AU towing capacity / Ute

Mazda BT-50 Towing Capacity (Australia)

Recent BT-50 configurations are rated up to 3,500 kg braked. The table below breaks down towing capacity, GVM, GCM and ball limit by year and variant, because in Australia the headline number is only one of four limits that must all hold.

Mazda BT-50 tow ratings by year (kg)

YearsVariantBrakedUnbrakedGVMGCMBall max
2020-2026 TF (D-MAX twin): 3.0 diesel (4x4 & 4x2) 3,500 750 3,100 6,000 350
2022-2026 TF: 1.9 diesel XS 3,000 750 n/a 5,500 300
2015-2020 UR (facelift): 3.2 diesel (all) & 2.2 Hi-Rider auto 3,500 750 n/a 6,000 350
2011-2015 UP: 3.2 diesel 3,350 750 n/a n/a n/a

Notes by range

2020-2026: All capacities are conditional on the Mazda Genuine Towing Kit. GCM was 5,950 for 2020-2022 builds and moved to 6,000 with MY2023, mirroring the D-MAX. 4x2: GVM 3,000 / GCM 5,850.

2022-2026: Ball limit mirrors the mechanically identical D-MAX 1.9 automatic.

2015-2020: The base 2.2 low-ride manual stayed at 2,500 kg.

2011-2015: Entry 2.2 4x2 low-ride manual: 2,500 kg. Like the sister Ranger PX, late builds moved to 3,500 kg.

The GCM catch on the current model

At the full 3,500 kg tow, the GCM of 6,000 kg allows the loaded vehicle (including ball weight) to weigh at most 2,500 kg. That is 600 kg below its GVM: weight you must leave out of the vehicle to stay legal while towing the maximum.

Ratings vary by engine, transmission, body and build date, and some require genuine tow kits or a brake controller. Treat these as accurate ranges and confirm your exact vehicle's plate, owner's manual or VIN-specific documentation before towing. Check your combination in the caravan towing calculator.

How to read Australian tow ratings

Four numbers govern every legal combination: the braked rating caps the trailer's ATM, the ball limit caps static download on the tow ball, the GVM caps the loaded vehicle (ball weight included), and the GCM caps vehicle and trailer together. Manufacturers advertise the first number; roadworthiness, insurance and the weighbridge care about all four.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mazda BT-50 tows the most?

Any TF-generation 3.0 (2020 on) tows 3,500 kg braked with the genuine towing kit fitted. MY2023 onward carries the higher 6,000 kg GCM.

Can a Mazda BT-50 legally tow a 3,500 kg caravan?

Recent configurations are rated to 3,500 kg braked, so yes on paper. In practice the caravan's ATM, the 350 kg ball limit and the 6,000 kg GCM all have to check out at once. Run your exact numbers through our caravan towing calculator before committing.

Is the braked rating the same as what I can actually hook up?

Not quite. The trailer's ATM (its maximum loaded mass) must stay under the braked rating, the ball weight must stay under the ball limit, and the loaded vehicle plus loaded trailer must stay under GCM. Any one of the three can be the binding constraint.

Compare with

Ford Ranger

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Toyota HiLux

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Toyota LandCruiser 300 (& 200)

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Caravan towing calculator

Check your car + caravan combination against all four legal limits.