Mazda BT-50 gets big tech upgrade, but it's not cheap

Mazda Australia has announced a new infotainment system and speaker package for its popular BT-50 ute, adding high-quality Alpine gear to its interior – provided buyers are willing to fork out the extra cash.

Available on certain, current-generation Mazda BT-50 grades – such as the XTR, XTR LE (now discontinued), GT, SP and Thunder – the new Premium Infotainment Upgrade replaces the standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with an 11.0-inch Alpine display.

This new head unit not only adds wireless Android Auto (on top of the wired connection plus wireless and wired Apple CarPlay available in standard form) but also Tidal’s music streaming service, and dual USB-C, HDMI and auxiliary inputs.

Mazda claims the head unit’s inbuilt Class D audio amplifier and crossover unit have been specifically tuned for the BT-50’s cabin.

The Alpine head unit is also capable of receiving and displaying HEMA’s detailed off-road navigation maps, designed for those who like to take their utes on the trails.

The Premium Infotainment Upgrade package additionally aims to improve the BT-50’s interior sound quality, replacing the front door speakers with 300-watt 6×9-inch drivers, as well as two tweeters (located in the lower A-pillars).

The package is available as a Mazda Genuine Accessory on all 2020 and later BT-50s – covering examples twinned with the Isuzu D-Max – however it doesn’t come cheap, priced from $4948 including fitment.

Below is a list of the 2024 BT-50s the packages can be ordered on.

A five-year warranty is applied to all Mazda Genuine Accessories when fitted as part of the new vehicle purchase. It’s not clear if this warranty coverage extends to previous year BT-50s eligible for the upgrades.

2024 Mazda BT-50s available to order with the Premium Infotainment Upgrade

• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×2 XTR dual-cab pickup 3.0 auto: $51,540
• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×4 XTR dual-cab pickup 3.0 manual: $56,780
• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×4 XTR dual-cab chassis 3.0 auto: $57,880
• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×4 XTR dual-cab pickup 3.0 auto: $59,280
• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×4 GT dual-cab chassis 3.0 auto: $61,260
• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×4 GT dual-cab pickup 3.0 auto: $62,660
• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×4 SP dual-cab pickup 3.0 auto: $68,690
• 2024 Mazda BT-50 4×4 Thunder dual-cab pickup 3.0 auto: $74,095

Prices exclude on-road costs and the price of the package.

MORE: 2024 Mazda BT-50 gets more off-road gear, wider range MORE: 2024 Mazda BT-50 price and specs