Mazda BT-50 Thunder review 2021: Perfect for off-road driving?

[@thomasbirks]

It's a lot better to buy the low or mid spec and buy proper 4x4 accessories from brands that have been doing it for decades

[@drjphau1834]

☝️i agree save loads more money too

[@2450logan]

Agreed save more, and better quality

[@g_wizard9866]

So, After speaking to the Dealer and their supplier, they have outsourced a bulk of the accessories to said Brands, Like RedArc.

[@2450logan]

@@g_wizard9866 I can't vouch for their electrical accessories but I'm not impressed with there interior and exterior accessories..

[@g_wizard9866]

@@2450logan fair enough, I'm interested in seeing what gets delivered. I know their suspension upgrade is "Old Man Emu" - which is awesome.

[@autonewstv86]

You are slowly becoming my favorite go to reviewer. No BS straight to the point. Great job, pal. Keep them coming. 👍👍❤️❤️

[@Ditosev78]

carwow man

[@makeaustraliagreatagain4204]

Those wheel flares look like they were purchased of ebay!!

[@rotorhead5006]

... and for a completely different vehicle!!! 🤣

[@geofftuck7347]

And the bull bar isn’t wide enough to meet the flares properly either. It’s like a 4wd supercentre catalogue vomited all over it

[@makeaustraliagreatagain4204]

Reminds me of a teenager who has purchased a Chinese 4x4 kit for there car bolted it on and thinks it looks "Fully Sick" and will perform evan better on and off road !! Congrats Mazda you have turned a clean nice looking ute into a cheap looking over priced scrubs car!!

[@rwd323]

All these “special edition” Utes look cheap and nasty in my opinion

[@makeaustraliagreatagain4204]

@@rwd323 Yep couldnt agree more

[@joshobrien7708]

$69k is a joke....you could get a GT for $60k, and spend the extra $9k instead on a bulbar, suspension, spotlights, off-road tyres, bash plates and snorkel. it would be a more capable rig then that bt-50 thunder

[@ardyaprilianta9732]

I can already hear the thunder rumbling in my head when I found out the price of the thing... great job.. really live up to the name.

[@Johnny-lt5ib]

Looks like someone bolted some plastic to it one Sunday afternoon.. wasted opportunity really as the ute itself is solid. I think you would be better off buying a standard model and adding the mods yourself

[@Staff7A]

There’s no way I’m paying $3k for auto. Love my manual.

[@abshassan]

70k for a ute. Wow, prices are insane.

[@phonicfrog_]

Yep, for a Mazda too. Insane

[@fakenews3676]

It's nuts. I look in the states you can get a RAM TRX for 95k usd. At least the trx price is justified with the 702 hp hellcat engine

[@stevenjalopnik1342]

@@fakenews3676 someone doesn’t understand conversion rates. $95k usd is equal to about $125k aud. This Ute is worth the equity of roughly $50k usd

[@nurulchoudhury7721]

Hmm I'll choose the Hillux because it looks alot more tough and robust

[@Shalk7]

Great job, mate. You’ve become my favourite car reviewer. Straight to the point, and relevant information.

[@dimplesbyj]

Just ordered this car in a manual, long wait because everything is in auto for some reason. Why would you buy a Ute in an auto? Feels like you don’t have enough control

[@ben9341]

Good honest review. I prefer driving a manual and have just ordered a GT in Manual. I find it strange that dealers push the auto so heavily. Manufacturers are not getting a true reflection of demand for MT because dealers are swaying the numbers at the sales desk. When shopping for a 1st gen Navara Warrior with MT I was literally told by the dealer they were not available as a manual and that the only option was an AT. When ordering the GT I was questioned if I was really sure I wanted a MT as adaptive cruise was only available on AT. If I am happy to have a manual then I am happy to slow the vehicle myself when using cruise.

