Toyota reveals HiLux GR Sport

Toyota has unveiled their new halo model in the HiLux range – the GR Sport – that combines off-road focussed upgrades with more power and torque, a wider stance, retuned suspension and a host of Gazoo Racing styling touches.

Officially unveiled on 6 January, the HiLux GR Sport will replace the MY22 HiLux Rugged X and is aimed at rivalling Nissan’s Navara Pro-4X Warrior and the Ford Ranger Raptor locally.

While the HiLux has been released with GR Sport badging previously, they’ve been overseas market models. The version for Australia benefits from “instrumental” input by engineers from Toyota Australia, supported by teams in Japan, Thailand and Latin America.

"Thanks to the extensive involvement of our local designers and engineers, HiLux GR Sport is a fun-to-drive vehicle that will bring new capabilities and excitement to the adventure lifestyles of Australian customers,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley.

"It has been designed to turn heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that's reinforced by a healthy performance boost, enhanced high-speed handling and even better grip on dirt roads."

More Power, More Torque

While the engine in the HiLux GR Sport is the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder offered in other variants, it’s been tuned in this application to deliver 165kW at 3000rpm and 550Nm at 2800rpm, which is 15kW and 50Nm more than current maximum outputs, making the GR Sport the most powerful diesel HiLux ever offered here. The increases come via revisions to the engine’s turbo-supercharging and fuel injection.

To suit the boosted engine performance, the six-speed automatic transmission has been adjusted, with paddle-shifters as standard and the gearbox’s lock-up area expanded, allowing for what Toyota says is additional confidence when accelerating and overtaking, regardless of conditions.

Wider Stance, Tuned Suspension

The GR Sport’s more aggressive look compared to the standard HiLux is due in part to the wider stance. Front track is increased by the same 140mm as the HiLux Rogue, but the rear track is even wider, by 155mm, for new maximums of 1675mm and 1705mm.

In harmony with this, wishbones have been reinforced and the rear axle re-designed to handle demanding driving conditions off-road.

The GR Sport gets its own suspension tune, with the shocks offering greater damping force and improved heat-dissipation, while the coil springs are stiffer. Front-rear suspension balance has been optimised, too, delivering what's claimed to be outstanding handling and increased stability thanks to reduced roll angles and more precise steering response.

While the GR Sport stands taller than the Rogue, it’s unclear if there’s been a ride height increase, but Toyota does say the suspension upgrades do not negatively impact ride and comfort in everyday applications.

Wheels are 17-inch, fitted with all-terrain tyres as standard, while braking consists of ‘bigger’ ventilated discs front and rear, with four-piston calipers up front and single-piston calipers on the rear.

Gazoo Style

The design of the HiLux GR Sport is said to be Dakar-inspired, with the wider stance accented by bold wheelarch flares that blend into the front bumper and a GR-specific grille that maximises engine cooling.

Exterior body panels are said to have been wind-tunnel tested for aerodynamic efficiency, with other GR-specific external parts including a front skid plate, rock rails and rear recovery points.

Like past premium HiLux variants, the GR Sport is only available as a dual cab ute.

Inside, the Gazoo Racing influence can be seen in the sports-style pedals and red seat belts that stand out against the black trim used everywhere else.

Outside, Gazoo Racing’s ‘GR’ logo can be found on the grille, brake calipers and both the outside and inside of the tailgate. In the cabin, the front seat headrests and steering wheel carry GR identification, with the wheel also featuring a 12 o’clock marker

Second-half Arrival

Toyota Australia advises that the HiLux GR Sport will arrive in the second half of this year, but at time of writing, had not revealed the new model variant's pricing.

Given the previous range-topper, the discontinued Rugged X, listed for $70,750 (+ ORCs) when new, the GR Sport is likely to start in the mid $70K range.

Pricing and more details on the HiLux GR Sport will be revealed closer to local release.