Both the Mazda B-series and the similar Ford Ranger compact pickup trucks were redesigned for 1998. Mechanically, the two were nearly identical, but they differed in styling details. Mazda offered no flare-fendered model comparable to Ford's Ranger Splash. However, Mazda's swept-back look was thought to be favored by import-brand truck buyers. Improvements included a stiffer, fully boxed frame. An independent front suspension replaced the solid axle, and rack-and-pinion steering edged aside the old recirculating-ball system. In this generation, both the B-Series and the Ranger added a 4-door extended-cab body style. That made Mazda the first import-brand pickup to offer a 4-door cab, called the Cab Plus 4. Standard cabs were 3 inches longer than before. Mazda offered 2- and 4-wheel-drive regular-cab and Cab Plus extended-cab 2-door models, in either SX or upscale SE trim. The Cab Plus 4 was an SE option. Rear doors were hinged at the back and could not be opened or closed independently of the front doors. Both the regular Cab Plus and the 4-door variant had two fold-down rear jump seats. Engines were the same as those in Ford's Ranger. The B2500 got a larger (2.5-liter) 4-cylinder engine that made 119 horsepower. A 3.0-liter V6, producing 150 horsepower, went into the B3000 series. The B4000 got a 4.0-liter V6, rated at 160 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. Automatic was optional in the SE and regular-cab SX. With the 4.0-liter V6, the optional automatic transmission was a new 5-speed unit; other engines came with an available 4-speed automatic. Four-wheel-drive models could now be shifted between 2WD and 4WD High at up to 70 mph, and changed between 4WD High and Low at up to 35 mph. Mazda's 4-wheel-drive system, like that of the Ranger, was not for use on dry pavement. "Depowered" airbags were installed, with an on-off switch on the passenger side.