A clear winner in the pickup truck segment. Mazda MazdaPhilippines MazdaBT50 BT50 CarGuidePH
The nameplate may not enjoy the same recall as its competitors, but the Mazda B-Series has had a very long history—one that dates back all the way to 1961. This makes its lineage one of the longest in the pickup truck segment predating the Toyota Hilux , Mitsubishi L200 , Ford Ranger , and Nissan Navara . Now, one could argue that the reason why it hasn’t been a household name is that it was made by three different companies throughout its 61-year history.
Let’s start with the most obvious thing: the styling. It has all those Mazda trademarks everyone has come to know so well from the broad grille to the squinty LED headlights. It will certainly be a subject of continuous internet debate, but subjectively, it’s far easier on the eye and more mature than the D-MAX. An added bonus is that sloping hood also visually plants the BT-50, while also improving the front visibility, especially at the corners.
The front seats are supportive, but more than that, there’s excellent amount of movement for the driver to get their preferred position. It offers six ways of electric movement plus adjustable lumbar support. The steering wheel also adjusts for rake and reach as well. Meanwhile, the rear seats are comfortable, easily fitting three six-footers abreast with adequate knee and headroom. When not carrying people, the seats flip up in a 60/40 split, or fold down in one piece for added cargo room.
Like the D-MAX, the BT-50 continues with a hydraulic power steering. It requires more effort to turn during low-speed maneuvers, but balance out well as the speeds go up. And speaking about high speeds, it feels largely composed. Unladen, the ride is firm without being fierce, and while the rear end will skip over poor surfaces, it toes the middle between ride comfort and capability.