Toyota Australia has finally revealed the local version of the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport, a pumped-up version of the HiLux that will battle the hugely successful Ford Ranger Raptor. Due to launch locally in the second half of 2023, the HiLux GR Sport features a number of upgrades over the HiLux Rogue that sits below it, including styling changes, an uprated engine, wider tracks and heavy-duty suspension.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new halo model will reinforce the unbreakable bond Australians have with HiLux.
“HiLux GR Sport draws on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a hardcore 4WD that will appeal to customers seeking the quintessential off-road version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle,” Mr Hanley said.
“It has been designed to turn heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that’s reinforced by a healthy performance boost, enhanced high-speed handling and even better grip on dirt roads,” he said.
The most noticeable changes to the 2023 Toyota HiLux involve the styling, which has been toughened further from the HiLux Rogue that sits below it. It’s got a GR Sport-specific mesh grille – like the LandCruiser 300 Series GR Sport – as well as a new front bumper and wider wheel arches. There are also all-terrain tyres for the 17-inch wheels, front and rear skid plates, red rear recovery points and rock sliders instead of side steps.
The wheel arches hide a wider front and rear track – 140mm wider at the front and 155mm wider at the rear – with upgraded heavy duty suspension, with monotube shock absorbers, stiffer springs and an altered front-rear suspension balance for greater dynamic driving – according to Toyota. The HiLux Rogue’s 338mm front and 332mm rear disc brakes have been carried over to the GR Sport, although now with red callipers.
Under the bonnet of the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport has also seen some upgrades, with a 10 per cent boost in performance to 165kW of power (at 3,000rpm) and 550Nm of torque (at 2,800rpm). The six-speed automatic transmission has been upgraded and now has paddle shifters for manual control.
The interior of the 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport has received some changes too, with paddle shifters, a red 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel, sports seats with part-leather trim and several GR badged, including on the steering wheel, seats, starter button and instrument cluster.
The 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport will go on sale later in 2023, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed before then. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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