There are about 1,974,760 technicians and trades workers in Australia. The tradie industry contributes to a $568 billion construction sector, which employs around 1.3 million people.
As of November 2025, there are approximately 1,974,761 technicians and trades workers in Australia. This figure reflects an increase from the previous number reported in August 2025. The tradie industry is significant, contributing to a $568 billion construction sector, which employs around 1.3 million people.
Australian tradies remain among the nation’s highest earners. The average full-time tradie takes home $89,300, up 4.8% year-on-year.
Self-employed tradies earn significantly more, with a $142,000 turnover before expenses.
But the successful tradie is a wise investor so performance and price must match, especially when choosing a new truck or ute from a growing pool of high performers such as Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton. But wait. High-Ho Silver… here comes Mazda’s BT-50 2.2 Dual Cab Chassis XS 4×4.
Add to that the comfort of a dual-cab and modern tech features, and it’s clear why utes continue to outsell vans or light trucks in many trades.
Top utes selected gy tradies now include the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and the Mitsubishi Triton. But wait. High-Ho Silver…here comes Mazda’s BT-50 2.2 Dual Cab Chassis XS 4×4.
Mazda has rolled out an engine upgrade for the BT-50 ute, aimed at fleet sales. The updates to the entry-level turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine range, which range from 1.9-litres to 2.2-litres, follow the Isuzu D-Max, which made the same change only late last year. So the BT-50 is a D-Max clone with a different exterior. They are fundamentally identical in their technical specifications and are built on the same Isuzu assembly line in Thailand. This is the second update for the BT-50, following February last year, when the focus was on cosmetics, safety, and accessories.
There are four XS models in the Mazda BT-50 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel line-up, and the test vehicle comes in at $53,120 (plus on-roads) for the dual-cab chassis 4×4. It’s forecast to be the most popular of them all, now selling around 100 a month.
The other three models are the single-cab chassis 4×2 ($37,900), the dual-cab pick-up 4×2 ($46,710), and the 4×4 pick-up 4×4 ($54,720).The expansion of the 2.2 lineup reflects Mazda’s increased push into the fleet market.
The BT-50 XS trim is restricted to the 2.2 diesel. If you want the larger 3-litre four-cylinder engine, you’ll need to choose the XT, XTR, GT, or SP trims.
Among its many rivals, our test vehicle lined up most closely against its non-identical twin the 2.2-litre Isuzu D-Max SX ($50,700), the 2.0-litre Ford Ranger XL ($49,230), the 3-litre Isuzu D-Max SX ($53,200), 2.2-litre Kia Tasman S ($48,240), 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ ($52,490) and 2.8-litre Toyota HiLux SR auto ($50,695).
An eight-speed Aisin automatic also replaces the old six-speed and with the help of idle-stop (also added to the otherwise unchanged 3.0), the entry-level BT-50 delivers high fuel economy. There is no manual gearbox option – that was deleted earlier in 2025.
In the single cab chassis 4×2 combined economy drops from 8L/100 km to 6.9L/100 km. In the 4×4 test vehicle, the claim is 7.1L/100 km.
Standard exterior XS dual cab chassis gear includes 17-in. steel wheels, LED headlights with auto high beam and body-colour wing mirrors. Our test vehicle came with the addition of a $3030 standard alloy tray and optional $695 metallic silver paint
The tray is just a small part of an extensive accessories list for the BT-50 that includes a fleet pack with such features as a handbrake alarm and reversing buzzer.
Inside, standard XS dual cab chassis equipment includes black cloth seat trim, manual air-conditioning, power windows, vinyl floor covering, analogue instrumentation and an 8-in. touchscreen with wireless and cabled Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are USB-A and USB-C charging points, AM/FM and digital radio bands and six-speaker audio.
Given its focus on fleet, it’s no surprise the XS does well in safety equipment. A suite of driver assist systems are led by autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. So the
The Mazda BT-50 dual-cab pickup is a robust, reliable workhorse, offering a balance of performance and practicality. Here’s a summary of features and performance:
• The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine provides a balance of power and efficiency, making it a strong contender in its class
• Transmission: The vehicle is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enhances the driving experience by providing smooth gear changes.
• The interior is well-equipped with features such as an 8-in. touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ radio, and a range of safety features.
• The BT-50 is designed for off-road adventures, with features like a ladder rack, rubber mats, and a black nudge bar for enhanced durability and functionality.
• Starting price for the BT-50 XS model is $53,120, making it a competitive option in the dual-cab pickup market.
Overall, the Mazda BT-50 H 6A 2.2L dual-cab pickup is a solid choice for those seeking a dependable and capable work vehicle. Its combination of performance, practicality and value makes it a standout in the dual-cab pick-up arena.
