Drive
Hilux vs BT-50: Refreshed for the modern era, but can they keep up?
It’s clear there’s been a big push to sharpen up the appeal of old favourites, but is that enough?
by Alex Forrest
Published
4 min read
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Drive
4 min readDrive
It’s clear there’s been a big push to sharpen up the appeal of old favourites, but is that enough?
by Alex Forrest
Published
4 min read
Text size
by Alex Forrest
Published
Text size
Plenty of new dual cab utes have come into the Australian market over the past two years, but where does that leave the long-standing, established players? Are they worried, or are those new utes pinching sales from elsewhere in the market, like 4x4 wagons?
None of them will admit they’re fretting about frittering away sales to brands that have been around for five minutes. But it’s clear there’s been a big push to sharpen up the appeal of favourites like the Toyota Hilux and Mazda BT-50.
With electrified, tech-laden and seemingly strong value utes arriving from China, it’s no wonder they have many ute buyers looking sideways, sizing them up and often laying down their hard-earned cash.
Now incentivised to lift their game, just how do the established brands with refreshed models like the Toyota Hilux and the Mazda BT-50 compare against each other, and are they still good value?
Let’s saddle up and find out.
Watch Alex review the 2026 Toyota Hilux SR5
The Toyota Hilux SR5 starts at $71,460 drive away, while the Mazda BT-50 XTR asks $66,990 drive away. With that roughly $4500 price difference, the more affordable BT-50 may initially be highlighted by many as the better value ute of these two.
However, the new Hilux gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen (9-inch in the BT-50) that is now standard across the range, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric power steering and rear disc brakes on the SR5 and above.
The redesign of the Hilux SR’s flatscreen gauge cluster, including transmission gear-style graphics for the main dials, is a pleasing touch given its capabilities.
Servicing the Hilux is a bit pricier than most rivals, with Toyota requiring six-monthly servicing at around $400 a time.
The Mazda has a bigger engine with more torque, and it has more payload capacity, while its fuel consumption remains the same as the Hilux’s at 7.1L/100km in the mandated combined cycle test.
The Mazda is also based on the platform and running gear of the Isuzu D-Max, which has a largely good reputation for durability and a healthy appetite for hard work.
But with Toyota’s 2.8-litre diesel having been around since 2015, it’s also a well proven performer. The optional 48-volt electric assist system really adds some much-needed punch to the Hilux’s acceleration from low speeds.
While both handle in the top-heavy, slightly ponderous way most utes do, within that context the Hilux does steer a little more sharply than the BT-50.
Mazda launched a revised and updated BT-50 in January 2025, and its 5-star ANCAP safety rating from 2022 remains applicable to the current updated model.
Despite similarities to the pre-December 2025 Hilux, the new Hilux was re-rated by ANCAP to assess the extra added safety features, which include a centre airbag and improved automatic emergency braking (AEB) functionality.
There’s been an uptick in the Hilux’s practicality across several areas, such as five USB-C charging ports on SR grades up, a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a newly added step in the rear corner of the tray.
Pleasingly, the new BT-50 has brought with it a return to physical dials for the volume and other controls.
The Mazda BT-50 is an excellent alternative to the Isuzu D-Max, which its mechanicals are based on. Especially given a BT-50 may be more readily available from dealers than its Isuzu equivalent, and Mazda’s customer support for owners is good. And the BT-50’s 3.0-litre diesel is renowned for its reliability. Both are excellent choices in the ute market, but with the Hilux’s punchier acceleration helped by its optional 48-volt assist system, plus improved ergonomics and a later ANCAP rating, it’s the Toyota by a bullbar.
Toyota Hilux | |
|---|---|
ENGINE: | 2.8L turbo diesel |
POWER: | 150kW @ 3000-3400rpm (auto) |
TORQUE: | 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm (auto) |
CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY: | 7.2L/100km |
PRICE: | from $71,450 (SR5) |
ANCAP SAFETY RATING: | 5 Stars |
Mazda BT-50 | |
|---|---|
ENGINE: | 3L turbo diesel |
POWER: | 140kW @ 3600rpm |
TORQUE: | 450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm |
CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY: | 7.1L/100km |
PRICE: | from $61,300 (XTR pick up) |
ANCAP SAFETY RATING: | 5 Stars |
