Toyota HiLux GR Sport model launched

Fresh Ranger rival to tap into the brand’s links to motorsport, shaping up as a ‘hardcore halo variant’ hitting the road in 2023.

Toyota Australia has confirmed plans to reinforce its HiLux ute range with a “hardcore halo variant” that taps into its overseas motorsport expertise.

The manufacturer’s Australian arm says a new Toyota HiLux GR Sport model is on the way to showrooms, pumping up its “Gazoo Racing” portfolio.

Toyota says the “all-new off-road focused” GR Sport will replace the Rugged X model at the top of the line-up from 2023, sitting above popular models such as the SR5 in Australian showrooms.

Overseas versions of the HiLux GR Sport feature relatively mild changes but Toyota has not released photos of the Australian HiLux GR Sport.

The European version of the GR Sport is fairly conservative, but it may look more aggressive for the Australian market. Picture: Supplied.

It is likely to borrow wider body elements from the new HiLux Rogue, which has revised suspension and a wider stance to help take the fight to Ford’s Ranger Raptor.

The cabin is likely to have sporty styling cues such as carbon fibre inserts, red stripes and logos embossed on the headrests.

Power should come from the same 150kW turbo diesel motor as other models in the HiLux range.

The best-selling ute has been linked to more powerful six-cylinder engines, though they are unlikely to go on sale before a new-generation HiLux arrives.

Several ute manufacturers are cashing in on the popularity of high-end utes.

Ford’s new Ranger Raptor leads the pack, while Volkswagen’s partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive looks likely to develop further when the new Amarok arrives next year.

The GR Sport will help Toyota combat the new Ford Ranger. Picture: Supplied.

Nissan’s Navara Warrior program is expanding to include cheaper models, and Mitsubishi has made no secret of its desire to ramp up the Triton’s appeal with a toughened model.

Australians have gone mad for utes in recent years. They used to be the preserve of tradies and farmers, but they have become de facto family vehicles.

Buyers are using them for both work and play, hauling the tools during the week and towing boats, jetskis and caravans on the weekends and school holidays.

There will be subtle sporty highlights in the cabin. Picture: Supplied.

The HiLux has been the number one selling vehicle in the country for the past six years, while Ford’s Ranger has taken the number two spot for the last couple of years. The Ranger has also regularly outsold the HiLux in the lucrative four-wheel-drive segment of the market.

Utes make up almost a quarter of the new vehicles sold so far this year.
Aside from the HiLux and Ranger, the Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton also made the top ten on the sales charts last month.

The LandCruiser, which combines ute and wagon versions, was number six on the charts.

Toyota appears to be pulling out all the stops to blunt the growing popularity of the recently-released all-new Ranger, which has been well received by both the public and media.

Originally published as Toyota HiLux GR Sport model launched