Mazda BT-50 vs Toyota Fortuner
Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 is the harder-working, better-equipped choice here: RM148,418 buys a 3.0-litre diesel with 188 hp and 450 Nm, plus blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and a 9-inch screen. The Toyota Fortuner asks RM195,880, but its case is different rather than faster: seven seats, an SUV body, 80-litre tank and unlimited-mileage five-year warranty. If you need family seating, the Fortuner has the layout. If you want diesel shove and kit for less money, the BT-50 is well ahead.
Pick the Mazda BT-50 if you want the stronger diesel, more driver assistance kit and a much lower price, and five seats are enough.
Pick the Toyota Fortuner if you need seven seats, an SUV cabin and the reassurance of a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda BT-50 RM148,418; Toyota Fortuner RM195,880
- Engine output: Mazda BT-50 188 hp and 450 Nm; Toyota Fortuner 148 hp and 400 Nm
- Seats: Mazda BT-50 5; Toyota Fortuner 7
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda BT-50 5,280 mm and 3,125 mm; Toyota Fortuner 4,795 mm and 2,745 mm
- Fuel tank and road tax: Mazda BT-50 76 litres and RM1,638/year; Toyota Fortuner 80 litres and RM754/year
- Rear suspension and brakes: Mazda BT-50 leaf springs and drum brakes; Toyota Fortuner multi-link and solid discs
BT-50
- Stronger 3.0-litre diesel with 188 hp and 450 Nm
- Adds blind-spot monitoring, Smart City Brake Support, collision warning and adaptive cruise control
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 speakers
- Only five seats versus the Toyota's seven
- Higher annual road tax at RM1,638 versus RM754
- Warranty is capped at 100,000 km; the Toyota's is unlimited mileage
Fortuner
- Seven-seat SUV layout with split-folding middle and last rows
- Lower road tax at RM754 per year
- Five-year warranty has unlimited mileage
- Less power and torque: 148 hp and 400 Nm versus 188 hp and 450 Nm
- No listed autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane warning or adaptive cruise control
- Basic cabin tech beside the Mazda: radio CD/MP3 player and 6 speakers versus a 9-inch connected touchscreen and 8 speakers
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 148,418✓ | RM 195,880 |
| Body type | Pickup | SUV |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC with Common-rail Direct Injection, Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,999 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp✓ | 148 hp |
| Torque | 450 Nm✓ | 400 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 95.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.3 | 15.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6AT | 6-speed Automatic with Sequential Shifter |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Toyota |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,280 mm | 4,795 mm |
| Width | 1,870 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,810 mm | 1,835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | 2,015 kg | 2,090 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 80 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | — | 200 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/60R18 | 265/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/60R18 | 265/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size Alloy | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop AT25 Grandtrek | Bridgestone Dueler A/T |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Ladder Frame | Ladder-frame |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum Brakes | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 4 stars — With 3 airbags and no stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer Middle Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Folding Bench with Tip-up Under-seat Storage | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row with one-touch tumble, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row with one-touch space up |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents with Blower control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Middle Row, 1 Boot, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 4 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 8 Speakers | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Premium Solar and Security Tint, Front Digital Video Recorder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 1,638 | RM 754✓ |
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.
BT-50 vs Fortuner FAQ
Is the Mazda BT-50 or Toyota Fortuner better?
The Mazda BT-50 is better for power, equipment and price. The Toyota Fortuner is better if seven seats and an SUV body matter more than performance and driver assistance kit.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Fortuner costs RM47,462 more than the Mazda BT-50, at RM195,880 versus RM148,418.
Which one has more power?
The Mazda BT-50 has more power, with 188 hp and 450 Nm from its 2,999 cc diesel. The Toyota Fortuner makes 148 hp and 400 Nm from its 2,393 cc diesel.