2023 Mazda BT-50 owner review

Have you experienced any reliability issues with your vehicle since you purchased it?

No

Have you had to make any warranty claims?

No

Has your vehicle been serviced at least once since you took ownership?

Yes.

All servicing has been done at Devonport Mazda, where the vehicle was also purchased. Servicing has always been done in a timely manner.

Not long after the 45,000km service, the fuel filter light came on while on a road trip. We sorted this promptly through a private mechanic, but it seems like it's not a routine part of servicing unless there's an issue.

Overall, are you satisfied with your ownership experience so far?

Yes.

Though it's difficult to say yes or no to this question. This ute is a workhorse, does everything I ask and more, carrying tools, etc., to various sites.

It's a base model XT, and I appreciate the easy-to-clean interior, excellent road manners (although suspension is bouncy unloaded), good towing ability, and the 4JJ3S power delivery (which is improved via aftermarket modifications).

But it's difficult to recommend to those looking for creature comforts, the drivetrain appears to be one of the more robust within the market.

This reader’s experience with the 2023 Mazda BT-50

I'll start with all the crap that could have been so much nicer right from the get-go. If anyone has a Mazda (or Isuzu) engineer's contact, I'd love a piece of their ear for an hour.

1. The auto is woeful, as most are. I would have got a manual if available. Granted, the tune changes over time, but the ratios are wrong and the torque converter flares everywhere on the lightest throttle under 90kph. Badly needs reprogramming.

2. Cruise control doesn't hold a steady speed. Not a huge deal, but jumping back to fourth gear up hills when it will pull easily in fifth on the highway. Annoying. I can do a better job myself, so when the road gets steep, I turn it off. I'd also like to be able to turn off adaptive cruise.

3. The ADAS is very frustrating. I'm one of those luddites that turn off the lane departure crap each time. Not a fan of driving through potholes.

I've learnt to drive so the auto braking doesn't interfere. It's very annoying and yet to save an accident. Sometimes when off-road (did they not test this?) It will pick up on a bank in front and prevent acceleration. Also, long grass in paddocks and a front rack can make it sing. I slide a paint card into the camera to block it.

These systems wouldn't bother me, but if it's got to be there, do a good job.

Ideally, these new utes would have a 'farm mode button' that turns off every alarm and assistance in the vehicle, from the auto brakes and steering to the seat belt and key alarms.

4. Minor, but the smart alternator. The voltage drops so the air-conditioning fan flares around and makes jump starting, running inverters, fuel pods or winching annoying. Turning the headlights on runs continuously 14V.

I think half my battles here are coming from a background with machinery. As my brother tells me, "Stop operating and just drive!"

The good bits:

1. Holds a load very well. I've had the full-rated payload on this, and yes, it squatted but remained composed.

2. The engine is robust and understressed. A remap makes a big difference here. Also improves fuel economy. I drive heavy and hard, 11 to 11.5L/100km is normal. A company fuel card solves this.

3. Diff lock is understated. I know these are regular fare now, but wow, what a difference off-road. I'd like one in the front, but beggars can't be choosers.

4. Handles and brakes quite well for a 4WD. With some weight, it is quite settled through rough roads. This is important as Tassie roads have plenty of hills, corners and potholes.

5. Seats and positioning are well laid out and comfortable.

6. Competent stereo system, quality sound, etc., but can be slow hanging up from calls.

I like this vehicle overall, but consider what your priorities are before buying; the robustness comes with compromises.

MORE: Explore the Mazda BT-50 showroom