Toyota has launched a sporty new derivative of its highly-popular Hilux bakkie, bearing the automaker’s Gazoo Racing (GR) credentials.
Dubbed “the GR-Sport,” the new 4×4 is available in one specification with a starting price of R865,400, placing it below the top-of-the-line Legend RS models.
For a similar price, local motorists also have the option of buying the Ford Ranger Stormtrak 4×4 – an exclusive model based on the popular Wildtrak, but which still places below the range-topping Raptor in terms of cost.
Off-road performance
Unlike the other models which have received the GR-Sport treatment, such as the Land Cruiser 300 and Corolla Cross, the new Hilux was given a power boost of 15kW and 50Nm.
This brings the bakkie’s output up to a total of 165kW and 550Nm, courtesy of a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
For the gearbox, Toyota has gone with a six-speed automatic with a limited-slip differential, which connects to a part-time four-wheel-drive system.
Altogether, the Hilux will do 175km/h when pushed to the max, and acceleration from 0-100km/h is handled 0.65 seconds faster than the Legend, though Toyota has not revealed the exact figure for either vehicle.
Fuel consumption, meanwhile, is listed at 8.0l/100km on a combined cycle.
Looking to the Stormtrak, the bakkie runs on a 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged diesel powertrain generating 157kW and 500Nm, while a 10-speed automatic sends power to the shift-on-the-fly 4×4 underpinnings.
Ford has not provided the official performance figures for the Stormtrak, either, luckily CAR Magazine had its 0-100km/h acceleration time clocked at 10.1 seconds and its top speed at 180km/h in its November 2021 issue.
The bakkie will also consume 8.1l/100km on an average fuel cycle, ever-so-slightly more than the Hilux despite having less power and a smaller engine.
Both vehicles are capable of towing 3,500kg, though, while the Ford supports up to 860kg in the load box as opposed to the Toyota’s 790kg.
The Ranger also has a higher water wading depth of 800mm versus the Hilux’s 700mm, despite the latter boasting a more substantial ground clearance at 286mm compared to 237mm.
In terms of size, the Stormtrak is slightly bigger than the GR-Sport, too, measuring 29mm longer, 5mm wider, and 36mm lower.
Exclusive features
The sporty makeover has given the new Hilux a large black grille with a GR-branded crossbar, a black roll bar, LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels with taller profile tyres, and new black mirror caps, door handles, and side steps.
Customers can also opt for one of four GR-specific paint jobs including Arizona Red, Attitude Black, Glacier White, and Graphite Grey.
Continuing inside, a new instrument cluster has been added with metallic bezels and red needles and the driver can take advantage of a model-specific leather steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters.
The dashboard now sports a carbon fibre finish with red accents, the seats are a mix of suede, cloth, and leather, and the push-start button is emblazoned with the GR logo.
Regarding equipment, the GR-Sport comes with an 8-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, hill assist, traction control, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, and six speakers.
In Ford’s corner, the Stormtrak gets black inserts on the grille and bumpers, 18-inch black alloys, and model-specific decals on the bonnet and doors.
An exclusive Lucid red colour scheme is reserved for this model, too, and additional visual highlights comprise Stormtrak logos in various places both inside and outside, LED lights and daytime running lights, a rear sports bar, black roof rails, and a rear roller shutter.
As for features, the Stormtrak ships with black leather seats seeing red contrast stitching, automatic headlight operation, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, pre-collision assist, keyless start and entry, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system, an 8-inch media screen with Ford Sync and smartphone pairing, heated front seats, front and rear park sensors, and a rearview camera.
Pricing
The new Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 GR-Sport has a South African starting price of R865,400.
It is sold with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 9-service/90,000km service plan.
The Ford Ranger 2.0Bi-Turbo double cab 4×4 Stormtrak has a South African starting price of R874,100.
Each purchase comes with a 4-year/120,000km warranty with optional service plans on offer.
Toyota Hilux GR-Sport
Ford Ranger Stormtrak
Keyword: New Toyota Hilux GR-Sport vs Ford Ranger Stormtrak – Off-road opposition