Ford Ranger vs Mazda BT-50
Verdict
The Ford Ranger is the cheaper, bigger-feeling truck here at RM115,888 versus RM148,418 for the Mazda BT-50, and its 3,270 mm wheelbase and 80-litre tank suit long-distance work. The BT-50 asks for RM32,530 more but brings a larger 2,999 cc diesel, 188 hp, 450 Nm, an automatic gearbox, seven airbags and AEB. The Ranger is not underpowered on paper at 168 hp and 405 Nm, but this match-up is really manual value versus automatic punch and safety kit.
Pick the Ford Ranger if you want the lower price, bigger dimensions, manual control and far cheaper yearly road tax.
Pick the Mazda BT-50 if you want more power, an automatic gearbox, AEB and seven airbags.
Key differences
- Engine: Ford Ranger 1,996 cc; Mazda BT-50 2,999 cc
- Output: Ford Ranger 168 hp and 405 Nm; Mazda BT-50 188 hp and 450 Nm
- Transmission: Ford Ranger manual; Mazda BT-50 conventional automatic
- Size: Ford Ranger 5,370 mm long and 1,918 mm wide; Mazda BT-50 5,280 mm long and 1,870 mm wide
- Wheelbase and tank: Ford Ranger 3,270 mm and 80 L; Mazda BT-50 3,125 mm and 76 L
- Safety: Ford Ranger 6 airbags and no AEB listed; Mazda BT-50 7 airbags and AEB
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 115,888✓ | RM 148,418 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine | 1,996 cc | 2,999 cc |
| Power | 168 hp | 188 hp✓ |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 450 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,370 mm | 5,280 mm |
| Width | 1,918 mm | 1,870 mm |
| Height | 1,884 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,270 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Fuel tank | 80 L | 76 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 438✓ | RM 1,638 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Ranger
- Lower buy-in
- Longer, wider and taller body
- RM438 yearly road tax
- Less power and torque
- Manual gearbox only
- No AEB listed
BT-50
- 188 hp and 450 Nm
- Conventional automatic gearbox
- Seven airbags with AEB
- Costs RM32,530 more
- RM1,638 yearly road tax
- Shorter wheelbase and smaller fuel tank
Ranger vs BT-50 FAQ
Is the Ford Ranger or Mazda BT-50 better?
The Mazda BT-50 is better equipped on paper, with more power, an automatic gearbox, seven airbags and AEB. The Ford Ranger is the value pick if you want a larger truck body, manual gearbox and much lower road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda BT-50 costs RM32,530 more than the Ford Ranger.
Which truck has the stronger engine?
The Mazda BT-50 has the stronger engine on paper: 2,999 cc, 188 hp and 450 Nm, against the Ford Ranger’s 1,996 cc, 168 hp and 405 Nm.