He may not have Ford Raptor’s firepower, but the new generation Hilux GR sport will have faithful fans that will come back
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by Josh byrnes
March 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
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- The overhaul of Toyota Hilux GR sport promises significant improvements compared to its predecessor.
- It refines off -road capacity with improved suspension, more daring style and improved technology.
- The power will probably come from a 221 horsepower turbodiesel, although Toyota can offer a stronger hybrid.
The current generation of Toyota, Hilux, has been a must-have transport outside the United States for years. Despite the return of 2015 – a life in the world in the rapid movement of vehicles updates – it continues to sell itself exceptionally well, holding the blow against much more recent rivals. In Australia, for example, the Hilux was the third best -selling vehicle in the general classification last year, following only the Ford Ranger and its stablemate Rav4.
Future Cars: everything we know about the Toyota Hilux 2026 pick-up
Fortunately, a redrawn Hilux is fast approaching, promising large improvements at all levels. However, a question persists more than most – Toyota will finally have a competitive response to the Ranger Raptor de Ford?
GR Sport: half a pass to a Rival Raptor
Current generation Toyota Hilux GR Sport
For the context, Toyota currently sells a little equivalent called GR Sport. I say somewhat, because it was developed as a reactionary response to the Raptor rather than being a hardcore off -road truck from the start. To its credit, GR Sport is not only a set of stickers because it includes a series of modifications compared to the standard truck.
More specifically, it obtains a wider track, more robust monotube monotube shocks and a light electric bump for its 2.8-liter-four turbodiesel, bringing production to 221 horsepower and 15 kW / 50 Nm additional on the standard truck. Beautiful upgrades, of course, but far from the punch of the 3.0 -liter Turbo V6 of Ford (valued at 392 hp in Australia and 284 HP in Europe) or the capacity of its high -end fox suspension configuration.
Adding to the mixed bag, the next Hilux GR Sport will continue to drive on the Toyota IMV scale platform, rather than going to the new TNGA-F architecture used in Tacoma. It may look like a disappointment, but this is not all bad news.
Muscular look
Starting with the style, the new thin LED headlights of the truck and the angular honeycomb grille are supplemented by front bases, wings at the front and in the flared rear and a coarse coating. The reddened rock cursors and the increased clearance of the soil help those who wish to sail in a more rough territory.
Inside, expect a completely redesigned cabin with more favorable seats and contrasting interior materials. Toyota can also borrow the absorbent shock seats from Tacoma TRD Pro, which help the occupants on damaged land.
Plus: the Toyota Hilux GR Sport II brings rally vibrations to your muddy construction site
Tech Goodies will include a 12.3 -inch infotainment system with off -road camera modes, a cluster of digital instruments, an Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a wireless charge. The advanced suite of Sense Sense of Toyota of conductive aid will also be included, ensuring that the Hilux meets the stricter standards of the ANCAP (the equivalent at the bottom of the IIHS) for autonomous emergency braking.
Name sport, soft in performance
If Toyota seriously wants the GR Sport to challenge the Raptor, improvements in the powertrain are not negotiable, because 221 horses of a four -cylinder diesel does not cut it. Unfortunately, this is probably what it will get.
The long alternative? While the standard truck will be satisfied with a 48 -V 3 -liter oven delicious 3 -liter postponement, the GR Sport could benefit from the maximum maximum tacoma maximum motorcycle group which generates a torque of 326 horsepower and a 465 pound torque. It is not quite the ponies of nearly 400 people from the Ford stable, but it is nevertheless a healthy upgrade.
On the suspension front, expect rethsed springs and shock absorbers designed more for the technical all-terrain than the high-speed desert.
Rival and reveal
In Concept, Toyota positions the Hilux GR Sport against competitors like the Grenadier Ineos, Kia Tasman, Isuzu D-Max Blade, Nissan Navara Warrior and Jeep Gladiator Mojave.
But even if it looks like a solid all-terrain, it is still not Raptor’s killer that some fans hoped. That said, we will have to wait for the official revelation in the coming months to see exactly what Toyota offers.
Do you want to see a more performance-oriented Hilux GR Sport? Place your thoughts in the comments below.
