Ford F-150 vs Mazda BT-50
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Ford F-150 starts from $124,216 before on-road costs, while the Mazda BT-50 opens at $36,400. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $87,816.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $136,638 and $40,040 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $9,120 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford F-150 features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mazda BT-50 gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Ford F-150 uses a Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost) producing 298kW and 678Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a 4x4 layout.
The Mazda BT-50 responds with a Diesel making 110kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Ford F-150 has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford F-150 measures 5,908mm long on a 3,697mm wheelbase, 628mm longer than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,280mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford F-150 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford F-150 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m diameter
Large
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,819/year for the Ford F-150 and $1,995/year for the Mazda BT-50. That is a $1,824 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $3,819 (Ford F-150) vs $1,995 (Mazda BT-50). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $1,824 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Ford F-150) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford F-150 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford F-150 and Mazda BT-50 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $1,824 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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