

But let's give the D-Max its flowers. Last year, it was Australia's third best-selling vehicle, shifting more than 31,000 units in 2023. And it moved another 7947 vehicles over the first three months of 2024. That makes it a proper sales behemoth.

So far, it's the only ute that's been able to maintain touching distance to the Ranger and HiLux, and the brand has some pretty big sales ambitions for the model for this year and beyond.

I tell you all of this as a way to say that this updated 2024 model is a Very Big Deal, not just for the brand, but for the legions of ute fans across the country.

What's fresh? There's a new look, better safety kit, a new permanent trim level, new off-road capability and a better cabin experience.

Is that enough to keep it in the hunt with the best-selling utes in the country? Let's go find out.

Since the launch of the current generation BT-50 in 2020, Mazda has consolidated its foothold in Australia's highly competitive 4x4 ute market. 

Latest industry sales figures show the Isuzu-based ute is locked in a close battle with Mitsubishi’s venerable Triton for fourth place in the sales race behind the Isuzu D-Max, Toyota HiLux and market-leading Ford Ranger.

To capitalise on the BT-50’s popularity, Mazda has released a new addition to the local line-up based on the XTR model grade. 

It's called the LE, which the company claims offers enhanced looks, greater functionality and added customer value. 

We recently spent a week behind the wheel to assess its appeal for tradies and families alike.