2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport: 48-volt system not planned, no high-output tune for lower models

The just-launched 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport will not be fitted with a 48-volt battery-assist system for now, the brand has confirmed.

And, for those hoping lower HiLux variants would receive the GR Sport’s more powerful engine tune, Toyota has confirmed it is not coming.

Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport have a 48-volt assist system?

Toyota Australia vice president for sales and marketing Sean Hanley said there are no plans for the HiLux GR Sport to be fitted with the 48-volt assist system being fitted to the SR5 and Rogue 4x4 dual cabs – and optional for the SR.

3

“No,” said Hanley. “Different vehicle, different circumstances. Aimed up at a different customer base for different reasons.”

Due to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2024, the 48-volt system will reduce fuel consumption by around 10 per cent, from 8.4L/100km to approximately 7.6L/100km – in line with four-wheel-drive Ford Rangers fitted with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine.

A stop-start system to automatically turn off the engine when it is idling will be added, and it is also said to improve drivability and reduce the engine’s noise, vibration and harshness.

Toyota has confirmed the 48-volt system will not impact the HiLux’s 3500-kilogram braked towing capacity, and three years of local development was conducted to ensure it is suited to Australian conditions.

“[GR Sport] sits in what we call ‘a set of its own’,” added Hanley.

“We have strong competitors in this market. However, this is aimed fair and square at that one of a quarter million HiLux customers who might want to upgrade and we believe that based on our research, this is a really engaging vehicle for them and we'll attract those people.

3

“It kind of sits in that sweet spot above SR5 and offers our customer base an alternative, which is quite significant.”

Toyota Australia expects to sell 3500 examples of the HiLux GR Sport annually, with 1600 orders already in the books.

Will the Toyota HiLux SR5 and Rogue receive the GR Sport’s high-output tune?

Toyota has confirmed that current flagship HiLux variants, including the wider new Rogue, will not receive the more powerful 160kW/550Nm tune available in the GR Sport – up 10 per cent (10kW and 50Nm) over standard 2.8-litre diesel auto models.

“No, at the moment, the performance improvements are just planned for the GR Sport,” said Toyota Australia senior product planning specialist Rod Lyons.

Toyota said there are no changes to the HiLux’s turbocharger or other parts, with the GR Sport featuring a retuned powertrain and six-speed automatic.

“[There’s] no plan to move the Rogue [to the high-output tune],” added Hanley.

Stay tuned for our 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport launch review on Thursday, September 21 at 7:00pm AEST.