Isuzu vs. Mazda: Who Offers the Better Ute Deal in 2025?

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Isuzu Ute Australia has recently adjusted the national drive-away prices for several models in its popular D-Max range, including the high-end X-Terrain, the X-Rider, and the Blade. This price increase comes as its close mechanical sibling, the Mazda BT-50 SP, now undercuts the Isuzu in terms of national drive-away pricing. Specifically, the 2025 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain has seen its drive-away cost rise by $1000, now retailing at $68,990 across Australia. Despite the price hike, this still represents a saving of between $6500 and $9000 when compared to its unchanged recommended retail price (RRP) of $70,500, inclusive of estimated on-road costs.

Mazda

Interestingly, the 2025 Mazda BT-50 SP – essentially a twin of the D-Max X-Terrain – remains available at a national drive-away price of $67,990. This means that although its official RRP sits higher at $71,500 (a full $1000 more than the D-Max’s RRP), the Mazda currently offers better value under the national drive-away schemes. Mazda has maintained these offers since the launch of the updated BT-50 in February 2025, covering models such as the XT, XTR, and GT four-wheel-drive dual-cab pick-ups. For example, the entry-level BT-50 XT is now available for $54,990 drive-away, below its usual $56,220 RRP. The BT-50 XTR, usually priced at $62,750 before on-road costs, is now on offer for $62,490, while the GT version is offered at $65,990 compared to its $66,170 RRP. However, these special prices do not extend to two-wheel drive, extra-cab, or cab-chassis configurations.

As for the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider, it is currently available at a national drive-away price of $57,990, which is $1000 more than its previous offer, though still lower than its $59,500 RRP. Entry-level models such as the D-Max SX and BT-50 XS single-cabs are also seeing promotional pricing, with offers dipping below the $40,000 drive-away mark. The top-tier D-Max Blade, which is custom-modified by Walkinshaw Automotive in Melbourne, has also experienced a $1000 increase, bringing its drive-away price to $77,990.

Isuzu

Though the BT-50 SP and D-Max X-Terrain share the same core mechanical features and equipment, they diverge in several key areas. For instance, the Isuzu version includes more cabin cupholders and comes with a longer six-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, compared to Mazda’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre offering. Isuzu also includes 13 months of roadside assistance, which can be extended up to seven years with regular dealer servicing, whereas Mazda’s roadside assistance coverage is limited to five years. Interior finishes differ as well: the BT-50 SP features a mix of synthetic Alcantara and leather with orange accents, while the D-Max opts for black leather with red stitching. Despite these cosmetic differences, both vehicles come standard with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless smartphone connectivity, a semi-digital instrument panel, and advanced safety technologies including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

In terms of performance data, VFACTS new-car sales reports indicate that Isuzu sold 6196 units of the D-Max in Australia during the first quarter of 2025, making it the country’s sixth best-selling vehicle. In comparison, Mazda delivered 3868 units of the BT-50 over the same period.

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