This is big news for the US truckers. Mazda is finally ready for a debut on the major stage. Well, for a long time, the Japanese company was in a close partnership with Ford. That is one of the reasons why the truckmaker didn’t bring its BT-50 to the US. Now, there is a new model for the new chapter – the 2025 Mazda BT-60 is under development. Its debut is planned for the next year and it already draws a lot of attention.
It is still unknown if the new truck is replacing the BT-50. The midsize truck has been in production since 2006 and the current, third generation debuted in 2020. However, a lot of modifications were required for the pickup to become eligible to debut in the United States. So, the Japanese company decided to start almost from scratch and build an all-new vehicle. Of course, Mazda will try to keep the best things from the BT-50 and carry them over to the BT-60.
2025 Mazda BT-60 Powertrains
The US truck needs a proper drivetrain. The new I6 is a perfect suit for the 2025 Mazda BT-60. A 3.3-liter turbocharged petrol unit is already confirmed for the big CX-90 SUV. It can deliver 350 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque when premium fuel is used. Even with normal gas, you can get 320 horsepower and 360 pound-feet. The drivetrain uses Skyactiv technology, one of the best things on Mazdas.
An all-wheel drive is standard, which might be a downside since truckers love to make choices. The truck is also getting the Kinematic Posture Control for a unique driving experience. The KPC boosts balance when cornering at higher speeds. A mild-hybrid system will make the truck more efficient when it comes to gas mileage. The towing capacity records are undisclosed, but the BT-60 needs to get you at least 6,500 pounds. A diesel engine on the Mazda BT-50 can do 3,500 kg (7,715 lbs).
Familiar Design
The BT-60 is the new nameplate, but some existing design languages could be used. Mazda recently updated its crossovers and SUVs. The latest one debuted a few months ago – the CX90. The truck will share a few things with the SUV. On the other hand, a unibody concept is not the perfect solution for towing. Instead, the 2025 Mazda BT-60 should use a ladder frame. The only other Mazda with such architecture is the BT-50. The truckmaker replaced a unibody concept in 2021 and that immediately increased sales.
Well, Mazda is well-known for its unique styling. Their vehicles are considered as a higher class. Nevertheless, the 2025 Mazda BT-60 shouldn’t be a luxury truck. There is no market for those pickups. Even GM and Ford gave up the idea of bringing back Cadillac and Lincoln trucks.
2025 Mazda BT-60 Concept, Spy Photos, Release Date
The new nameplate emerged last year and the rumors started to flow around. Most of the things you can find about the 2025 Mazda BT-60 are just speculations. The only good signal is that the company is not denying the idea of the US pickup truck. Mazda won’t go there with the BT-50 and the BT-60 offers something unique.
Like every other Mazda, the pickup will draw attention with its look and styling. Nevertheless, truckers appreciate towing capabilities rather than fancy gadgets. For now, there are no spy photos to show us what the 2025 Mazda BT-60 will look like. Fans are creating their renders. Most of them are mixes of the BT-50 and the new CX90 SUV. The new truck is bringing a dose of each vehicle for sure.
The 2025 Mazda BT-60 is not ready for the premiere yet. The company needs to confirm plans, although it is sometimes better to stay under the radar because of the competition. We believe the BT-60 is in the first stages of development. Something close to the production vehicle should be ready late in 2024. Only then the company will be willing to make a big announcement.
Competition
There are a lot of questions about the upcoming pickup. The first one is – where it will fit. We all believe the 2025 Mazda BT-60 is the midsize truck. The segment is pretty popular nowadays, after a hiatus and many discontinuations late in the 2000s and early 2010s. Ford Ranger is a familiar model to Mazda. But, the US market is much tougher to catch up. Even Ford is struggling to get to the same level as Toyota Tacoma.
The BT-60 might be a compact pickup. This is an emerging segment with only a few models already available. Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are pioneers. Although criticized before the launch, pickups achieved good sales and drew a lot of attention. Now other companies are preparing their small trucks. Toyota will be out soon with Stout; FCA is testing Ram 1200; and there are rumors about the GMC Syclone and Chevy Avalanche comebacks.
