The next version of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport is on a different level.
Earlier this year, UMW Toyota revealed the first-ever Hilux GR Sport for just under RM160,000. Now, we’re seeing an upgraded 2024 Hilux GR Sport start to roll out in nearby markets such as the Philippines and Australia.
The new Toyota Hilux GR Sport is still positioned as the flagship variant of the range and may come with a significant price bump if introduced in Malaysia. In Australia, this version is sold for AU$73,990 or RM223,880 by today’s conversion rates. That would slot it right below the Ford Ranger Raptor with the 2.0L Biturbo Diesel engine, which sells for RM248,888 here.
The new version of the Hilux GR Sport has no decals or stickers to speak of. Styling and engineering evaluation was done by an Australian teams to match local market expectations. There have been extensive suspension, powertrain, and underbody modifications to give the new Hilux GR Sport proper performance credentials.
Under the hood, the 2.8L turbo diesel sees a 10% increase in power and torque for a very healthy 220hp and 550Nm of torque. The six-speed conventional automatic gearbox has been optimised for this increase in output. The GR Sport has also been given the same track width increase as the Hilux Rogue, which makes it 135mm wider at the front axle and 155mm wider at the rear with a 15mm increase in ride height compared to standard Hilux models.
Comfort and off-road capability have been improved by the fitment of special KYB monotube shock absorbers and the removal of the rear stabilizer bar for increased travel. The unique gloss black 17″ alloy wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres measuring 265/65. Changes to the suspension have not reduced the Hilux’s 3500kg towing capacity. In the GR Sport, Australian custoemrs now get a genuine towbar with towball and seven-pin trailer wiring harness.
Further supporting the Hilux GR Sport’s off-road capability is the fitment of a front skid plate and red-painted recovery points made from 20mm thick steel plate. The side steps have been swapped out for heavy-duty rock rails made of 2mm thick steel tubes finished in black powder coating.
In terms of visual upgrades to the exterior, you get an all-new front grille which is blacked-out with Toyota lettering. There’s a new wide-track front bumper with silver lower moulding, dark grey overfenders, black badging and paint finishing on the door handles and mirror caps. Disc brakes have been painted in red and have GR logos applied.
Inside is largely similar to the outgoing Hilux GR Sport. There are leather/perforated suede covered seats, red seatbelts, and GR elements peppered throughout. In Australia, it’s available with a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system.
It’ll be exciting to see how the Malaysian market reacts to such a huge upgrade to the Hilux range, should this new GR Sport variant be launched here.
