Review: 2024 Mazda BT-50 SP Pro

Modern day pickups are all a bit macho and “look at me”. The 2024 Mazda BT-50 SP Pro manages to get away from that, and stand out from its rivals. With an almost SUV style front end, we’re not afraid to say, it’s the pretty boy of the dual-cab world.

To add some extra flair, the SP Pro enhancement pack bolts on some bonus goodies, albeit at a price. The massive and rather bold nose features a dominating black grille, combined with LED headlights, and halogen fog lights.

Lower grey trim and black gloss detailing come together to create a very “un-ute” like look. 18-inch black alloy wheels and SP Pro decals come courtesy of that pack we mentioned, while actual enhancements include a 2.0-inch lift and Nitrocharger suspension, adding more capable springs and twin tube shocks.

Peeking out from behind the grille is a Lightforce LED light bar but you will need to spend an additional $7,668. While it’s a burden to your pocket, the modifications are backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Existing customers can even fit the same SP Pro pack retrospectively, but only score a 2-year warranty. If you throw in the cost of the BT-50 SP itself (which is $67,990 drive away), you wind at somewhere around $76,000 to hit the road in one. Big coin by any measure.

The interior is rather splendid at first glance, thanks to a two-tone colour scheme applied to the dash and leather areas; a combination Mazda calls Black and Driftwood. Wafer-thin soft padding adorns the top of the dash, but it’s still a cabin filled with hard plastics.

There’s an overdose of piano black plastics around the doors and centre console, but if you’re familiar with Mazda, you’ll be right at home. Likewise, you’ll already know the well-presented multifunction steering wheel and the ability to find the perfect driving position.

Only the driver scores an electrically adjusted seat, which seems like theft at these prices, and there’s a distinct lack of charging ports too, with just one 12V and a USB-A outlet up front. Be prepared for open warfare if you have kids in tow on long trips.

What would also be handy is any semblance of decent infotainment software; yes there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto but the 9.0-inch display inherited from the donor Isuzu D-Max is harder to conquer than a Rubik’s Cube.

It seems designed to send you completely cuckoo, with counterintuitive menus and a layout that is a far cry from the system Mazda normally offers. Out of place too is the weirdly square cup holder up front. If you drink the odd carton of Oak perhaps this will tickle your fancy, but that isn’t us.

Thankfully, there’s a standard circular one too. In some nice touches, the double glovebox is neat, as are the silver tabs to control the dual-zone air-conditioning and other functions. The rear is rather spacious for a dual-cab, with no complaints about room on a trip to the NSW Hunter Valley wine region.

There’s a fold down centre armrest with cupholders back there, plus air-vents and the obligatory ISOFIX anchor points. The rear tub is secured by a manual and lockable (with a key) tonneau cover and is pretty well protected by a durable tub-liner.

Just don’t expect a power outlet or multiple tie-down points, with only two on offer. The BT-50 is good to tow 3,500kg braked, and irrespective of the SP Pro enhancement pack, is powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder diesel that lives under the hood of the D-MAX.

That means 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. That’s delivered via a 6-speed automatic transmission, paired with a part time 4WD setup. Power is sent to the rear wheels on sealed surfaces. Via a dial, 4H can be engaged on the fly, while 4L, a lockable rear diff and hill descent control are also equipped.

Despite the raised ride height, the BT-50 SP Pro handles day-to-day driving comfortably, with direct and predictable steering. There’s no real sense of body roll and if anything, the suspension upgrade cancels out the jittery ride many unladen utes typically display.

Sure, if you suddenly think you’re in a Mazda2, the wheels will screech on roundabouts, but overall, it’s a confident driving experience. Power delivery feels robust and adequate, although it won’t burst out of the gates like say a Ford Ranger.

Fuel economy is a claimed 8.0-litres/100km, and we managed 8.8-litres across 420km of driving. That did include clambering up the Great North Road into the Wollombi region, west of the NSW Central Coast, with plenty of steep gradients covered.

Mazda has loaded driver assist tech including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and a reversing camera, albeit lacking a 360-degree view, into the BT-50. There’s also adaptive cruise control.

The problem with many of these is the fact they generate more beeps than a pedestrian crossing button, with the lane keep assist frustratingly vague, disengaging at the hint of a curve, even on freeways. The bells, whistles and red lights continue at the mere suspicion you’re approaching a rear-ender situation.

Traffic sign recognition is often very confused too, and at one point, it said we should be doing 100km/h, despite the presence of pretty clear 60km/h zone signs. These systems are great when well calibrated but counterproductive when the outcome is a distracted driver.

That aside, the 2024 Mazda BT-50 SP Pro offers a nice degree of style both inside and out. The various upgrades offer moderate value but don’t really elevate it to true flagship status, and that makes this ute hard to justify.

If it’s the only thing you test drive, you’ll love it, but jump in a Ranger or Triton and you might find yourself scratching your head. To find out more about the BT-50 SP Pro, talk to your local dealership.

Our test vehicle was provided by Mazda Australia for independent review purposes, and this content was first published on Exhaust Notes Australia.

For a great deal on financing your new purchase, contact Australia's best reviewed finance broker on 1300 Credit (1300 273 348) today or visit CreditOne.com.au