[@bunzthompson236]

Maybe the salesman gets better commission selling auto but on the other hand they probably had no Mt's and couldn't be stuffed searching for any or like in my experience the salesperson didn't know sh*t and just there to sell

[@sumatralex250]

I feel delighted to be kept posted on a theme like this. The vehicle would surely reduce my burden carrying things one after another amid ongoing uncertainty.

[@JTRulzzz]

Anyone notice it’s missing a snorkel.. hopefully it’s a work in progress. Keen for the Dmax version.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Snorkel is pointless unless you are one of the few doing deep water crossings and have sealed off everything else that would need to be sealed for that purpose.

[@arkitrouvere]

Consistently watch all your reviews. Would love if you'd include opening the engine bay and giving a brief review about it. That's what i feel missing compared to other reviewers

[@CarExpertAus]

Do you mean opening the bonnet or the engine bay itself?

[@arkitrouvere]

​@@CarExpertAus the bonnet 😁

[@HughRussell06]

@@CarExpertAus yeah, instead of talking about the engine at the beginning of the drive portion, you show the engine during the exterior walk around while having the bonnet open

[@jamielo6961]

Cheers for actually showing both what Apple Carplay and Android Auto looks like! A minor thing that always gets missed.

[@glensubtorq]

Front bar looks great...until you see the front flares look like they don't match 😬

[@jamesrobinson46]

It blows my mind that car makers continually stuff up things like cupholders. Seriously, cars have been made for over 100 years and we're STILL not at the stage where we can get a decent cupholder...

[@nathancooper1]

It’s fucking ridiculous. Agree 100%

[@djp4nfa]

In this day and age, automatics should be standard on these type of models. $3000 is just outrageous imo. Love your content mate 👍🏻

[@shamingandembrassingdriver2718]

Another lazy pathetic driver hahaha

[@JTisGOD]

IMO considering the price it should at least come with 360 cameras and agree on the extra 4wd accessories

[@ubernoob103]

Lol, Mazda AU somewhat stealing the thunder ‘nameplate’ from holden.

[@johncanalese588]

I have an Amarok with the brilliant ZF 8-speed auto. Got it for same price a manual when VW had deals on but I wanted the Auto as it 1) had more torque available from the engine tune 2) it’s a Full-time 4wd which is great for slippery boat ramps and roads, no having to worry after you get stuck! 3) can tow 300kg more weight than the manual 4) much more pleasant to drive in city traffic where, let’s face it, it spends most of its time. It goes off road no problem and never had an issue even though it doesn’t have a low range transfer case.

[@BelovedSlushie]

Can you please review the Triton - either GLS or GSR?

[@CarExpertAus]

Coming soon!

[@murrayanderson9411]

all the of-road upgrades but they put on H/T tires?

[@BhullerTV]

You can put the same mods(bull-bar,spotlights etc..) by yourself and still be cheaper

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

0:59 that red Color is to die for 😍😍😍

[@runningonfullnostanks4523]

the New Chinese GWM looks appealing, considering Bt50 prices

[@kevwells]

10k more then the X-terrain, and a half effort job (as it is ATM). X-terrain plus add a good bull bar is such a nicer package IMO.

[@bigd1990]

I llove my new xterrain. I did have the older BT50. I don’t like the BT50 style (I call it a SheMax).

[@mrnicktoyou]

I can't speak for everyone else but with a diesel manual the gearing would be short because of the narrow power band and you would be shifting all the time. Plus, I would only buy a manual in a sporty car, not in a daily driver. But I do love my manual.

[@davidrome6066]

Looks good but I do think that a suspension and tyre package would have been better, also no towbar ?? Oh as for the auto manual debate I own a current manual Astina hatch because that's my choice I'm not lazy 😜😂

[@domc9026]

Great review Paul! I noticed you didn't have a single review of mitsu's Triton, care to do next time? 😅

[@CarExpertAus]

Definitely. Coming soon! Just struggling to find one, but we’ve tracked one down for the next few weeks.

