Mazda is preparing a new generation of the BT-50 pickup — Motor1
In Australia, Mazda has confirmed plans to release the next generation of the BT-50 pickup. Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi answered affirmatively in an interview with CarsGuide when asked whether the company needs this model in an increasingly segmented pickup market and whether a new version will appear. This was reported by Motor1.
Likely continuation of cooperation with Isuzu
The current Mazda BT-50 was launched in 2020. It is technically related to the Isuzu D-Max, although it has Mazda’s own styling. The previous generation of the model was based on the Ford Ranger.
Mazda has previously stated that it does not develop pickups entirely on its own. Therefore, the most likely option for the next BT-50 is a continuation of the partnership with Isuzu. In that case, the model could be technically close to the new-generation D-Max, which is expected around the same time. At the same time, the company has not yet officially disclosed the technical specifications of the future BT-50.
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Diesel focus at launch
Mazda chief designer Eiji Kimoto, who worked on the current BT-50 and is involved in creating its successor, did not provide design details. When asked whether the new model would differ significantly from the current one, he declined to clarify and suggested waiting for future announcements.
Motor1 also points to the possibility of using technologies from China’s Changan, with which Mazda cooperates and from which it receives the Mazda 6e and CX-6e models. A potential basis could be the Changan Hunter K50 — an all-wheel-drive range-extended hybrid with a 31 kWh battery and two electric motors. However, Mazda Australia stresses that the BT-50 will continue to target traditional buyers for whom towing, hauling cargo, and off-road driving are important.
The most likely powertrain option at the launch of the new generation remains a diesel engine. The company does not rule out electrification in the future, but it has no immediate plans for an electric or plug-in hybrid BT-50. The next model is expected to appear in 2028.
