Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2023

2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport gets more powerful 2.8L turbodiesel in Malaysia – 224 PS, 550 Nm; fr RM169k

In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 5 September 2023 12:14 pm / 12 comments

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has given the Toyota Hilux GR Sport more power as part of a rolling update. No change in price, as the range-topping variant continues to retail for RM169,080 on-the-road without insurance.

With the update, the Hilux GR Sport’s 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre inline-four turbodiesel engine now serves up 224 PS (221 hp) at 3,000 rpm and 550 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. Before this, the mill was shared with the Rogue and was rated at 204 PS (201 hp) at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. For the sake of comparison, the Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo offers 210 PS (207 hp) and 500 Nm.

With the uprated engine, our Hilux GR Sport now matches outputs in Australia, although it still doesn’t get the aggressive body kit offered there. The six-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel drive system, automatic limited-slip differential, rear differential lock and Active Traction Control (A-TRC) are retained.

Other variants of the Hilux see no change to their pricing and engines, but the entire line-up now comes with an RFID tag as standard equipment. Aside from the increased outputs for the Hilux GR Sport and the addition of the RFID tag, the kit list remains unchanged for the Hilux range.

2023 Toyota Hilux spec sheet (left), price list (right); click to enlarge

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport

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2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport in Malaysia – sporty pick-up truck with bodykit, monotube dampers; fr RM169k

In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 23 August 2023 12:43 pm / 5 comments

Launched back in February this year, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport sits above the existing Rogue in the local line-up. Priced at RM169,080 on-the-road without insurance, the GR Sport comes with model-specific design and mechanical features.

On the former, the range-topper is equipped with a new front grille bearing the Toyota script that is coloured matched to the body (the insert is black), as are the overfenders on the sides. Elsewhere, the fog lamp surrounds, side mirrors and rear sport bar are finished in black, while the design of the 18-inch wheels are unique to the GR Sport and wrapped with 265/60 profile Toyo Tires Open Country H/T Z tyres.

You’ll also find no shortage of ‘GR’ badging, including on the front grille, front doors, rear tailgate as well as the red-painted front brake calipers. To further drive home the sporty persona, the GR Sport also comes with decal graphics on its sides and rear. The car featured in this gallery post is finished in Super White II, which is one of three available colours, with the others being Attitude Black Mica and Crimson Spark Red Metallic.

Inside, the GR Sport comes with paddle shifters, something that none of the other Hilux variants get. The front seats are also specific to the GR Sport with a different structure and upholstered in a combination of leather and suede.

They also come with GR logos on the headrests, while other interior touches include red stitching, an Optitron meter panel with red accents and GR welcome animation, aluminium sports pedals and a GR-branded engine start button. The key fob also comes with a GR logo on it.

Mechanically, the GR Sport gets the Rogue’s 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that makes 204 PS (201 hp) at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system are also standard, complemented by an automatic limited-slip differential, a rear differential lock and Active Traction Control (A-TRC).

While the engine is a familiar one, the GR Sport does come with sports suspension featuring monotube dampers and retuned coil springs, which provide better damping force and optimal balance for improved stability and steering response.

The rest of the kit list is identical to the Rogue, as the GR Sport comes standard with automatic bi-LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, a 4.2-inch multi-info display, a nine-inch Display Audio head unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six speakers, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, keyless entry and start, three drive modes (Normal, Eco and Power) and an electronic 4WD transfer dial.

The Toyota Safety Sense suite is also included and consists of systems such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Yaw Assist. Other safety-related items are seven airbags, a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and a panoramic view monitor.

At RM169,080, the GR Sport costs RM10,200 more than the Rogue following the price revision for the Hilux announced in May this year. Do you like the look of the GR Sport? Is it worth the asking price? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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Toyota Hilux GR Sport launching in Australia in Sept – flagship ute gets 221 hp, 550 Nm, uprated suspension

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Danny Tan / 28 July 2023 4:26 pm / 11 comments

Toyota Australia has announced the impending arrival of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport. The flagship variant of the ute, as they call pick-up trucks Down Under, will hit the market in September, sporting a raft of mechanical and visual upgrades.

