Ford Ranger vs Mazda BT-50

The Ford Ranger starts from $37,130 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 $730.

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 $40,040 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

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. The Ford Ranger packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mazda BT-50.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Ford Ranger and 6 in the Mazda BT-50.

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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Ford Ranger stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda BT-50. The Mazda BT-50 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 110kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.

The Ford Ranger has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Ford Ranger is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Ford Ranger measures 5,225mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 55mm shorter than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,280mm (3,100mm 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.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger and $1,995/year for the Mazda BT-50. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Ford Ranger) vs $1,995 (Mazda BT-50). The Ford Ranger saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50). Both match on warranty length.