[@domc9026]

@@CarExpertAus Good to hear! We'll be waiting for that. 😉

[@andys31337]

@@CarExpertAus please show its on-road 4wd option

[@cowboyanimal_1]

As much as I love Mazda, (as I own one and so does family - ex toyota fan) I think it's a bit silly to put lights on the bullbar. The entire purpose of the bullbar is to protect the vehicle. So hitting an animal by accident or getting into a minor fender bender is going to cost the driver probably the same amount as it would have, had he not have the bar on. Unless I'm missing something.

[@williamtan7786]

Automatic gear box have a better driving experience in city when heavy traffic jam.

[@djp4nfa]

And towing

[@rideswithhoover9789]

They would want too do a better job then that for the money they’re asking , it looks cheap and nasty .

[@stellanjogu3479]

Hi Paul, still waiting for the land cruiser v8 video 😅 Great vid btw

[@tanayhulsure7074]

Just a suggestion it would be awesome if you compare the sound system in the cars or the utes !! It would be awesome to have you’re take on it. Cheer mate !

[@CampbellSimpson]

Not that I'm buying a dual cab ute, but my answer to the auto question is - my partner doesn't enjoy driving a manual, and I wanted us to both be able to drive each other's cars!

[@norbertfurlani320]

That mating between the front bar and the wheel arches are just amateur. Hopefully it's just the pre-production model.

[@SargeNurseOffRoading]

so a GT with flares, single hoop bar, sports bar, and auto cover? no suspension lift? no black out chrome? and a weird offset on wheels with flares? Could have done better here.

[@Fraaip]

It's effectively the same car as the normal BT-50 which is effectively the same care as the Isuzu D-Max... For my money, I'd get the D-Max.

[@sabareeshboinapalli3064]

I also wonder why don’t you make a manual transmission dual cab UTE reviews? I wish you make one in the future to those who love to drive stick shift UTE or Cars

[@CarExpertAus]

We unfortunately just take what we are given. Manuals are hard to come by these days.

[@elitecarguy79]

My most favourite car KZbinr. Good Jib 😀

[@chappo4845]

Who are they marketing to? A cursory look at any modified ute on the road shows a use case very different to this one.

[@g_wizard9866]

I'll start with I have ordered the Manual. The biggest appeal for Auto is the remote start, auto speed assist, and all that kinda stuff. I Personally think it needs the Lift kit, a better snorkel than the one that can be optioned, AT tyres, and an Alloy spare (been advised it is a Steel Spare). I chose the Mazda over the Isuzu because of the Accessories available. Isuzu bad bugger all in comparison.

[@samfulton9994]

Why would Mazda not upgrade the tyres and rims? Some high spec ATR tyres would be better. Still think the older model BT-50 is a better Ute with the Ford Ranger underpinnings.

[@markmcmahon1798]

By far best reviewer... will you be reviewing RAM 1500 with the 5.7 hemi petrol soon?

[@HughRussell06]

Hopefully the production version gets all terrain tyres because the tyres on this one make it look weird

[@will40294]

I go for the automatic for driving in city traffic, as well as for my partner who doesn't know how to drive manual.

[@larrynewman7245]

Bought the thunder and love driving it

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

Ordered a new Ranger Raptor. I've owned a few duel cabs (Hilux, triton, ranger) the practicality is great. But I just wanted something with better on and off road handling and comfort. And yeah they look unreal. Plus I don't need to tow 3 tonne.

[@CarExpertAus]

👏👏 love it. It’s a beast!

[@ryanmarshall7240]

For me, auto boxes have reached a point where they're almost pleasant, a far cry from the sluggish and power sapping things we had 10 or 15 years ago. Also much nicer for sitting in traffic and no worrying about a clutch wearing out and costing an arm and a leg to replace.

[@jeeves6490]

Manual boxes tend to last as long as the rest of the driveline, autos not so much. Clutch is nowhere near as expensive as repairs or replacement of an auto trans. But, I tend to keep cars for a very long time, and I agree that modern boxes are light years ahead of the old ones. Still prefer a manual though. Especially in a diesel, diesel autos are horrific to my mind.

