HiLux GR Sport pricing announced

The Toyota HiLux range is set to get a boost in September with the arrival of the new GR Sport flagship variant, bringing both mechanical and visual upgrades over the rest of the 4x4 dual-cab ute range.

Enhancements include the most powerful diesel engine yet seen in a HiLux, an upgraded suspension system and new styling elements, with the HiLux GR Sport arriving in showrooms priced from $73,990 plus on-road costs.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the new GR Sport will take the performance of the HiLux range to new levels.

“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,” Mr Hanley said.

The HiLux GR Sport sits on the same ‘wide-track’ platform as the HiLux Rogue, with a 15mm increase in height and a track width increase of 135mm front and 155mm rear, compared with the rest of the HiLux range.

A different front coil and rear leaf spring tuning further differentiates the GR Sport, and it is equipped with KYB monotube shock absorbers featuring a larger piston diameter. The removal of the rear sway bar also promotes greater axle articulation and ground contact over uneven surfaces.

Toyota says that off-road traction is improved with the fitment of 265/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler AT tyres, on unique black 17-inch Dakar-style alloy wheels.

Disc brakes on all four corners help improve stopping power, with 338mm x 28mm four-piston fixed calipers at the front and 312mm x 18mm single-piston floating calipers at the rear, finished in red for an extra visual effect.

Enhanced visual elements are present throughout the vehicle, starting at the front with a unique black mesh grille contrasted with Toyota lettering and a GR badge.

A redesigned front bumper delivers an improved approach angle compared to the core HiLux range, and features new fog lamp bezels and a silver lower moulding which sits above a uniquely developed skid plate for extra underbody protection.

Powder-coated heavy-duty rock rails made of 2mm-thick steel help protect the door sills and vehicle underbody, even when the vehicle is fully laden.

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 cabin, the HiLux GR Sport gains a number of sporty enhancements compared to the rest of the range, starting with a rally-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel complete with paddle shifters, red centre stripe and GR logo.

GR logos are also 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 ornamentation, a unique GR Sport shift lever and all-weather floor mats provide further visual differentiation, while the GR Sport’s audio experience is lifted by the fitment of a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.

Full specification details will be announced when the HiLux GR Sport arrives in Australia in September.