Mazda BT-50 vs Volkswagen Passat
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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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 Mazda BT-50 and Volkswagen Passat hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda BT-50 packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Volkswagen Passat.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda BT-50 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Volkswagen Passat. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Volkswagen Passat lines up making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Passat has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Passat is 3.0s 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, 545mm longer than the Volkswagen Passat at 4,775mm (2,791mm 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 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m 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 $1,824/year for the Volkswagen Passat. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Passat.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Mazda BT-50) vs $1,824 (Volkswagen Passat). The Volkswagen Passat saves you roughly $143 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 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Passat). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Passat if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Passat takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Volkswagen Passat will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. 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 Volkswagen Passat?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Passat uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda BT-50 and Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat makes the most power at 140kW. The Volkswagen Passat is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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