More than just a grille and sticker job, enhancements include the most powerful diesel engine yet seen in a Hilux in Australia, and an upgraded suspension system. The 1GD 2.8 litre turbodiesel has been tuned to produce 221 hp (165 kW) and 550 Nm of torque, and the six-speed automatic transmission has been tuned to support that extra output, which is a fair bit more than our 2.8L’s 201 hp/500 Nm.

The Hilux GR Sport sits on the same “wide-track” platform as the Hilux Rogue, with a 15 mm increase in height and a track width increase of 135 mm in front and 155 mm at the rear, compared with lesser variants.

However, a different front coil and rear leaf spring tuning differentiates the GR Sport from the Rogue, and the sporty flagship is also equipped with KYB monotube shock absorbers with a larger piston diameter. The removal of the rear sway bar also allows for greater axle articulation and ground contact over uneven surfaces.

Off-road traction is further improved with the fitment of 265/65 R17 Bridgestone Dueler AT tyres, fitted on unique black 17-inch ‘Dakar-style’ alloy wheels. The disc brakes on all four corners – 338 mm x 28 mm four-piston fixed calipers in front and 312 mm x 18 mm single-piston floating calipers at the rear – are finished in red.

In the aesthetic department, you won’t miss the black mesh grille with the ‘TOYOTA’ script logo and a GR badge. A redesigned front bumper brings an improved approach angle, and features new fog lamp bezels and a silver lower moulding that sits above a unique skid plate. Large black overfenders house the increased track width and feature aero ducts at the front that help to reduce turbulence in the wheelarches.

The Hilux is even tougher in GR Sport guise. Powder-coated heavy-duty rock rails made of 2mm thick steel help protect the door sills and vehicle underbody. At the rear, red recovery points and a black rear bumper finish the exterior look, and are paired with a pre-installed towbar, towball and trailer wiring harness.

Inside, the HiLux GR Sport gains sporty enhancements including a rally-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, red centre stripe and GR logo. More GR logos are found on the unique front sports seats upholstered in a mix of leather accented and suede trim, matched with grey stitching and red seat belts.

Aluminium pedals, a new ‘Technical Mesh’ dashboard trim, a unique GR Sport shift lever and all-weather floor mats provide further visual differentiation, while audio is via a nine-speaker JBL system. Five exterior colours will be offered – Glacier White, Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black and the cool Feverish Red you see here. Those who choose white or red can have the option of a black roof.

The Hilux GR Sport will reach Australian showrooms in September priced at A$73,990 (RM223,538). What do you think of this gym-trained Hilux? We have a Hilux GR Sport in Malaysia too, but it looks slightly tamer and doesn’t come with the extra power – check out the RM169k truck here.

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, Australia spec

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, Malaysia spec

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2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport in Malaysia – monotube dampers, sportier bodykit; same 204 PS 2.8L

In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 17 February 2023 8:30 pm / 11 comments

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today launched the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport, which is a performance-focused variant of the brand’s well-known pick-up truck. Priced at RM159,880 on-the-road without insurance, the Hilux GR Sport is offered in three colours, namely Super White II, Attitude Black Mica and Crimson Spark Red Metallic.

In terms of specifications, the GR Sport is very similar to the existing 2.8 Rogue, although there are some model-specific styling touches that match the version sold in Thailand visually. For starters, the GR Sport gets a new front grille that is sportier in appearance and bears the Toyota script.

Elsewhere, overfenders have been added that are colour matched to the body, while the fog lamp surrounds, side mirrors and sport bar are finished in black. The 18-inch wheels also have design unique to the GR Sport, which are wrapped with 265/60 rubbers and partially hide the red-painted front brake calipers with the GR logo.

Inside, the GR Sport marks the first time a Hilux comes with paddle shifters, with another difference from the Rogue being the front seats, which have a different structure and are upholstered in a combination of leather and suede.

Other touches in the cabin include plenty of red stitching, GR logos on the headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and engine start, aluminium sports pedals and Optitron metres with red accents and a GR welcome animation.

Mechanically, the GR Sport gets the Rogue’s 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that makes 204 PS (201 hp) at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system are also standard, complemented by an automatic limited-slip differential, a rear differential lock and Active Traction Control (A-TRC).

