GR-branded HiLux 4x4 ute has more off-road cred, tougher looks and most powerful diesel ever
Just one day after the HiLux was confirmed as Australia’s top-selling vehicle for the seventh year in a row, Toyota has officially revealed the powered-up new 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport for the first time globally.
Developed by Toyota Australia’s expert 4×4 engineers in co-operation with international colleagues, the new GR Sport replaces the Rugged X as the flagship in the local HiLux range.
Previous iterations of the GR Sport have been sold in other markets, but this is the first time the model will be seen here.
Expected on sale in Australia in the second half of 2023, GR Sport highlights include a retune of the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine to produce 165kW and 550Nm.
Achieved via turbocharger and fuel injection retuning, that’s up from the standard 150kW and 500Nm offered by the 2.8 and makes this the most powerful diesel HiLux ever offered in Australia.
Toyota says the standard six-speed auto has also been retuned for sportier tuning and offers an expanded lock-up area.
In a HiLux exclusive, the GR Sport will come with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
The GR Sport also picks up 140mm-wider front and 155mm-wider rear tracks at 1675mm and 1705mm respectively, retuned suspension including redesigned wishbones, a reinforced rear axle, dedicated monotube shock absorbers (mounted outboard at the rear) that Toyota says offer higher damping force and heat dissipation than standard, stiffer coil springs and bigger brakes with discs replacing drums at the rear.
Much of that is similar to the Toyota HiLux Rogue update launched late in 2022, including the wider tracks.
Key GR Sport numbers revealed by Toyota so far include a 5320mm overall length, 2020mm width, 1880mm height and 3085mm wheelbase. These numbers are all the same as the Rogue bar the latter’s 1870mm height.
Standard HiLux 4×4 dual-cabs such as the SR are up to 5330mm long, 1855mm wide and 1865mm high. The tracks measure up at 1535mm/1550mm.
The GR Sport’s approach angle is given as 30 degrees and the departure angle 26 degrees, while the Rogue has a 31-degree approach and a 23-degree departure angle. Standard 4×4 dual-cab HiLux approach and departure angles are given by Toyota as 29 degrees and up to 27 degrees.
No braked towing, payload or fuel consumption details have been released as yet for the GR Sport.
Toyota says the aim of the GR Sport chassis changes were to deliver improved front/rear balance, handling and steering response.
Off-road oriented features include 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, a skid plate, rock rails and red rear recovery points.
But the level of modification still doesn’t match up with the new Ford Ranger Raptor turbo-petrol V6, leaving the way open for Toyota’s GR (Gazoo Racing) performance division to potentially push even harder with HiLux in the future.
The package is only available as a dual-cab and is dressed in what Toyota calls a “rally-inspired” design that includes GR mesh and TOYOTA lettering in the upright grille, satin black over-fenders and GR badging and branding.
Toyota says the GR Sport’s exterior body parts have been shaped in the wind tunnel for “aerodynamic efficiency”.
Design features inside include a monochromatic black theme, bright sports pedals, red seat belts and GR branding on the steering wheel and head restraints.
The GR Sport will be built in Thailand for Australian consumption with some final cosmetic additions made in Australia by Toyota.
No pricing has been announced, but expect it to be pitched at or above the Rogue, which is currently $70,200 plus on-road costs.
“HiLux GR Sport draws on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a hard-core 4WD that will appeal to customers seeking the quintessential off-road version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle,” said Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley in a press release.
“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.
“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.”
Keyword: 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport revealed