The GVM of the current Mazda BT-50 4x4, sold from 2020, is 3100kg, while 4x2 models are rated at 3000kg. Kerb weights range from about 1620kg to 2213kg, so payload varies widely by model. Certified GVM upgrades lift the current BT-50 to 3600kg or 3700kg, and the 2011 to 2020 BT-50 to 3500kg.

Mazda BT-50 GVM is easy to get wrong, because there are really two different utes wearing the badge. The 2011 to 2020 BT-50 shares its underpinnings with the Ford Ranger, while the BT-50 sold from mid 2020 is built alongside the Isuzu D-Max. Each has its own GVM, its own GVM upgrade options and its own quirks. Here’s what you need to know about BT50 GVM for each, and where our certified Mazda BT-50 GVM upgrades fit in. 

Current Mazda BT-50 GVM 

Mazda Australia lists two GVM ratings for the current BT-50 range:

Current BT-50 

GVM 

Example payload 

4x4 models 

3100kg 

 Thunder dual cab automatic, up to 887kg 

4x2 models 

3000kg 

XS single cab chassis automatic, up to 1236kg 

 

The spread in payload comes down to kerb weight, which Mazda quotes from 1620kg to 2213kg across the range. A bare 4x2 cab chassis is light, while a fully equipped 4x4 dual cab like the Thunder, with its sports bar and extra equipment, uses a big share of the 3100kg before you load anything. 

The MY25 facelifted BT-50 keeps the 3100kg 4x4 GVM. CarsGuide’s test of a 2025 XTR cab chassis recorded a 1910kg kerb weight and a 3100kg GVM, for a 1190kg payload rating before the tray was added. 

Previous Mazda BT-50 GVM (2011 to 2020)

The UP and UR BT-50 shares its chassis and running gear with the PX Ford Ranger. Its GVM varies with cab style and drivetrain, so check the compliance plate on your vehicle rather than relying on a general figure. 

What matters most for owners of this generation is that the upgrade path is different. Kits for the current BT-50 won’t fit, and the GVM upgrade we supply for this model is shared with the Ranger PX and PX2 platform.

3500kg Lovells GVM Upgrade Kit to suit Ford Ranger PXI, PXII 2011-2018 & Mazda BT50 2011-2020

Mazda BT-50 GVM Upgrade Options

BT-50 

Kit 

Upgraded GVM 

Notes 

TF 2022 onwards 

Formula 4x4 GVM Upgrade Kit 

3700kg 

Front axle to 1650kg, rear to 2050kg 

TF 2022 onwards 

Formula 4x4 F4R adjustable kit 

3700kg 

Adjustable remote reservoir damping 

TF 2022 onwards 

Bilstein GVM Upgrade Kit 

3700kg 

Bilstein shock package 

TF from 2020 as listed 

Lovells GVM Upgrade Kit with 6200kg GCM 

3600kg 

GCM increase in NSW and VIC 

TF from 2020 as listed 

Lovells GVM Upgrade Kit with radiator upgrade 

3600kg 

Includes heavy duty radiator 

UP and UR 2011 to 2020 

Lovells GVM Upgrade Kit 

3500kg 

Also available with radiator and intercooler upgrade 

 

On a current BT-50 4x4, the 3700kg kits add 600kg of legal GVM and raise the factory axle ratings of 1450kg front and 1910kg rear. Browse every option in our Mazda BT-50 GVM upgrades range. 

How to Check Your BT-50 GVM Before You Load Up

Mazda’s own advice is simple: find your figures in the owner’s manual or Mazda’s online payload calculator, then weigh the vehicle. We’d add one step, which is weighing each axle separately, because a BT-50 with a heavy canopy and towball load can pass on total weight and still be over the rear axle limit. 

Our $90 GVM & Towing Assessment includes a 4 point weight check, a GVM and GCM assessment and a 100+ point inspection, so you’ll know exactly where your BT-50 sits before deciding on an upgrade.

Why BT-50 Owners Run Out of GVM

The BT-50 is a popular touring and family ute, and its higher grades come well equipped from the factory. Add a bull bar, canopy, drawers, roof rack and towbar, and the gap between kerb weight and GVM shrinks fast. Once passengers, water and gear go in, many touring BT-50s are at or over 3100kg. 

Being over GVM affects braking, steering and vehicle sway, and it risks fines, defect notices and insurance problems. A certified upgrade puts you back inside a legal rating with suspension that’s built to carry the load. For a breakdown of what each kit costs, see our guide to BT-50 GVM upgrade cost. 

To work out how much of that 3100kg is left for your gear, use our Mazda BT-50 payload guide. If you tow, our guide to the BT-50 GCM shows how a trailer changes the numbers. 

Mazda BT-50 GVM FAQs

Looking for more information about the Mazda BT-50 GVM? Below we answer the most commonly asked questions

What is the GVM of a Mazda BT-50?

The current Mazda BT-50 4x4, sold from 2020, has a GVM of 3100kg, while the 4x2 range is rated at 3000kg.

Does the GVM Mazda BT50 rating include the tray?

It does, because GVM is the maximum loaded weight of the whole vehicle, so a tray, canopy and anything else fitted to the BT-50 counts towards it.

Did the 2025 BT-50 facelift change the GVM?

The MY25 facelifted BT-50 4x4 keeps the 3100kg GVM. Payload still varies by model, body style and fitted equipment.

What is the payload of a BT-50 Thunder?

Mazda quotes up to 887kg of payload for the BT-50 Thunder 4x4 dual cab automatic, from a 3100kg GVM.

Is the BT-50 GVM the same as the D-Max?

The current BT-50 and D-Max share a platform and both carry a 3100kg 4x4 GVM, and the Formula 4x4 3700kg upgrade is engineered for each.

Can I upgrade the GVM on an older BT-50?

Yes, the 2011 to 2020 BT-50 can be upgraded to 3500kg with a Lovells kit shared with the Ford Ranger PX and PX2.

Where do I find my BT-50 GVM?

Check the compliance information on the vehicle, the owner’s manual or Mazda’s online payload calculator. An upgraded BT-50 will also carry a modification or revised compliance plate.

Find the right rating in our certified Mazda BT-50 GVM upgrades range, fitted by 16 Fulcrum Service Centres and 200+ authorised workshops.