Mazda BT-50 vs LDV T60 MAX
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the LDV T60 MAX opens at $36,990. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $590.
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 $40,040 and $40,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $1,425 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 Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the LDV T60 MAX gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The LDV T60 MAX responds with a Diesel Turbo making 160kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The LDV T60 MAX has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda BT-50 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda BT-50 measures 5,320mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 45mm shorter than the LDV T60 MAX at 5,365mm (3,155mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the LDV T60 MAX generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the LDV T60 MAX 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 12.6m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m 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 $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $2,309/year for the LDV T60 MAX. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Mazda BT-50) vs $2,309 (LDV T60 MAX). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 7 years / 200,000km (LDV T60 MAX). The LDV T60 MAX has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the LDV T60 MAX if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer LDV's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The LDV T60 MAX 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, Mazda BT-50 and LDV T60 MAX?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the LDV T60 MAX by $590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The LDV T60 MAX has the longest warranty at 7 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The LDV T60 MAX makes the most power at 160kW. The Mazda BT-50 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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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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