Mazda BT-50 vs Isuzu D-Max

What's the difference?

VS
Mazda BT-50
Mazda BT-50

$35,520 - $74,095

2025 price

Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max

$32,700 - $78,900

2025 price

Summary

2025 Mazda BT-50
2025 Isuzu D-Max
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 3.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 3.0L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
8.0L/100km (combined)

8.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Large GVM reduction to tow 3500kg
  • Single USB-C port for rear passengers
  • No driver’s seat cushion rake adjustment

  • Too many decals
  • No power and torque increase
  • Could do with more mods
2025 Mazda BT-50 Summary

Mazda’s third generation BT-50 has been a solid performer since its launch in 2020. In the first quarter of 2025, VFacts industry sales figures show it was the sixth most popular model in Australia’s fiercely competitive 4x4 ute market, where 13 brands and 16 models compete for buyers.

Although it shares its chassis underpinnings, powertrains and body hard-points with Isuzu’s D-Max and is manufactured by Isuzu in Thailand, Mazda’s signature styling ensures the BT-50 not only has a distinctly different appearance to its donor but also much broader visual appeal than its predecessor.

In 2025 Mazda has launched an updated BT-50 range that includes mildly facelifted styling plus enhanced multimedia software and driver info.

Given our tradie focus, we recently spent a week in one of the work-focused 4x4 models to see if it’s up to the job.

 

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2025 Isuzu D-Max Summary

Carmakers nowadays are increasingly entering into collaborations with vehicle-engineering companies in order to develop “special” vehicles.

Why? 

Well, for one thing, car buyers now demand much more than a mere sticker pack on their 4WD if that vehicle has been marketed as a limited-edition/special-edition/whatever version of the standard vehicle on which it’s based.

And these special vehicles have proven very popular because they benefit from the substantial engineering work undertaken away from the OEM.

You only have to look at the recent collaborations between Nissan Australia and Melbourne-based vehicle engineering company, Premcar, on the Navara and Patrol Warrior to see that Premcar and companies of the same ilk can be entrusted with conversion work, engineering upgrades and the fitment of off-road accessories in order to add real value to a vehicle.

And so it is that Isuzu has joined forces with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to develop the D-Max Blade.

Based on the LS-U+, the Blade was developed locally and among its enhancements over and above the D-Max on which it’s based, it has Aussie-tuned lifted suspension, a lightbar, underbody protection, light truck construction all-terrain tyres and some Blade-specific design enhancements.

But with the same powertrain as a LS-U+ and no power and torque improvements, is the Blade worthy of your consideration?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mazda BT-50 2025 Isuzu D-Max

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