Click to enlarge

While the engine is familiar – we don’t get the higher output version like some markets – the GR Sport does come with a sports suspension system that features dedicated monotube dampers and retuned coil springs. This is said to provide better damping force and optimal balance for improved stability, steering response and promote handling.

As with the Rogue, the GR Sport comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of systems that include of Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Yaw Assist. Other safety-related items are seven airbags, a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and a panoramic view monitor.

The Hilux GR Sport gets the same five-year, 150,000-km vehicle warranty and once again, is priced at RM159,880. That makes it RM7,000 more than the Rogue that goes for RM152,880. Is it worth it?

UPDATE: As of April 20 2023, the Hilux GR-S now goes for RM169,080

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport live photos

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport official photos

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport/Hilux Rogue brochure

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Toyota Hilux GR Sport – 224 PS, 550 Nm 2.8 diesel with wider track, tuned suspension debuts in Australia

In Cars, Toyota / By Paul Tan / 8 January 2023 2:03 pm / 3 comments

The Toyota Hilux GR Sport exists in many forms in various markets – we’ve seen European, Thai, Japanese and South African versions before this, but this Australian version is the most hardcore one yet and the closest to being a Ranger Raptor rival thus far.

Under the hood, the 2.8 litre turbodiesel four cylinder engine gets tuned up to 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque, something only the South African version got previously. This is complemented by sportier tuning for the automatic gearbox.

The Aussie Hilux GR Sport also gets wider tracks – 140 mm wider at the front and 155 mm wider at the rear, with redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle. Monotube shocks with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity paired with stiffer coil springs provide increased stability through reduced roll angle and more precise steering. The Hilux GR Sport also gets bigger brake discs.

Inside, the cockpit gets a monochromatic black theme with bright sports pedals and red seatbelts. GR branding is featured inside and out, including on the steering wheel, headrests, red brake callipers, and exterior badges.

In Malaysia, the range-topping Hilux variant is the Rogue, which is configured with a 204 hp, 500 Nm 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. With the Ranger Raptor going petrol with the latest iteration, do you think there will be a place for a Hilux GR Sport for diesel fans?

UPDATE: The Hilux GR Sport has been launched in Malaysia as the range topper. The Ranger Raptor is also going to have a diesel version.

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2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport – South African model gets uprated 2.8 litre turbodiesel with 224 PS, 550 Nm

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Mick Chan / 15 February 2022 5:23 pm / 2 comments

European market 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport

The Toyota Hilux is popular for its utility, to say the least, and the recent broadening of the GR Sport brand’s scope to include the pick-up truck only serves to further broaden its appeal. The current generation has already been given the GR Sport variant in various forms for different markets, with Europe, Thailand and Japan getting their own versions.

There’s one more that has surfaced, this time for the South African market. This one sets itself apart thanks to its 2.8 litre turbodiesel engine that has been tuned to produce 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque, or 20 PS and 50 Nm more than the Thai and European namesakes. This makes the Hilux GR Sport the second most powerful in the South African market after the VW Amarok, packing 258 hp and 600 Nm from a 3.0L V6.

As depicted in a report by South African publication The Citizen, the GR Sport variant for this market most closely resembles the European version of the performance-kitted dual-cab pick-up truck, where the classic Toyota script is used in the centre of the angular grille frame. Also used here are black overfenders instead of the body-coloured items on the Japanese and Thai-market versions.

European market 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport

In addition to the more potent turbodiesel powerplant, the South African Hilux GR Sport also gets wheels which appear similar to those on the European Hilux GR Sport, albeit in a slightly darker finish. Elsewhere, the South African version similarly gets GR Sport badging and black exterior mirror covers, and adds a sports bar for the rear cargo tray.

Pricing and final specification for the Hilux GR Sport in South Africa have yet to be finalised, as Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) aims to have the Hilux GR Sport rolled out in May this year. “Its power output of 165 kW (224 PS) of and 550 Nm of torque is the one feature that really stands out. More power is exactly what the customers want,” said TSAM senior VP of sales Leon Theron.

In Malaysia, the range-topping Hilux variant is the Rogue, which is configured with the 1G-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing the aforementioned 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque, with an automatic limited-slip differential on the rear axle.

