Third-Gen Mazda BT-50 Pickup Now Has Good Looks on New Isuzu Platform

However, we shouldn’t only focus on the luxe looks of the new BT-50, as the greatest change comes in the form of its underpinnings. Mazda has abandoned its aging Ford-based componentry for the new Isuzu D-Max platform. The BT-50 is also bringing a new powertrain and will come with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four motor, producing 188 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, as the only option.  But the customers get to choose between two- and four-wheel-drive, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. According to Mazda, the BT-50 will handle a towing capacity of 7716 pounds and max payload of 2348 pounds. These figures are slightly better than those of the mid-size pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma that are competing in the same market.