Nissan Navara 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan Navara starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda BT-50 opens at $36,400. That makes the Nissan Navara the more affordable entry point by $9,910.
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 $29,139 and $40,040 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $4,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan Navara and Mazda BT-50 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 Nissan Navara.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan Navara and 6 in the Mazda BT-50.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda BT-50 counters with Apple CarPlay that the Nissan Navara does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Navara lines up producing 122kW and 238Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (7-speed automatic optional) to a RWD 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 Nissan Navara has the clear power advantage at 122kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Navara measures 5,255mm long on a 3,150mm wheelbase, 65mm shorter than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,320mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Navara generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda BT-50 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,588kg. That 1,912kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.5m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m 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 $2,822/year for the Nissan Navara and $1,967/year for the Mazda BT-50. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Nissan Navara) vs $1,967 (Mazda BT-50). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $855 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan Navara) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50). The Mazda BT-50 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Navara if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. The Mazda BT-50 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan Navara and Mazda BT-50?
The Nissan Navara is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda BT-50 by $9,910.
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 — Nissan Navara 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 Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda BT-50 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Navara makes the most power at 122kW.
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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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