GALLERY: 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, European market

GALLERY: 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, Japanese market

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2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport dual-cab pick-up variant for Europe; limited-slip differential, revised suspension

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Mick Chan / 4 January 2022 12:13 pm / 0 comment

Toyota has announced the GR Sport version of its European-market Hilux dual-cab pick-up truck, specified with revised suspension and driveline components. The famed pick-up truck model already wears the GR Sport moniker elsewhere, namely in the brand’s native Japan as well as in Thailand, though the European model sports a number of key differences.

The classic Toyota script on the front end of the European Hilux GR Sport is placed within the front grille of a different, more angular surrounding frame, and the Toyota script itself is located on the grille’s carbon-fibre-look crossmember, rather than above it as on the Japanese-market Hilux GR Sport.

Further differentiating the European Hilux GR Sport from its Japanese and Thai namesakes, visually at least, is the application of black overfenders, as compared to body-coloured items on its Far East counterparts. The contrasting black finish is also applied to the mirror casings, side steps and tailgate handle, with GR Sport badging topping the exterior look. LED headlamps may also be specified, depending on country.

Also different are its wheels, here being a set of two-tone machined finish items measuring 17 inches in diameter and fitted with all-terrain tyres. For comparison, the wheels on the Thai and Japanese Hilux GR Sport are of a singular black finish.

Chassis upgrades include new monotube dampers as well as new, uprated front springs. The monotube dampers each employ larger piston area for improved damping performance, enabling quicker response and better heat dissipation. The improvements also help to maintain the quality of damping oil inside the dampers when the vehicle is driven in rough conditions, says Toyota.

The new front coil springs and dampers are matched with retuned rear leaf springs and new bushes, and when compared to the regular Hilux range, offers improved steering response, straight-line performance, a flat ride and a more reassuring roll and feel for rear grip, says Toyota; the faster responses to high-frequency vibrations and improved damping also aid in body control, it adds.

The interior, too, has been given a dash of the GR-themed aesthetic to denote the sportier nature of this Hilux variant. The GR Sport gets new sports seats for its front-row occupants, and are trimmed in a combination of black leather and perforated synthetic suede with contrast stitching.

GR Sport branding also features on the seat backs, floor mats, starter button as well as on the information display graphics, while further GR Sport trim include carbon-fibre style inserts, a red trim line spanning the width of the instrument panel and door panel lighting in blue. Here, the GR Sport Hilux borrows from the European High-grade trim level in including dual-zone air-conditioning.

Last but not least, the European-market Hilux GR Sport is powered by the now-familiar 2.8 litre turbodiesel engine that outputs 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, which are sent to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission and an automatic limited-slip differential. This gives the European Hilux GR Sport a braked trailer towing rating of 3.5 tonnes, and a payload capacity of one tonne.

The European-market Toyota Hilux GR Sport will arrive at dealers across the continent in the northern hemisphere summer of 2022, according to Toyota. As for the Hilux in Malaysia, the pick-up truck was updated in November, bringing dual-zone air-conditioning to the 2.4V and 2.8 Rogue variants, the latter packing the 1G-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with outputs similar to this Hilux GR Sport.

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2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport now launched in Japan – sportier exterior, tuned suspension; priced at RM159k

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 11 October 2021 2:13 pm / 1 comment

In April this year, Thailand welcomed the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, which gets a number of aesthetic enhancements to give the pick-up truck a sportier look. The model has now been launched in Japan as well, although it is a little different from the one sold in Thailand.

Before getting into the differences, let’s first focus on what both versions have in common. The Hilux GR Sport features a new grille with the Toyota script in place of the regular logo, the latter being something we’ve seen on the Land Cruiser GR Sport.

The grille is accompanied by a new frame and overfenders on the vehicle’s sides (with black trim), which are painted in body colour. A redesigned bumper, also in white, is part of the appearance package too, but unlike the Thailand version, the fog lamp surrounds are a lot more subtle in size.

Other additions include a black rear bumper, plenty of GR Sport badges, red-paint front brake calipers (the rear drums are kept intact) and 18-inch six-split spoke two-tone alloy wheels. Items found on the Thailand version but are absent on the Japan-market model are the body decals and black sports bar.

