2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport officially launches in Australia

A new HiLux officially sits atop the Japanese brand’s line-up, with Toyota launching its GR Sport variant priced at $73,990 plus on-road costs.

The vehicle is of significance because it is bred from the 2019 Dakar-winning HiLux model, which means it is much more than an SR5 with a few cosmetic changes.

To this end, Toyota has augmented the suspension system by adding KYB monotube shock absorbers tuned specifically for this variant. Toyota also removed the rear stabiliser bar.

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Toyota also tickled with the engine, with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel now producing 165kW and 550Nm - that’s a 10 per cent increase for those playing at home. The six-speed auto was then recalibrated to suit the higher outputs.

As is the case with its fellow halo model - the Rogue - The vehicle is wider (135mm at the front; 155mm at the rear) and taller (15mm higher than the rest of the HiLux range), giving it a greater on-road presence.

From the showroom, the GR Sport arrives with 17-inch alloy wheels inside 265/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres and covered with large wheel-arch flares.

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Other off-road specific equipment includes a Dakar-inspired front skid plate, rock rails (2mm-thick steel tube), a tub liner, and a pair of rear recovery points made from 20mm-thick steel plate. The bespoke rails and side steps are built and designed in Australia.

An aftermarket bullbar (with embedded front recovery point) and a snorkel are available directly through Toyota dealerships.

Another clever design feature is the implementation of aero ducts in the outer edges of the bumper, next to the fog light bezel. This helps to minimise turbulence around the front wheelarches.

It retains its 3500kg braked towing capacity.

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“This is far more than a HiLux that looks the part,” said Toyota Australia's vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

"The extensive suspension, powertrain and underbody modifications give our new HiLux GR Sport the sort of performance credentials that, along with its renowned towing and off-road capability, will appeal to recreational enthusiasts.

“The first-ever HiLux GR Sport’s enhanced capability and performance is a fantastic example of how our skilled engineers and designers can improve our excellent vehicles even further and we are extremely proud to have been involved in its development.”

Toyota Australia expects to sell a total of 3500 units annually, with 1600 orders already in the books.

HiLux GR Sport specs