The 2023 Mazda BT-50 could be the truck of the year. A lot of things are going on and the Japanese company might expand the business really quickly. Mazda is no longer in the partnership with Ford. That opens the door for many markets where the Ranger was protected from the competition of the BT-50 pickup. Plus, the Japanese carmaker is very close to adding a six-cylinder engine to the lineup. A four-pot SkyActiv drivetrain is economical and reliable. But, for better chances in the US market, Mazda definitely needs a larger unit.
Besides changes under the bonnet, the truck will also be revisited. The current model is not too old. The latest BT-50 model debuted in 2020. So, it is a good time for the first facelift or a mid-cycle refresh. For now, test mules are not on the streets yet. But, have in mind that BT-50 was available in a very limited area. The expansion should make the truck heading to the US.
Powertrains, Specs, Towing Capacity
One of the biggest downsides for the 2023 Mazda BT-50 is the unibody architecture. Most US trucks are built on the ladder frame. Unibody models are safer, fuel-friendlier, and easier to drive. But, what the truck really needs is durability and towing capacity. We don’t know if the upcoming model is about to change the structure. Anyway, the BT-50 needs new sources of power for sure.
The vehicle is using a 3.0 and 1.9 liter diesel drivetrains. Those are not the plants that can power the US version of the pickup. A 2.5-liter four-banger is the most common engine in Mazda vehicles. But, the upcoming truck is going to introduce the 3.0-liter mill with 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, according to Motor1. There are other options as well, such as the 2023 Mazda BT-50 hybrid with the PHEV system.
2023 Mazda BT-50 Diesel Hybrid
Mazda is well-known for its SkyActiv technology. It makes diesel engines work cleaner, and petrol plants be more efficient. For the new season, a hybrid configuration based on an oil burner is capable of delivering 250 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. With those numbers, the BT-50 is ready to make an immediate impact in the US market. The bad thing is that diesel engines don’t have a bright future in the US, even as hybrids. So, the new 3.3-liter SkyActiv-D is not an option for this market. Anyway, fans of the truck around the world will like the upgrade from the current 3.0 engine. The new diesel model will be capable of producing 230 hp and 370 lb-ft, and the towing capacity is also getting a boost.
When Will the 2023 Mazda BT-50 be Available in the US?
Without limits set by a partnership with Ford, one of the first moves could be bringing the 2023 Mazda BT-50 to the United States. Still, this is not a simple move and it requires further planning. Anyway, this is the ultimate goal for the Japanese company. Changes under the hood are already announced, so fans in current markets, such as Malaysia or the Philippines, will welcome the pickup by the end of this year.