Toyota was inspired by its Dakar Rally-winning pickups when it unleashed the Hilux GR Sport, a sporty-looking take on its workhorse pickup. It wasn’t quite the performance model we were hoping for, but Toyota is clearly pleased with how things went as it’s readying a follow-up — the Hilux GR Sport II.
Toyota promises that the new Hilux model will ‘reach new heights of performance, ride comfort and imposing design’, and it’s made some significant changes to the suspension, bodywork, styling and even the cabin to achieve that.
Mechanical Upgrades
Off-roading should be a little easier with the GR Sport II, as the Hilux has been given an increased ride height. Up by 20mm, the small change means the approach angle is increased to 30 degrees, with ground clearance rising to at least 330mm. The front and rear tracks have been widened by 140mm and 150mm, respectively.
The wheels are controlled with new monotube dampers that replace the previous twin-tube units, promising better performance and faster response times in challenging conditions.
Lighter 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with all-terrain tyres, with disc brakes all around, replacing the rear drum brakes of the current Hilux models.
Power and Performance
What’s not changed is the engine. Under the high bonnet sits a 2.8-litre turbo diesel unit that produces 204hp backed up by 500Nm of torque. Power goes to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox, with a fuel-efficient rear-wheel-drive mode for highway use available at the press of a button.
Toyota hasn’t released performance figures, but there’s no reason to assume they’ll differ significantly from the current pickups sharing the same engine, so expect 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds, with a maximum speed of 107mph.
Unlike the more powerful Ford Ranger Raptor, the GR Sport II won’t compromise on payload, so it can still carry at least a tonne of cargo and tow up to 3.5 tonnes.
Exterior Update
A mechanical upgrade deserves some styling changes to emphasise the point, so Toyota has given the Hilux GR Sport II a light makeover.
The boldest change is at the front, where the grille gets a black mesh treatment, with the Toyota name writ large in block capitals across the nose. The black colouring extends to the side steps, mirrors, door handles, sports bar and rear bumper, although the front under-run is presented in silver.
The bumper is also revised, with fog lamp bezels that improve aerodynamic efficiency by reducing turbulence in the wheel arches. The sports bar is also aerodynamically styled.
Black 17-inch alloy wheels highlight red brake callipers, red coil springs, and coloured dampers.
Interior Refresh
Sports seats, upholstered in black synthetic suede and perforated leather with silver stitching, are finished with a stitched GR logo, while the dashboard receives a black monochrome theme highlighted with red accents.
Red seat belts, paddle shifts and aluminium pedals also reference the GR Sport’s motorsport influence, and the GR logo is featured in the information display and instrumentation to remind you what model you’re driving.
The Hilux GR Sport II will also receive an updated infotainment system, with the 8.0-inch screen hosting the firm’s Smart Connect+ system. A vast improvement from the ageing Touch 2 system currently installed on the Hilux, the infotainment software includes cloud-based navigation — with an offline mode for when there’s no signal — and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, all presented in a smartphone-like interface.
Pricing and Availability
Toyota will make customer deliveries in the second half of 2024, with dealers able to take orders next year. Prices haven’t been announced, but the current GR Sport model is priced at £40,528.33 plus VAT. With the changes to the running gear of the pickup, we would expect a rise in price to around £43,000.
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