Mazda BT-50 Thunder to strike again at the top of the ute range
02/12/2025 04:00 PM
The lack of an updated flagship Mazda BT-50 Thunder is only temporary, according to the company’s managing director.
A curious omission from the new 2025 Mazda BT-50 line-up was the flagship Thunder trim level, but Mazda has affirmed the range-topping dual-cab variant will be seen again.
The new, facelifted Mazda BT-50 features fewer variants and higher prices than before, and one of the variants that was shelved was the most hardcore BT-50 Thunder.
But while absent from the line-up at the updated model's launch, Mazda managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the plan is to reintroduce the Thunder model grade with the facelifted BT-50.
"That’s my plan," Mr Bhindi told Drive.
MORE: 2025 Mazda BT-50 price and specs – Manual variants discontinued in big ute update
"But, we won’t do a third-party association because… we can do it with our own accessories."
The Thunder was an in-house special that was kitted with off-road goodies and features to compete against the likes of Nissan Navara Warrior and Isuzu D-Max Blade.
However, unlike those two range-toppers that were finished with unique suspension, off-road protection, and equipment supplied by second-stage manufacturers, the Mazda BT-50 was completed in-house by Mazda dealerships.
MORE: 2025 Mazda BT-50 revealed, due in Australia next year – Facelift is biggest overhaul in four years
"We feel our scenario is a much better option for the customer because they can pick and choose depending on the need, rather than [being] forced into one particular grade and 'here’s a list of five options you must take,'" said Bhindi.
So all of those items that we offered in Thunder, SP Pro, Thunder Pro packs, they’re available."
More than 100 genuine accessories are on offer to BT-50 buyers as part of the facelifted BT-50 line-up, including new kit designed specifically for this 2025 BT-50 update.
That said, the overarching plan is to reintroduce the simplicity of the Thunder specification in the future.
Meantime, the next-best Mazda BT-50 specification is the SP (pictured above), which kicks off with pricing from $67,990 drive-away nationwide.
The 2025 Mazda BT-50 range is in Australian showrooms now.
The post Mazda BT-50 Thunder to strike again at the top of the ute range appeared first on Drive.
