Ford Ranger vs Mazda BT-50
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes 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.
Data checked: specs 25 Oct 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$37,130RRP
- cannot be matched: Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, LED Headlights and 4 more not offered
$38,400RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Ford Ranger & Mazda BT-50
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Ranger starts from $37,130 before on-road costs, while the Mazda BT-50 opens at $38,400. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $1,270.
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 $40,843 and $42,240 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Ford Ranger and 86% for the Mazda BT-50.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda BT-50, against 5 on the Ford Ranger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Ford Ranger and 6 in the Mazda BT-50.
Recalls on our record
Ford Ranger
- REC-006705 · published 18 Aug 2026Ranger dual-cab: side curtain airbag may not deploy as intended down the B-pillarYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006683 · published 28 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-006659 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- 23 more on the model page.
Mazda BT-50
- REC-006284 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the left leaf spring bracket may have been insufficiently welded and could crack resulting in a loss of vehicle control.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005070 · published 10 Mar 2022Due to a manufacturing issue, the transfer case blanking plug may not have been installed correctly during production.Year range on the notice: 2021
- REC-000899 · published 20 Jan 2021The rear seat belt pretensioner connector lock, may not have been installed correctly during vehicle assembly and will not tension properly.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
- 11 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Ranger features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mazda BT-50 gets a 7-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Ranger stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda BT-50. The Mazda BT-50 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Ranger uses a Diesel Turbo producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Mazda BT-50 responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Ford Ranger has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Ranger measures 5,225mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 95mm shorter than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,320mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Ranger generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda BT-50 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.9m
Based on 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger and $1,967/year for the Mazda BT-50.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda BT-50: Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 68, but the Ford Ranger is $1,270 cheaper
The Mazda BT-50 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 68), taking 0 of 2 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Mazda BT-50 ahead by 30), reliability (Mazda BT-50 ahead by 6), safety (Mazda BT-50 ahead by 5). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda BT-50 by $1,270.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Ranger has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Ranger makes the most power at 125kW.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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