2026 Mazda BT-50 XS 2.2L review

Following hot on the heels of last month’s Isuzu D-MAX 2.2 launch, Mazda Australia has rolled out its version of what is essentially the same midsize 4×4 ute.

For those new to the party, the current Mazda BT-50 is essentially a facelifted and rebadged Isuzu D-MAX — and if you’re going to partner with any ute manufacturer, Isuzu has proven to be a solid choice for Mazda.

So, when Isuzu ditched its entry-level 1.9-litre diesel engine in favour of a new, more powerful 2.2, you didn’t need to be Nostradamus to predict Mazda would soon follow suit.

JUMP AHEAD

• Expanded line-up
• Driving impressions
• Interior, equipment and comfort
• Verdict
• Specs

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Expanded line-up

For Mazda, the 2.2 engine will be offered in four of the 18 variants in the BT-50 line-up, starting with the single-cab XT and double-cab XS 4×2 models, and extending to the 4×4 double-cab XS with a choice of cab-chassis or ute tub configurations.

The remaining variants in the range are still powered by the legendary 4J 3.0-litre Isuzu engine, which now adds a stop/start idle feature to its repertoire.

The new 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces 120kW at 3600rpm and 400Nm from 1600-2600rpm, with fuel use as low as 6.3L/100km. That improved efficiency is aided by the fitment of a new eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the six-speed still shackled to the 3.0-litre engine.

BT-50 4×4 models powered by the 2.2 engine offer the same 3500kg towing capacity and 1000kg-plus payload as their 3.0-litre stablemates, so there’s no compromise there.

The old 1.9 engine could only muster 110kW and 350Nm, and our only experience with it was in a loaded vehicle where it really struggled with the weight on hills – making the 2.2 a worthwhile step up. Mazda also used this model update to drop the manual gearbox from the BT-50 range altogether.

The addition of idle stop/start on the 3.0-litre BT-50 is said to help cut fuel consumption from 7.7-8.0L/100km (depending on model grade) to 7.1-8.0L/100km for the same vehicles. The 3.0-litre/six-speed auto BT-50 combination continues to produce 140kW and 450Nm.

Driving impressions

Whether you’re on a budget or chasing better fuel efficiency, the 2.2-litre-powered Mazdas aren’t a bad option.

The eight-speed auto makes the driveline feel much more refined and smoother, although the upshift calibration can still be a little aggressive at times – something that’s even more noticeable in the older 3.0-litre/six-speed ’box.

As a driver, you’ll find yourself planting your right boot harder on the go pedal than you ever recall doing in the 3.0, but doing so gets the BT along well enough. It’s no rocket ship – not that this is what this ute is about.

The 2.2 is a vocal engine when pushed hard, and the diesel clatter is quite noticeable in the cabin. However, it quietens down once you ease off and settle into a steady highway cruise. Our BT-50 was relatively unladen aside from a few factory accessories, but we reckon you’d hear a lot more of the engine with a heavy load on board. By contrast, the 3.0-litre engine seems to grunt along with the same level of noise no matter how much you load it up.

The eight-speed transmission helps the smaller-capacity engine stay within its optimal power band, depending on load and throttle input, and this goes some way toward making up for the reduced grunt.

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The 400Nm output is a little underwhelming for a new diesel engine when you consider the figures from sub-2.5-litre units from Ford, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Kia – even if some of those mills benefit from multiple turbochargers. Still, Isuzu has always taken a conservative approach to engine tuning, favouring reliability over outright performance – and that philosophy is exactly what’s given its 3.0-litre diesel such legendary status.

We didn’t get any off-road driving in with the 2.2, but like the 3.0 BT it features part-time 4×4 with high and low range, a rear differential lock, and a rough-terrain mode that’s needed to make the traction control effective.

Interior, equipment and comfort

The 2.2 BT-50 retains all the interior and safety features found elsewhere in the range, bearing in mind that this is a lower-grade model – so expect cloth seats and single-zone climate control.

The XS double-cab pick-up we drove on the day came equipped with 17-inch alloys, LED lighting, a soft-touch tailgate, single-zone air-conditioning with rear vents, vinyl floor covering, and an eight-inch multimedia screen with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

The full suite of ADAS systems carries over from the higher grades. The cabin and tub are both spacious, and we particularly like the storage space under the rear seat in the double-cab. While it misses out on the leather trim and the comfort and convenience features of the higher grades in the BT-50 range, the XS isn’t missing any essentials.

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Verdict

The BT-50 isn’t at or near the top of the midsize 4×4 ute pack, but it’s far from the bottom – sitting instead among the crowded middle ranks.

Having a choice of drivelines gives it a small point of difference, but it’s still essentially the same as the D-MAX, and the Ford Ranger also offers multiple powerplant options. As always when it comes to this segment, buyers are spoiled for choice.

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Specs