[@justwalk-travelasmrchannel1630]

Not sure why this appeared on my suggested videos, but i was watching CAT expert videos a lot recently haha Nice review though!! ✌️✌️

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@Rawkus919]

Im surprised they havent slapped wheel spacers in to widen the track. Maybe even cheap out with spring spacers for a lift.

[@DronieUp]

They need a bit of refinement with the front end. The bull bar installation doesn’t look great. Also to have incandescent bulbs seems a bit cheap. Then the plastic steps, why not steel, which could double as a rock rail. Finally those front wheel mouldings looks horrible, it reminds me of my old Mazda Tribute! It’s a nice try (bonus marks for the aggressive rims)...

[@hekatojamirjr.9717]

Would love to see the MG pick up.

[@eternallearner8185]

Having had a good look at the basic BT50 double cab ute , which was pretty specced up as is, no way would I be paying the extra for this so called Thunder. I'd buy the basic and add any extras in a more discretional and discriminating way than the local Mazda marketing team have done and save thousands. Will likely buy the "Thunder" decal on Ebay!!

[@02werewolf]

performance enhancement such as ACDC thunder plays when u open the door

[@brysonvollenhoven2852]

Why on earth would they decrease the approach angle ? Like many people go for after market bumpers not just because it's more solid but it significantly increase the approach angle

[@1250GSX]

Exactly. Increased approach angle and bigger wheels by eliminating the front guard. This has neither.

[@sbGOM]

Bryson. I think the last thing manufacturers think of when marketing this sort of version of their vehicles is enhancing its offroad ability. The priority is simply making it look "tough".

[@Mambey]

where the bullbar ends and the flairs start look crap. They should line up. Wheel look to small. What about the suspension upgrade.

[@giggygiggy1393]

Why in gods name would they give a reviewer a car half assed put together.

[@philross1680]

Hi Paul great review on the new BT 50 Thunder . I’m considering buying the new Ranger Wildtrak X and was wondering what your thoughts were on the Ford in comparison to the Mazda. Cheers

[@CarExpertAus]

Definitely the Ford over this spec of the BT-50 😁

[@philross1680]

@@CarExpertAus thanks Paul I kind of thought so, much appreciated 😉.

[@lewisjeffreys9175]

I put a deposit on an Ranger xls with prem pack, this is nice but not for an extra 20k. I like the colours though.

[@nexusonels]

If possible I would love to see a review of the MY21 Kia Rio GT-Line. Been really enjoying your reviews so far on KZbin and think you could really help me out with a detailed review :)

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! We will try and track one down.

[@nexusonels]

@@CarExpertAus Awesome, keep up the great work.

[@christiankealey2932]

To answer the question on why people are buying automatic utes over the manual ones, I think it is because autos are easier to drive than manuals.

[@WhyWouldYouDrawThat]

There are not many reasons to buy manual apart from edge cases, or simply cost saving. E.g. for heavy duty towing where you don’t feel like upgrading the transmission cooling. Automatic is literally better in every way apart from initial cost, and maybe long term durability (assuming you use it correctly). Fuel, safety, ease of use, even off-roaring is easier. For this type of vehicle anyway, that come with a bulletproof transmission. I’m not comparing to some crappy CVT, etc.

[@sergioabdilla4577]

I think they’ve ruined a good looking truck! Those bolt on guards to front bumper fit are terrible, I hope it’s because it’s pre production! Nice interior ,I need to commend Mazda for that, I only wish they would adopt the Dmax cup holders. I personally would go the GT over the Thunder. Great review as always, your my go to reviewer, you’re very consistent .I know when I watch your reviews you have the major bases covered. Thanks Paul.

[@n.r.9468]

Wish this coming to the states

[@gerardistephens5142]

So is the interior of the Thunder the same as the GT? The only differences being the exterior accessories?

