Mazda BT-50: old vs. new

Mazda Philippines has launched the latest version of the BT-50. As an updated pickup truck model, it features several improvements, which the car brand says enable more off-road or on-road adventures. 

Additionally, the Japanese car maker’s local arm has made the Pangolin 4x4 a permanent addition to the said model’s variant lineup. Previously, the Pangolin was sold as a limited-edition trim.

So, how does the newly updated Mazda BT-50 differ from the outgoing model? Let’s find out by comparing the old 4x2 and Pangolin 4x4 trims with their freshly launched counterparts. 

Mazda BT-50 4x2: old vs. new

For the Mazda BT-50 4x2, plenty of design elements for its exterior were switched up to make it look sharper and more modern. 

Up front, the model now wears a new set of LED headlamp clusters. The brand’s signature wing from the old model was retained, but the refreshed truck now dons a matte black front grille and signature wing instead of wearing chrome trimmings from the outgoing model. 

Additionally, the newer 4x2 truck ditched the old ones’ silver-colored 17-inch wheel set in favor of black metallic wheels. 

It likewise received the following exterior features, which were totally absent on the older version: 

• Front skid plate
• Ridged design pattern for tailgate
• LED taillights with LED brake lamps
• Front bumper integrated air curtain
• Integrated air vents on front fog lamp assembly

Inside, the entry-level variant of the new BT-50 received significant updates as well. For starters, its old seven-inch infotainment system was replaced by a larger eight-inch display equipped with physical volume and tuning knobs. 

Moreover, its reverse camera was upgraded to a 360-degree view monitor, and its standard floor mats were replaced by all-weather deep dish mats. 

Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x4: old vs. new

Similar to the 4x2 trim, the new Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x4 wears a lot of new exterior parts designed to enhance its overall appearance. 

For its front end, Mazda replaced the old version’s silver grille in favor of one coated in gloss black. Likewise, the old chrome signature wing and side mirrors of the old truck now come with a black metallic finish. 

The LED headlamp clusters of the updated Pangolin 4x4 also received a sharper new look. Its front bumper also features a new air curtain, while the front fog lamp surrounds now have air vents. 

The rear of the updated model, meanwhile, shows off a redesigned LED taillight cluster and a new ridged design pattern for its tailgate. 

New exterior parts that were absent on the old version include the following: 

• Pangolin badge for its fashion bar
• Front skid plate
• Brillant and matte black fender flares
• Revolver cargo bed cover

Regarding its interior, the new Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x4 now features a black-themed cabin, replacing the Brown cabin from the outgoing version. The aforementioned applies to the vehicle’s leather seats, armrests, and interior door cards, and some parts of its dashboard. 

Additionally, the bright aluminum decorative trims from the old model were replaced with dark aluminum pieces. The new top-spec trim likewise received a larger seven-inch digital gauge cluster, which is an improvement over its old analog and 4.2-inch LCD meter set. 

The new model still has a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it now has physical knobs for its volume and tuning functions. Moreover, the old model’s USB Type-A ports were replaced by Type-C ports. It also received a new wireless smartphone charger, and its old reverse camera was superseded by a 360-degree monitor. 

Specific to the top-spec Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x4 are several new advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). The said collection of technologies was absent from the old model, and it includes the following: 

• Rear autonomous emergency braking
• Rear cross-traffic brake
• Pedal misapplication mitigation
• Multi-collision brake
• Driver attention alert

Carryover specifications

With the new Mazda BT-50 being a refresh rather than a full model change, many features were carried over. 

For example, both the old and new top-spec trims of the BT-50 still come with power-adjustable front seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a push-to-start button, and a terrain mode selector - among others. 

Additionally, the Mazda BT-50 for the model year 2025 retains the same ladder-frame chassis as the older version. It also kept the same front double wishbone front suspension and leaf spring rear end. 

Thanks to the aforementioned, the new model (both 4x2 and Pangolin 4x2) boasts a braked and unbraked towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms (kg) and 750 kg, respectively. 

Both the old and new top-spec BT-50 Pangolin 4x4 trims also come with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning, among others. 

Also carried over to the new version is a 3.0-liter inline-4 turbodiesel mill. Similar to the one on the outgoing model, it can still produce up to 187 horsepower (hp) and 450 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Moreover, the Pangolin 4x4 still utilizes the same shift-on-the-fly drivetrain system. 

For reference, here is a table listing down the mechanical details of the old top-spec Mazda BT-50 and the new BT-50 Pangolin 4x4: 

Model	Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x4 AT (OLD)	Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x4 AT (NEW)
Engine	3.0-liter inline-four turbocharged diesel
Transmission	Six-speed automatic transmission
Drivetrain	Shift-on-the-fly 4x4
Power	187 hp
Torque	450 Nm
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Leaf springs
Brakes	Front discs, rear drums

Final thoughts

In summary, the updated Mazda BT-50 was given a sharper new look that aligns with the brand’s current design direction, a better lineup of creature comforts, and a more comprehensive ADAS kit. 

All of the aforementioned elevates the pickup truck’s value for prospective buyers - especially for those who want to turn the said model into a daily driver. 

People looking into the updated BT-50 as an adventure or lifestyle ride are also well catered to. The aforementioned holds true since the model retains its peppy powertrain and its robust ladder-frame chassis. 

For those curious, the entry-level Mazda BT-50 4x2 is priced at P1.55 million, while the top-spec Pangolin 4x4 retails at P1.85 million. So, if you like what you’re seeing from this updated ride, we encourage you to visit your nearest Mazda dealership for a test drive. 

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