The current BT-50 is relatively fresh, but thanks to the latest events in the truck industry, the all-new model could be out in 2025. Mazda had a long-time partnership with Ford. The US company was a key partner in the truck segment. But, two manufacturers split their ways recently, which opens new options for the 2025 Mazda BT-50. The Japanese truckmaker won’t have obstacles if bosses decide to go to the United States with the new pickup.
The new engine is ready. Mazda will start using a six-cylinder unit. Also, the fresh styling should draw more attention. The most recent rumors report the BT-50 might evolve and the next-gen truck will be sold as the 2025 Mazda BT-60. We’ll keep monitoring news and speculations about this model, since it leaves a lot of room for different theories. Let’s start with confirmed gossip.
New Drivetrain – I6
Mazda has been working on the new powerplant and the first details appeared already. The new CX-90 SUV will have a 3.3-liter inline-six unit under the hood. Experts found out the engine is going to produce 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A mild-hybrid system is also included, but it doesn’t improve the outputs and gas mileage significantly. But, even 1 extra mile per gallon is valuable. Engineers are also working on the PHEV model. We know Mazda’s engines are working the best with premium fuel. Regular gasoline will decrease power and torque outputs. The transmission is a six-speed auto, front-wheel drive is standard, and you can replace it with an AWD.
Diesel engines will still be available. There are two oil burners for the BT-50 and we expect them to see again. The first one is a 1.9-liter mill with 150 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder turbodiesel is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. 2WD is standard. You can buy a truck with 4WD and manual transmission as well.
Another option is a 3.0-liter. It is more potent and engineers can tune it to deliver 200 hp and 350 lb-ft. Although big, it works with four cylinders, which keep the mileage at a high level. The towing capacity is 3,500 kg (7,715 lbs). The same gearbox and drive configurations are there, as well as a few drive modes.
2025 Mazda BT-50 Redesign
The truck is using a unibody architecture. That is another reason why we haven’t seen it in the US before. Of course, lack of a petrol unit is probably the main one. The redesign might bring a new architecture that will support a body-on-frame platform. That opens up many options for the 2025 Mazda BT-50. The towing capacity will be better and the truck would be more competitive in the US market. Nowadays, there are more pickup trucks with unibody concepts.
The truck will probably stay in the mid-size class with a bumper-to-bumper length above 205 inches. Designers will use the same language as some vehicles that debuted recently. For example, we can look at the CX-90 and the even smaller CX-50. Interior will be spacious. Mazda uses standard and double cab configurations and one bed length. The appearance in the US market might make the company offer even more features and options.
Mazda BT-60
The BT-60 is a new nameplate and fans mention it as a successor of the BT-50. It can make sense. The truck will enter the new generation and debut in more markets. The new beginning and the new name. We also mentioned the I6 engine, a fresh design. The Mazda BT-60 would be a midsize truck for the US market only. Those are all the possible options, but all we know about the pickup are the rumors. Only Autoevolution has written about it so far.
2025 Mazda BT-50 Release Date and Price
There are many speculations and options, and the company will take some time to make a wise decision. The truck will be all-new after the partnership breakup with Ford. The first details about the 2025 Mazda BT-50 will be announced in 2024. We’ll see the premiere later on.
Off-Road Models
To be competitive in the US market, the 2025 Mazda BT-50 needs to have all-terrain packages. Although the company’s crossovers and SUVs are not famous of going off the road, the truck will shake up the things in this segment. Mazda could carry over the SP Pro and Thunder Pro trims. Some of the interesting upgrades are a 2-inch lift, unique wheels, LED lights in the bumper that can illuminate nearly 2,000 feet ahead of the truck, and a snorkel. Something similar could put the BT-50 at the same level with the Toyota TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Raptor.