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Roadtest: Toyota Hilux and Mazda BT-50
Motoring A RUGGED DUO
ROADTEST: TOYOTA HILUX & MAZDA BT-50
BY TOBY HAGON
If you’re looking to head off-road or tackle some of Papua New Guinea’s tougher roads and tracks, it pays to get a vehicle designed for the task. For many, that ends up being a pick-up truck, allowing both the loading flexibility expected in a vehicle with a large tray out the back and seating for up to five people.
Two of the best on the market are the Toyota Hilux and Mazda BT-50.
The Hilux is popular with good reason, updated late in 2020 with some minor design tweaks and a power boost to the 2.8-litre, four-cylinder engine.
The Mazda, on the other hand, has youth on its side. The current BT-50 is fresher than the Hilux, having only gone on sale in 2021.
For Mazda, the latest BT-50 is a change of direction, at least in how it was created. Previously the model was built by Ford, sharing the mechanical components of the Ranger. The latest comes out of an Isuzu factory, sharing its trucking expertise with the D-Max light duty pick-up. INSIDE There’s a familiarity to the Hilux that goes with its tough-as-nails nature. What it lacks in pampering TOYOTA HILUX 4X4 DUAL CAB
Engine: 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel Power/torque: 150kW/500Nm Transmission: 6-speed auto, part-time 4WD
luxury it makes up for with a rugged demeanour that gives the impression it will fend off dust and muck for years to come. The most recent update saw some tweaks, including the addition of a dial to adjust the volume on the touchscreen, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Mazda matches that connectivity, although there’s a wireless functionality to the CarPlay that means there’s no need to plug your Apple phone in. More space, too. The BT-50 is a wider vehicle that provides more elbow room and rear legroom, both handy if you’re travelling with a full house.
Pick-up trucks are designed to carry big loads and both the Mazda and Toyota can carry about one tonne (inclusive of any people you add to the car). Each can also tow up to 3.5 tonnes.
UNDER THE BONNET It’s a battle of the four-cylinder turbo diesels.
Under the bonnet of the BT-50 is a tough 3.0-litre engine making 140kW and 450Nm, and it’s that torque that defines how it drives. While there’s a gruffness to its sound and its character, it’s backed up by good pulling power that makes light work of hills and heavy loads.
In the Hilux, the engine is smaller, at 2.8 litres in capacity. But since an update in 2021 it’s a vastly more enthusiastic engine. There’s a full 150kW and 500Nm, something that ensures thoroughly respectable performance. The extra grunt also means it works better with the optional auto transmission, holding gears when it makes sense to utilise the plentiful torque. ON (AND OFF) THE ROAD Utes are designed to do work – and that continues well beyond the bitumen.
The Hilux has long had a reputation for being among the toughest vehicles on the road and it’s no different with this latest iteration. Firm suspension means the ride can feel taut over bumps, although it doesn’t take much weight on board to settle that and ensure more compliance. The steering is light and faithful, although there’s some additional weight to MAZDA BT-50 4X4 DUAL CAB
Engine: 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel Power/torque: 140kW/450Nm Transmission: 6-speed auto, part-time 4WD
its motion at parking speeds.
It’s off-road where the Hilux really proves its mettle. Proven 4x4 hardware ensures loads of ground clearance and underbody protection, but there’s also some electronic smarts that work beautifully in rugged or slippery terrain. The traction control does a great job of ensuring the Hilux muscles its way up craggy rocks or squelching through mud.
The BT-50 is similarly capable although you’re more likely to occasionally need to engage the rear differential lock in genuinely challenging conditions. Still, there’s ample clearance and a solidity that suggests it will cope with plenty of punishment.
The BT-50 is also more relaxed on the road and has a slightly quieter cabin when you’re driving at speed. Its steering requires a little more of a twirl to get the desired result, but the responses are faithful and predictable. DIFFERENT TASTES The Mazda BT-50 and Toyota Hilux are among the best pick-up trucks on the market, each highly capable of dealing with challenging gravel roads or more technical off-road obstacles.
The Hilux’s well-earned reputation for reliability and its suitability to rough conditions make it a logical choice for those looking to get dirty.
The BT-50 fights back with more space and comfort and a few more tech trinkets.
Whichever way you jump you’ll be buying a highly capable truck that should have years of punishment ahead.