[@harrisonbristow4245]

Hi mate love the vids keep them coming.

[@Bekiri7]

Just went to my local mazda dealer and they said they arent making them anymore because of supply issues of lower models. What a waste when I can get a SP and basically put all the same attachments for 10k more when its the same version ute :/

[@purelightness4317]

How do you think it compares to otjhers on the market? whats your pick out of them all?

[@stephenroberts8820]

Manual for me, I would also put old man emu suspension and A/T tyres on it.

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks again Paul - no creek crossings? Bogans will call this model ‘Chunder’ and cafe latte hipsters will call it ‘Thunderette ‘ - I love my Hilux Auto with only ‘stop and go’ pedals and hate manuals now I’m at the other end of life - Hiluxes are notorious for braking gearboxes and clutches but the auto is brilliant and works well with the engine - quite often Landcruisers will stall on rocky inclines and lose momentum because they’re all manuals - Ford’s 10 speed auto is excessive and hunts too much - a 6-speed auto is the sweet spot for me - and yes the cup holders👍🏻 John in SA

[@CarExpertAus]

Creek crossings will make a comeback soon! Trying to find a new spot to film them.

[@johnnumbat9782]

All good Paul - more chance of finding one in VIC than here i SA - enjoy the Supra😎

[@samuelsutton8299]

I have manual and love it. But realistically I live in the absolute middle of nowhere so I only change gears every half hour or so when I go through a town and have to go 5th to 4th then back to 5th after the town

[@aerienix]

Mazda please gives us the turbo 3 and cx-30

[@TAB10688]

Is Isuzu due for an equivalent? Can you close the tonneau cover with the key or a button in the cab like the wildtrack? If not its a bit of a miss pricing it the same and 3k for auto is a bit excessive

[@Bacender]

11:56 wtf is that delay on the speedo? It’s almost 3 seconds and 45km before the digital and analog speedo responds??

[@xr6fa]

Could you do Mazda cx5 review please

[@CarExpertAus]

Coming soon!

[@xr6fa]

@@CarExpertAus Thankyou

[@Candesce]

Decreased departure angle, 18" wheels, plastic side steps? I'm not sure this is exactly what I would be hoping for from an "offroad" edition of any vehicle S: Definitely agree that it seems you'd be better off purchasing a lower spec model and buying your own mods.

[@tumunamegabe1968]

70k is over priced, I'm happy with my bt50 2016 model. The new bt50 looks like a CX-9 to me

[@marknasia5293]

The only appeal an auto has for me, is, “there have been times someone in the family needed a loaner vehicle, auto covers all the drivers” personally i prefer manual trans for longevity, but autos have come a long way depending the maker, and specific model auto trans.

[@Poundy]

More great reviews, love your work. The sports bar looks like the apprentice measured it. Waaaay too high IMHO. Otherwise, nice looking changes, slightly better pricing than say the RuggedX that it also goes against (although it's not as "complete" as the RuggedX missing the snorkel in particular, if that's the audience it's pitched at, but has the elec tonneau cover more like the Rogue, so some swings and roundabouts). Nope, not on my list, but honestly most of these higher end will appeal to a very specific niche of buyer so it's not a surprise this one doesn't tick my boxes....

[@hedydd2]

Auto for me partly makes up for the complete impossibly to change from low range to high on the move on this type of electric shift transfer box. Why? Well for pulling away when towing. The torque converter allows it to pull away in high range when towing 3 tons of more up hill. Also it partially hides the lethargy of Euro 5 and 6 engines accelerating from idle

[@andys31337]

yeah, auto is actually what you want for towing

[@hedydd2]

@@andys31337 If only Isuzu/Mazda and all the others dumped their 1960's era part time 4wd which they have further handicapped with electric range change which requires the vehicle to be at a complete stop when changing from low to high. Their 1993 Trooper/Bighorn had a tidy lever to change range and even had synchromesh on the change from low to high. It can be done even with an electrically shiftable transfer case, because the Discovery3 and Range Rover have it. You just accelerate to around 30mph in low range, whip the auto selector into neutral, flick the switch to change range and by the time you move the selector back to D the range has changed to high. The same with the Mercedes GL or GLS as its now called. These also happen to be full time 4wd and both allow an open centre diff in low range for slow speed manoeuvring of large trailers on yards without the wind up. Basically pickup trucks are still in the dark ages and persist in offering a design that should have been consigned to history in the 1990's if not earlier.

