Toyota Australia has confirmed a starting price of $73,990 for its upcoming and highly anticipated 2024 HiLux GR Sport, undercutting its main rival from Ford by over $10,000.
Yes, many rivals are coming up with similar go-faster, go-harder packages for their utes. And now Toyota is back at it following a hiatus of about 15 years, since the old TRD HiLux. That excludes models like the Rugged X and Rogue, which did not feature any power upgrades.
For the new HiLux GR Sport, Toyota engineers have squeezed an extra 15kW and 50Nm from the widely-used 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. It’s no match for the Ford Ranger Raptor’s 292kW, but at least it’s something.
This is paired up to a six-speed automatic transmission which itself has been revised so it’s more compatible with the boost in engine output. There’s also the usual part-time four-wheel drive system, however, Toyota hasn’t mentioned if there are any changes in terms of the locking rear differential.
What it does confirm is a set of bespoke heavy-duty rock rails for the sills, made from 2mm-thick steel, while proper recovery points, painted red, and a pre-installed tow bar kit come standard as well.
The suspension has been overhauled, with KYB monotube dampers using larger diameter pistons introduced, and the rear sway bar is removed to support increased wheel travel. The ride height is increased by 15mm, and the front track is widened by 135mm and 155mm at the rear.
A set of exclusive 17-inch ‘Dakar style’ alloy wheels provide a visual edge, and they’re wrapped in 265/65 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres. These hide a set of 338mm front and 312mm rear disc brakes, with four-piston front calipers and single floating pistons at the back.
The Toyota HiLux GR Sport is being introduced as the new flagship model grade, and it’ll be available in five exterior colours, including Eclipse Black, Feverish Red, Frosted White, Glacier White, and Stunning Silver. A two-tone black roof will be available with Feverish Red, Frosted White, and Glacier White. Speaking about the new model, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales, Sean Hanley, said:
“With input from Australian engineers and designers and comprehensive enhancements inside and out, the HiLux GR Sport makes Australia’s favourite ute even more appealing. Australians love powerful and capable pick-ups, and the HiLux GR Sport certainly delivers on that brief.”
The interior is also spruced up a bit, with red highlights for the GR steering wheel (with paddle shifters), special sports seats, and a GR Sport shifter and all-weather floor mats. A nine-speaker JBL sound system is also included.
The new variant will launch in September priced from $73,990 (excluding on-roads), ahead of the mild-hybrid HiLux in 2024 and ahead of the next-gen 2026 HiLux. This puts it below the Ford Ranger Raptor (from $87,990), but above the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior (from $$70,765), for reference.
