Mazda may be known more for its SkyActiv-powered crossovers, sedans, and hatchbacks, as well as the MX-5. But the Japanese automaker also has a pickup truck in the form of the BT-50. While the first and second generations were the result of a Ford partnership, Mazda switched over to Isuzu in developing the latest third-generation model.

While the third-generation BT-50 has already received a facelift for the 2025 model year in the Philippines, a Mazda executive has confirmed that the automaker will make a new-generation model.

According to a report by Australian publication CarsGuide, Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi shared that there will indeed be an all-new model coming soon. When asked if it would arrive sometime in 2028, Bhindi replied that it may hit the road around that time.

The publication was also able to speak with the chief designer of the Changan-developed CX-6e EV, Eiji Kimoto, who also happened to design the current BT-50. When asked if the all-new BT-50 would get a significant makeover, Kimoto was not able to share much about its design, but said that people can look forward to it.

“I am not allowed to speak much about the future product, but I can tell you, please look forward to it,” shared Kimoto.

But with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and range-extended EV (REEV pickup trucks now growing in popularity, like the BYD Shark 6, Chery Stockman, Nissan Navara Pro, and the Changan Nevo Hunter K50, could the next-generation BT-50 become available with an electrified powertrain?

For now, Mazda has yet to reveal any development plans regarding the next-generation BT-50. But with the price of diesel at an all-time high in key markets across the world due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the fact that electrified pickup trucks continue to grow in popularity, Mazda might have a conundrum on their hands.

For now, there are two possible choices for Mazda. First is to continue the partnership with Isuzu for the next-generation BT-50 based on the D-Max and continue to use the 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX turbo-diesel and possibly build an EV version based on the D-Max EV. The second option is to further leverage the Changan partnership and use the K50 Hunter’s REEV platform and powertrain architecture to build an electrified pickup.

The pickup truck segment continues to evolve and adapt to current market trends, and Mazda may need to decide if they will stick to turbo-diesel tradition, or switch over to electrified powertrains as PHEVs and REEVs continue to become more popular.