The Toyota HiLux is one of the most popular and reliable pickup trucks in the world, with a reputation for toughness and durability that has earned it many loyal fans. But what if you want a HiLux that is not only tough but also sporty, agile, and fun to drive? Enter the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport, a new variant that combines rally-inspired performance and style with the proven capabilities of the HiLux.
The 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is the first model to be developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), the motorsport division of Toyota that is responsible for creating high-performance vehicles such as the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR Supra. The HiLux GR Sport draws inspiration from the TGR Hilux that has won the Dakar Rally three times in a row, in 2019, 2022, and 2023. The Dakar Rally is one of the most grueling and challenging off-road races in the world, where competitors have to endure harsh terrain, extreme weather, and unpredictable situations.
The HiLux GR Sport aims to capture some of the spirit and performance of the Dakar-winning Hilux while also offering a more refined and comfortable ride for everyday use. The HiLux GR Sport is based on the facelifted eighth-generation HiLux that was launched in 2020, but it features several enhancements and upgrades that make it stand out from the rest of the lineup.
What’s new for the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport?
The most noticeable change for the 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is the exterior design, which features a distinctive front grille with a large TGR logo, a black hood scoop, LED headlights with black bezels, and a black bumper with red accents. The side profile showcases black fender flares, black side steps, black door handles, and black mirror caps. The rear end features a black tailgate with a TGR badge, a black bumper with red accents, and LED taillights with black bezels. The HiLux GR Sport also comes with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires and red brake calipers.
The interior of the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport also reflects its sporty character, with black leather seats with red stitching and TGR logos, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped gear knob with red stitching, and a black dashboard with red accents. The HiLux GR Sport also features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster with TGR graphics, a JBL premium sound system with nine speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, keyless entry and start, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport also boasts improved performance and handling, thanks to a more powerful engine and a revised suspension system. The engine is a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 165 kW (221 hp) at 3000 rpm and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque at 2800 rpm. This represents a 10 percent increase in both power and torque compared to the standard HiLux. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that has been tuned for sportier shifting and an expanded lock-up range. The HiLux GR Sport also features a switchable four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a rear differential lock.
The suspension system of the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport has been upgraded with stiffer springs and dampers, as well as thicker stabilizer bars. These changes aim to reduce body roll and improve cornering stability while also maintaining ride comfort and off-road capability. The HiLux GR Sport also features an electronic power steering system that has been recalibrated for a more responsive steering feel.
How does the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport compare to its rivals?
The 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport competes in the growing segment of high-end pickup trucks that offer enhanced performance and style. Some of its main rivals include:
- The Ford Ranger Raptor: The second-generation Ranger Raptor is the most powerful and advanced pickup truck in its class, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine that delivers 292 kW (392 hp) and 583 Nm (430 lb-ft) of torque. The Ranger Raptor also features a 10-speed automatic transmission, an adaptive suspension system with Fox shocks, a Terrain Management System with six modes, and a Baja mode for high-speed off-roading. The Ranger Raptor has an aggressive design with flared fenders, skid plates, tow hooks, LED lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. The interior features leather and suede seats with blue stitching and Raptor logos, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Ranger Raptor starts from $77,190 USD.
- The Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior: The Navara Pro-4X Warrior is a special edition of the Navara pickup truck that has been developed by Premcar, an Australian engineering company that specializes in performance vehicles. The Navara Pro-4X Warrior features a 2.3-liter twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 140 kW (188 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Navara Pro-4X Warrior also features a revised suspension system with new springs, dampers, and bump stops, as well as a 40 mm (1.6 in) lift kit. The Navara Pro-4X Warrior has a rugged design with a steel bull bar, LED lights, a winch, a snorkel, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. The interior features leather and cloth seats with orange stitching and Warrior logos, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The Navara Pro-4X Warrior starts from $60,490 USD.
- The Volkswagen Amarok W580X: The Amarok W580X is another special edition of the Amarok pickup truck that has been developed by Walkinshaw, an Australian racing team and performance car manufacturer. The Amarok W580X features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine that produces 190 kW (255 hp) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent four-wheel-drive system. The Amarok W580X also features a tuned suspension system with new springs and dampers, as well as a 25 mm (1 in) lift kit. The Amarok W580X has a sporty design with a black grille, LED lights, a sports bar, a tonneau cover, and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. The interior features leather seats with grey stitching and W580X logos, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster. The Amarok W580X starts from $71,990 USD.
What are the pros and cons of the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport?
The 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport is an attractive option for those who want a pickup truck that offers both performance and style, as well as the reliability and versatility of the HiLux. Some of the pros of the HiLux GR Sport are:
- It has more power and torque than the standard HiLux, making it faster and more responsive on the road.
- It has a revised suspension system that improves handling and stability while also retaining ride comfort and off-road capability.
- It has a distinctive design that sets it apart from other HiLux variants, with TGR branding and red accents.
- It has a well-equipped interior that features leather seats, paddle shifters, and a JBL sound system.
Some of the cons of the HiLux GR Sport are:
- It is still less powerful and advanced than some of its rivals, such as the Ranger Raptor and the Amarok W580X.
- It is likely to be more expensive than other HiLux variants, as well as some of its competitors.
- It may have limited availability and production numbers, as it is expected to be a special edition model.
When will the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport be available, and how much will it cost?
The 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is expected to go on sale in Australia in the second half of this year, following its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. Toyota has not yet announced the pricing or specifications for the HiLux GR Sport, but it is likely to be the most expensive HiLux variant ever. Based on the prices of its rivals, we estimate that the HiLux GR Sport will start from around $65,000.
The 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport is an exciting addition to the HiLux lineup, offering rally-inspired performance and style for those who want more than just a tough truck. The HiLux GR Sport is the first model to be developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, which means it benefits from the expertise and experience of Toyota’s motorsport division. The HiLux GR Sport is not only more powerful and agile than the standard HiLux but also more distinctive and refined. If you are looking for a pickup truck that can handle any terrain and situation while also turning heads on the road, you may want to check out the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport.
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