JAC Hunter PHEV 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.
JAC Hunter PHEV
Price TBC
Ute
Plug-in Hybrid
2.0TGDI Turbo Petrol Direct Injection
360kW
1.6 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Mazda BT-50
From $36,400
Ute
Diesel
Diesel
120kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
JAC Hunter PHEV: we're still completing price, torque, 0-100km/h, turning circle and energy consumption.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the JAC Hunter PHEV and Mazda BT-50 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the JAC Hunter PHEV and 86% for the Mazda BT-50.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The JAC Hunter PHEV packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Mazda BT-50.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control. The JAC Hunter PHEV adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda BT-50 misses.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
31.2kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The JAC Hunter PHEV features a 10.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 JAC Hunter PHEV stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting 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.
Interior trim differs: the JAC Hunter PHEV gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda BT-50 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The JAC Hunter PHEV uses a 2.0TGDI Turbo Petrol Direct Injection producing 360kW, sent through a 4dht to a 4WD layout.
The Mazda BT-50 responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The JAC Hunter PHEV has the clear power advantage at 360kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The JAC Hunter PHEV measures 5,330mm long on a 3,110mm wheelbase, 10mm longer than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,320mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda BT-50 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 diameter
Large
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.9 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $77/year for the JAC Hunter PHEV and $1,967/year for the Mazda BT-50. That is a $1,890 annual difference in favour of the JAC Hunter PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $77 (JAC Hunter PHEV) vs $1,967 (Mazda BT-50). The JAC Hunter PHEV saves you roughly $1,890 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (JAC Hunter PHEV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50). The JAC Hunter PHEV has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 7yr (JAC Hunter PHEV)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the JAC Hunter PHEV if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer JAC'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
The JAC Hunter PHEV takes 3 of 3 key spec categories. The JAC Hunter PHEV will save you roughly $1,890 a year in fuel. The JAC Hunter PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, JAC Hunter PHEV and Mazda BT-50?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The JAC Hunter PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — JAC Hunter PHEV 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 JAC Hunter PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The JAC Hunter PHEV has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The JAC Hunter PHEV makes the most power at 360kW.
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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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