A new report has all but confirmed Australia will finally get the flagship HiLux GR Sport in 2027, more than a year after the current generation of the ute was launched down under. Its arrival will give Toyota a big bump in its quest to take sales away from rivals like the Ford Ranger Raptor.

The head of Toyota in South Africa, Andrew Kirby, confirmed the new-generation GR Sport is being made for overseas markets and will be introduced to South Africa “next year sometime” in remarks made to cars.co.za. 

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While Kirby described the upcoming HiLux as “an exciting product”, he wouldn’t divulge any details about the model, including what sort of drivetrain it will adopt and whether it will keep the widebody configuration of its predecessor. South Africa, like Australia, is a right-hand drive market.

In Australia, the GR Sport would become the new range-topper, outdoing the HiLux Rugged X and HiLux Rogue. While Toyota Australia hasn’t confirmed the new arrival, Gazoo Racing (GR) is now one of the company’s core brands, with the badge appearing on models including the 86, Yaris, Corolla and Supra.

The GR badge has been conspicuous in its absence from the HiLux range since the last GR Sport was revealed locally in early 2023, almost eight years into the eighth-generation HiLux’s run. The ninth generation debuted down under in December last year. Figures show the GR Sport has been a big success down under, selling 2585 units in the first 10 months of 2025. 

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When WhichCar by Wheels speculated about the 2027 GR Sport late last year, we were betting on it sticking with the 165kW/550Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, but noted that “mild hybrid assistance would be welcome”.

The current GR Sport features revised bodywork and suspension, bigger wheel arches and all-terrain tyres, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a GR Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, and heated front seats with suede and leather accents.