[@wingzero743]

what are the oem bull bar daytime running lights globe t ?? what? and the indicator globe t?? what? As I'm looking at a led upgrade and not wanting to undo the plates till I get the globes.

[@gregchristensen3]

how does the DPF burn cycle work? Do you have to perform an enforced drive like my Colorado?

[@terryholden929]

I've got one on loan from Essendon Mazda. My wheel arches are arnt even slapped on evenly I have 10ml rhs lip and 50 ml LHS lip. Is it preproduction ???

[@scotianbank]

In my mind, Pickup manufactures should really look at competition before releasing these "special editions"... I mean, you could get a Ranger Raptor for not much more, and that car is better in pretty much every single aspect

[@craiglitchfield791]

This might be a stupid question but how does remote start work with a manual gearbox?

[@hedydd2]

It doesn't.

[@kmuinde]

It's actually not a stupid question , I haven't seen a manual car yet with a remote start

[@lewisjeffreys9175]

No remote start on manuals.

[@CarExpertAus]

Unfortunately not!

[@93jummy]

Paul can you let us know what you think of the actual sound system sound quality of cars you test. Most a pretty disappointing

[@CarExpertAus]

Yeah I can but the problem is we need a uniform test. And then it’ll just be subjective - but would be keen to hear how everybody would like to see it tested.

[@93jummy]

All your reviews are based on your personal experience of how it feels to you. If you feel its good or pretty poor should be enough. No need to be scientific about it

[@dezdolla]

4WD 24-7 do the best 2021 ute comparison test :)

[@deanpratt4023]

Wireless phone charger is an optional extra in the Mazda BT-50

[@CarExpertAus]

Is it? Which spec.

[@politendjarakana8756]

how is the space downthere for the driver at the pedals ? is it More spacious then the Amarok overthere?

[@MetaDataAutomation]

Nice to see Mazda keep a spot for the durries 😂

[@lewisjeffreys9175]

I guess if you can afford to smoke you can afford a 70k ute!

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@nevco8774]

I wonder if changing the platform for the truck derived from Ford to Isuzu will benefit the sale improvement for Mazda?

[@CarExpertAus]

It should - they have pretty decent equipment in the mid spec.

[@dynamicd4680]

Not when it looks like this ugly duckling. What were Mazda thinking. Shocking to think people might actually buy this. This looks worse with all the crap on it then the last shape did.

[@figjamraskoli2787]

i guess at mazda they dont think tradies drink coffee with their brecky wraps, and the one thats there even looks too deep for a roady, would be nice if the flares fitted flush, looks great but the all look the same these days.

[@ktmhaka]

Quote of the day “wedge up your coffee cup with a key or durometer or something”

[@brockparcell9909]

Why did they not put on some decent A/T tyres on it aswell for that $$$.

[@Naessey]

Brilliant review as always. Like other reviewers on this channel, I don’t get why they made such a beautiful car put together so well and then with the thunder, everything seems like a tacky add on. I realise you mention this is preproduction. I really hope they clean it up and make it more in line with the car. The gaps/alignment/thrown together approach is embarrassing. Love your channel though.

[@kmuinde]

Did the parking sensors keep going off on the bull bar

[@CarExpertAus]

Nup. They’ve been integrated into the bull Bar.

[@richieduck67]

Where is the AC/DC music?

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@DLKNLI1907]

Why was there a lag on the speedo when testing 0-100?

[@CarExpertAus]

Good question! Not sure why there was lag there.