It seems Mazda distributor Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc. (BAPI) is looking to greet 2025 with a refreshed model. After making its debut last year, we have good reason that the automaker may already be preparing to launch the facelifted BT-50 pickup truck here in the country.

Based on a regulatory approval the automaker recently received, Mazda Philippines got the go-ahead to bring a light-duty vehicle that gets a diesel-powered 2999cc engine. After cross-checking the engine displacement and what Mazda is already selling in other markets, it looks like we may soon witness the official reveal of the updated BT-50 pickup truck this year.

What can we expect once the 2025 BT-50 makes its official debut? For starters, it now gets a CX-5-inspired makeover thanks to the sleeker LED headlights and restyled LED lighting signatures. The pickup also sports a new grille, an air curtain to make it more aerodynamic, refreshed LED taillights, stylish blacked-out alloy wheels on high-grade models, and a new hero color called “Red Earth Metallic”.

Inside, Mazda swapped the old 4.2 digital instrument cluster for a bigger 7-inch display. There’s also a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB-C data/charging ports, new black leather trim accents, and additional driver aids like Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) that work in tandem with adaptive cruise control that allows the pickup to slow down, come to a stop, and accelerate all on its own.

Under the hood, the 3.0L turbo-diesel engine derived from the Isuzu D-Max has been carried over and continues to make 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and is available in either 4x2 or 4x4 guises. There’s also the new 2.2L RZ4F-TC MaxForce DDi turbo-diesel engine although there’s no official word yet if it will be offered outside of Thailand.

With Mazda Philippines already receiving approval for a new light-duty vehicle with a 2999cc engine, it might not be long before we get to say hello to the updated BT-50.