The only upgrade for Mazda's B-Series pickup trucks for 1996 was the addition of a passenger-side airbag, which could be deactivated should it be considered dangerous for small children or undersized individuals riding in the passenger seat. Other than that, the B-Series trucks were essentially the same as the previous year's models.

Twelve different versions of the B-Series were available for 1996, including standard cabs with short beds, standard cabs with long beds, and extended cabs with short beds. In addition, models were available with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive, and with a choice of three engines -- a 112-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a 147-horsepower 3.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 160-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6.

A five-speed manual transmission was standard on all B-Series trucks, while a four-speed automatic was optional on some models.

Standard features for the B-Series included power brakes, vinyl seats, intermittent windshield wipers, and anti-lock brakes for the rear wheels. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes were standard on models with the 4.0-liter engine. In addition, a cassette player was standard on some models. Air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks were among the options.

While drivers had had complaints about the power and performance of B-Series trucks in previous years, drivers seemed to have no such complaints about the '96 models, noting that even when towing a load, the B-Series performed well. The trucks' handling and styling were also noted as positive points, while one of the few complaints about the trucks concerned their gas mileage, which could have been better, drivers felt.