Back in October, Mazda revealed the refreshed BT-50 pickup truck. Sharing its bits with the current-generation Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50 was given a proper makeover both inside and out.

The refreshed BT-50 is now sporting a revised front end following the Kodo – Soul of Motion design, a special exterior color called “Red Earth Metallic”, a new touchscreen infotainment system for the interior, and added driver aids to make the truck safer on the road.

As it turns out, however, the new BT-50 would apparently also get a new turbo-diesel under the hood. During the 2024 Thailand International Motor Expo, Mazda launched the refreshed BT-50 which is now powered by the 2.2-liter MaxForce DDi engine shared with the D-Max and mu-X.

The 2.2-liter RZ4F-TC MaxForce DDi replaced the 1.9-liter RZ4E, putting out 163 PS at 4000 rpm, and 400 Nm of torque from 1600 to 2400 rpm. Likewise, the BT-50 gets the new 8-speed Rev Tronic automatic gearbox for good measure.

In the Philippines, the BT-50 is solely available with the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel in both the 4x2 and 4x4 variants. But with the new 2.2-liter option becoming available in other markets along with the new look, that gives us plenty to look forward to when Mazda Philippines decides to bring the updated BT-50 to the market.