Mazda BT-50 vs Nissan Navara
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 7 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda BT-50 starts from $38,400 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Navara opens at $53,348. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $14,948.
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 $42,240 and $58,683 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Mazda BT-50 and 86% for the Nissan Navara.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan Navara, against 4 on the Mazda BT-50.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 8 in the Nissan Navara.
Recalls on our record
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.
Nissan Navara
- REC-001598 · published 7 May 2021The child restraint system (CRS) top tethers may not be strong enough to keep a child seat securely fastened and may break during an accident.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- REC-001113 · published 25 Oct 2018An internal ignition switch spring may have been manufactured with a surface defect.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2017
- REC-001101 · published 8 Aug 2016In the rear oxygen sensor electrical short-to-ground or short-to-battery, the sensor fails, but a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Engine Light warning does not illuminate.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2016
- 3 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 Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Navara gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda BT-50 gets cloth upholstery while the Nissan Navara offers fabric.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Nissan Navara responds with a Diesel making 150kW and 470Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels.
The Nissan Navara has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 120kW. 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, matching the Nissan Navara at 5,320mm (3,130mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Navara generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Nissan Navara 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 12.7m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m 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 Mazda BT-50 and $2,195/year for the Nissan Navara. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 5 years (Nissan Navara). Both match on warranty length.
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 Nissan Navara if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Nissan Navara: Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 63, but the Mazda BT-50 is $14,948 cheaper
The Nissan Navara comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 63), taking 1 of 3 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Nissan Navara ahead by 32), safety (Nissan Navara ahead by 23), fuel economy (Mazda BT-50 ahead by 8). The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $38,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Navara by $14,948.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara 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 is the most powerful?
The Nissan Navara makes the most power at 150kW.
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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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