Mazda Australia continues to spruik payload and towing capacity as key selling points of its BT-50, while claiming that cheaper, less capable utes are inherently compromised vehicles.
“One of the more important things for ute buyers is payload and towing. We are offering that to the marketplace, which remains an opportunity for us,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told CarExpert.
“The newer trucks coming don’t have that, so their value proposition is different,” he added, without naming any rivals in particular.
“From our point of view, if you don’t have towing and payload capacity then it’s a compromised proposition on offer.”
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Mazda BT-50 XTR -
BYD Shark 6
Aside from the base model XS, all models in the refreshed 2025 BT-50 range offer 3500kg braked towing capacity – the gold standard for modern utes. Maximum payload varies from 924kg to 1379kg depending on variant.
By contrast, the JAC T9 and LDV T60 are only capable of towing 3000kg, and neither tops 1100kg of payload.
BYD made a splash by launching its powerful, plush plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Shark 6 ute late last year with an ultra-competitive price tag of $57,900 before on-road costs, but its braked towing capacity and payload also fall short of the Mazda.
It can tow only 2500kg and has a 790kg payload figure, down on the Mazda as well as members of the popular Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger lineups.
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Mazda BT-50 -
BYD Shark 6 -
LDV T60 -
JAC T9
The refreshed 2025 Mazda BT-50 is arriving in showrooms from mid-February, with prices up across the board.
Dual-cab variants of the new BT-50 start at $46,610 before on-road costs, with the SP flagship asking $71,500 plus on-roads.
Meanwhile, the JAC T9 maxes out at $45,630 before on-road costs, and the top-of-the-line LDV T60 costs a similar $52,095 drive-away.
The ute segment is set to become even more competitive over the coming months, with an influx of new nameplates arriving Down Under. Fresh models from Foton, LDV and Kia are all set to launch this year, all with 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
MORE: Everything Mazda BT-50