Inside, you’ll find front sports seats trimmed in synthetic leather with GR logos on the headrests as well as suede and red upper bolsters. Elsewhere, there’s a GR-branded steering wheel (with a red 12 o’clock marker), engine start button and instrument cluster, along with red contrast stitching, aluminium sports pedals and a GR-badged key fob.

While the aesthetics are not equal to the Thailand-market model, the Hilux GR Sport in Japan does get a tuned suspension that is said to improve “steering response and realises flat and comfortable driving.” No engine changes, with the 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre turbodiesel continuing to deliver 150 PS (148 hp) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed auto and part-time four-wheel drive system.

The Hilux GR Sport is based on the existing Z grade sold in Japan, so it gets things like dual-zone climate control (this is a new update for the Z grade) and keyless entry, with further improvements like a powered driver’ seat, an eight-inch touchscreen head unit and paddle shifters. Pricing for the new model is 4.312 million yen (RM159,484), which is inclusive of consumption tax.

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2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport launched in Thailand – high- and low-rider versions, 2.8L, RM113k-RM166k

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 25 August 2021 11:33 am / 4 comments

Toyota is expanding its GR Sport brand to various regions worldwide – including in Southeast Asia, where the look-faster label is already offered in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The latest model to be introduced in ASEAN is the Hilux GR Sport, which has just been launched in Thailand today.

Tapping into the lucrative modified pick-up truck market, the GR Sport has been developed locally by Thai engineers and is being offered in double cab high-rider and low-rider configurations – the latter being especially popular in the Land of Smiles. The more conventional high-rider model is based on the range-topping Rocco variant (sold as the Rogue here) but with a few embellishments of its own.

First of all, the Rocco’s grey body cladding, grille frame and overfenders have now been finished in body colour for a sportier aesthetic, while the black and red body side and tailgate graphics are an homage to the liveries of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s rally cars.

Added to that is a new grille with the Toyota script replacing the usual interlocked-oval badge, similar to the new Land Cruiser GR Sport. The front skid plate is also a new black and body-coloured unit, while the fog lights feature larger gloss black surrounds. Rounding off the changes are the unique black sports bar, 18-inch six-split spoke two-tone alloy wheels and a smattering of GR badges on the front, sides and rear.

The low-rider version, meanwhile, is based on the Z Edition and is said to be inspired by Super GT cars. It gets a sportier bodykit with deeper chin spoilers, side skirts and a diffuser-like rear bumper, plus fake front bumper corner intakes, different body graphics and 17-inch black alloy wheels with a silver rim. Both models also get black door mirrors and red GR-badged front brake callipers.

Inside, both trucks receive a GR-badged leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and 12 o’clock marker, smoked grey trim, alloy pedals and black leather-and-suede upholstery with an embroidered GR logo. They also get the same unique instrument cluster design and GR startup screen, with the high-rider also receiving a GR-badged starter button.

Both models are powered by the existing 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre mill churning out 204 PS and 500 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. This is the first for the low-rider, which had previously only been offered with the 150 PS/400 Nm 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre mill.

A six-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard, with the low-rider offered in rear-wheel-drive form and the high-rider with four-wheel drive. The low-rider has also been lowered by 23 mm, which Toyota says improves aerodynamic efficiency and reduces body roll; the high-rider instead gets new monotube dampers.

Pricing ranges from 889,000 baht (RM113,800) for the GR Sport 4×2 low-rider to 1,299,000 baht (RM166,300) for the GR Sport 4×4 high-rider. Toyota has also announced some changes for the greater Hilux range for 2021, including the larger 2.8 litre engine option for the commercial-oriented single cab model for the first time.

Moving up, the Z Edition gets LED head- and taillights on higher-end models – including the GR Sport low-rider you see here. These lamps are also now fitted as standard on the high-riders, as well as a 360-degree camera system, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert on the 2.8 litre, Rocco and GR Sport high-rider variants.

GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, Thai-spec

GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Hilux Z Edition, Thai-spec

GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 4×4 AT live in Thailand

GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 4×2 AT live in Thailand

GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Hilux Z Edition live in Thailand

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