Mazda BT-50 roars into 2025

Mazda Philippines has just rolled out the updated 2025 BT-50, a pickup truck made for people who don’t just need a capable vehicle — they need one that fits into their lifestyle. Whether it’s for the everyday grind or an off-grid escape, the new BT-50 is ready for just about anything.

“The BT-50 is an integral and important member of the Mazda family,” said Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines. “The current-generation BT-50 was launched in 2021 and since then, has been well-received with thousands finding homes across the country.”

“The new BT-50, with its bolder design and long list of standard features, goes beyond the numbers. Like other Mazda vehicles, which are human-centric in their design, it’s an enabler for life’s passions. With that, it’s a compelling choice, regardless of the task at hand,” Tan added.

The refreshed BT-50 now wears a more striking look that builds on Mazda’s KODO — Soul of Motion design. It stands out most up front, where a Black Metallic Signature Wing grille and hexagonal inserts show off Mazda’s design DNA, while also giving it a more capable and confident presence. Flanking the grille are new LED headlights that can be adjusted for better visibility when the truck is fully loaded.

Mazda also reworked the front bumper, moving the daytime running lights into the main headlamp housing. The old spot now houses new air vents, which, together with an air curtain under the bumper, help improve aerodynamics and boost real-world fuel efficiency. A skid plate completes the tough look.

At the back, the BT-50 has more visual flair thanks to a redesigned tailgate with a new ridged pattern. A new Tailgate Assist feature also helps with opening and closing it — ideal for loading gear more easily. New LED taillights with an Emergency Stop Signal function and a larger Mazda badge round out the rear styling.

Other touches include color-matched side mirrors and fresh alloy wheel designs.

For those eyeing something even tougher, the BT-50 4x4 Pangolin edition comes with its own set of upgrades: a Brilliant Black Fashion Bar with Pangolin badging, roof rails, two-tone fender flares, a revolver-style bed cover, and 18-inch Diamond Cut wheels with all-terrain tires.

This pickup has been tested on a variety of road surfaces and has proven its mettle in terms of capability and reliability.

Under the hood, the BT-50 is powered by a 3.0-liter DOHC turbo diesel engine that puts out 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic with Manual Mode, it’s built to deliver both solid performance and fuel economy. Hill Launch Assist comes standard, holding the brakes just long enough to prevent rollback when starting on a slope.

Its chassis uses high-tensile steel, balancing strength and lightness. This allows the BT-50 to carry up to one ton of payload and tow up to 3,500 kg. With 240 mm of ground clearance and an 800 mm water-wading depth, it’s built for the rough stuff too.

Unique to the Pangolin 4x4 is Rough Terrain Mode, which works with the on-the-fly 4x4 system and rear differential lock to deliver grip even when things get slippery. It tweaks throttle and braking automatically to send power where it’s needed most. Hill Descent Control also steps in on steep declines, keeping speed in check so the driver can just focus on steering.

Smart features from the inside out

Inside, the BT-50 doesn’t skimp on comfort or tech. Right from the dealership, it comes loaded with features that make it ready for everyday use or spontaneous getaways.

A new 9-inch Human Machine Interface (HMI) infotainment screen improves usability and responsiveness. It shows pitch and roll angles via a built-in clinometer and also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a new 360-degree camera too, which makes tight parking easier. Touch-sensitive buttons, physical knobs for volume and tuning, and USB-C ports round out the user-friendly updates. On the Pangolin 4x4, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) controls are integrated into the screen.

The interior also gets a more upscale look. The 4x2 features a Black and Terracotta leather combo with suede inserts made specifically for the Philippine market. The terracotta theme carries through the steering wheel stitching, center armrest, and door panels. In contrast, the 4x4 Pangolin goes for an all-black leather look with perforated detailing and 8-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Even the floor mats have been upgraded. Standard across all variants are heavy-duty, all-weather mats made from Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO). They’re tough, slip-resistant, and easy to clean.

Pangolin-exclusive features include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable display, a 15W wireless charger, an 8-speaker sound system (including roof-mounted speakers), dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and smart keyless entry with remote engine start and walk-away auto-lock.

The Pangolin’s ADAS package has also been significantly improved. It now uses stereo cameras up front with twice the field of view, improving systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. New for 2025 are additional safety features like Pedal Misapplication Mitigation, Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Multi-Collision Brake and Driver Attention Assist.