Another mid-size pickup is about to hit the road, it is the famous 2023 Mazda BT-50. Mazda is on a roll and is going and redesigning its whole fleet. The CX-50 is a massive hit after the recent refresh, which is valid for many other vehicles under the Mazda flag. The BT-50 was and still is a pretty popular truck in this segment. The Japanese manufacturer used to have a partnership with Ford. Emphasis on the used to, past tense. That friendship ended and now the Ranger is not safe from competition in this segment.
This would be the third generation of the mighty BT-50. It will ride on a new platform, the same one used by Isuzu D-Max. We can expect many improvements this time around. The styling and design of the interior should get a nice upgrade. On the outside mostly smaller tweaks, but the general look will change because of the new platform. The new platform could also mean a change in the powertrain. Since many manufacturers are racing to go green with their vehicles, we can suspect that the same is about to happen with the BT-50. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Mazda pickup.
Mazda BT-50 Interior
The new Mazda BT-50 from 2023 looks quite a little different inside than it did before. Because of the new framework, this truck’s dashboard resembles that of the recently released Isuzu D-Max. The layout is also tough, and we saw more of the clean, elegant lines that define Mazda’s interiors. We’re referring to the crew cab configuration, which can easily fit five people in both rows.
The Mazda BT-50 is constructed primarily of excellent quality materials, and the inside appears more premium than previously. The firm will also release a revised infotainment system for 2023YM. In general, we can anticipate Mazda adding new safety mechanisms to keep up with its rivals.
Exterior Redesign
The mighty 2023 Mazda BT-50 looks aggressive and maddening. The facelift is noticeable. Prominent bumpers protrude a bit and add to the menacing look. It resides on huge 19-inch aluminum lightweight rims. They look sharp as if taken from a racing car. Overall the body design is ergonomic and aerodynamic. This helps with steering, handling, and improving fuel economy.
The cargo bed is standard 5.5 feet. There is a multifunctional tailgate. There are numerous exterior colors to choose from. If you are a fan of off-roading adventures, you should look into BT-50 Thunder. It is the most rugged and sturdy among the crowd.
Engine Specs, Transmission
The powertrain is quite important for the pickup. It defines what a truck does and how well it can do it. The unibody chassis of the 2023 Mazda BT-50 is one of its main drawbacks. The ladder frame is used for the majority of US trucks. Unibody vehicles are safer, more fuel-efficient, and simpler to operate. But the truck actually needs to be able to tow and be durable. If the structure is about to alter with the new model, we are unsure. In any case, the BT-50 unquestionably needs new power sources. The car’s drivetrains include 3.0 and 1.9-liter diesel engines. The pickup’s US version cannot be powered by such facilities. In Mazda automobiles, the most prevalent engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
However, Motor1 reports that the future truck would use a 3.0-liter engine with 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. There is also the option of the BT-50 with a PHEV hybrid system. SkyActiv is a feature of Mazda vehicles that is well-known. Diesel engines operate more efficiently and cleanly as a result, as do gasoline refineries. A hybrid setup relying on an oil burner is able to generate 250 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque for the upcoming season. The BT-50 could have an immediate impact on the US market with those figures. The unfortunate fact is that diesel engines, even in hybrid form, don’t have a promising future in the US.
The new 3.3-liter SkyActiv-D is therefore not a possibility in this market. In any case, the 3.0 engine increase will please truck enthusiasts everywhere. The new diesel model’s output will be 230 hp and 370 lb-ft, and it will be able to pull more weight as well. A fully electric version of the pickup is not probable for this generation. Perhaps next time around we could get a battery-powered BT-50. Technology is available, it’s just a matter of putting it all together. The platform might not be able to support all the components so Mazda has to put its thinking caps on. But a battery of 150 kWh would solve their problems. It would have a great range to go along with good performance.
Fuel Economy
The new 2023 Mazda BT-50 with these engines can expect good mileage. Per reports on the highway it gets 34mpg, 28 in the city, and 30mpg in combined driving. This would be helped a lot by introducing a hybrid version. Not to mention how beneficial would a fully electric version be.
2023 Mazda BT-50 Price and Release Date
The new 2023 Mazda BT-50 is set to hit the road early in 2023. This has been postponed by some supply chain issues caused by the pandemic. Starting price for the BT-50 will start at around $33,000. This can go up to $75,000 based on many trims and amenities you choose from. This pickup offers a lot of customizing ability and will be able to fill different needs. It is ready to take on the whole mid-size pickup segment.
