Having evolved from pure workhorses to lifestyle-oriented vehicles, pickup trucks are no longer what they used to be.
Once upon a time, these vehicles were only sought-after by contractors and business owners to help them move things, but today, many buyers purchase pickup trucks just because they like how they look – rugged, cool, and badass.
Ever since the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Triton came and changed the pickup truck game forever with its unorthodox design and high comfort level, buyers now expect car-like coziness, convenience, and practicality in 4x4s.
So, since aspects like styling, refinement, sportiness, and convenience have become key deciding factors for buyers, manufacturers have also been responding accordingly – like what Toyota has done with the model we’re looking at here; the Hilux GR Sport.
Following markets like Australia and Thailand, Malaysia welcomed the Toyota Hilux GR Sport slightly more than a year ago alongside the GR Corolla and the new GR 86.
Designed to celebrate the Hilux’s achievements at the Dakar Rally, the Hilux GR Sport comes with a host of Gazoo Racing goodies that make the pickup truck sportier than the Hilux Rogue.
On the exterior, the Hilux GR Sport’s presence is distinguished by a new front bumper and blacked-out side mirrors, grille frame and overfenders finished in body colour for a sportier aesthetic; black sports bar, a new shark fin antenna, and the black and red body side and tailgate graphics which pays homage to Toyota Gazoo Racing’s rally cars.
The GR Sport Hilux is also fitted with red brake calipers with the GR logo and newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior on the other hand, is detailed with red stitching throughout the cabin with redesigned front sports seats incorporating suede and leather inserts, and a GR-badged leather steering wheel with red stitching.
Under the hood, the Hilux GR Sport gets the 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre inline-four turbodiesel engine which makes 224 PS at 3,000 rpm and 550 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. This is 20 PS more than the Hilux 2.8 Rogue in case you’re wondering if it is the same.
Paired with the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, a part-time four-wheel drive system, automatic limited-slip differential, rear differential lock, as well as the Active Traction Control (A-TRC) system.
It is also worth mentioning here that the seats in the Hilux GR Sport here are the same ones you get in the Fortuner. Not the same as the regular 2.8L Hilux okay? These ones are more luxurious!
There is also the GR theme optitron meter with GR welcome animation, GR push start button, and aluminium sports pedals.
The enhancements actually go beyond cosmetics, as the Hilux GR Sport features a new sports suspension system with monotube dampers, tuned to inspire greater driving confidence across all terrain.
It is also fitted with paddle shifters for a sportier drive, perfect for those who want maximum response and control – the first paddle shifter system to be implemented in the Hilux line-up.
How is that for a list of enhancements over the Hilux 2.8 Rogue?
Unfortunately, the extra goodies do come at a price, which explains why the Hilux GR Sport is priced from RM173,280 on the road without insurance.
Thanks to all the extras, the Hilux GR Sport looks significantly more stylish and sportier than the regular Hilux, both in white and the red we’re looking at here. In my humble opinion, it looks just nice with all the Gazoo Racing cosmetic enhancements and there is no need for more modifications as it would be what we call “overkill”.
The sportiness and ruggedness of the exterior extends into the cabin as well, as you will be greeted with a generous dose of red stitching, and the placement of “GR” emblems everywhere you set your eyes on, from the steering wheel, the seats, the floor carpet, the push start ignition button, speedometer, just everywhere, constantly reminding you that you are not in just any Hilux, but the Hilux GR Sport.
The main highlight in the Hilux GR Sport’s cabin is the seats. Taken from the Fortuner, the leather and suede combination seats provide great level of comfort and support, resulting in a 4×4 which can be driven over long periods without a backache. Plus, they look awesome too!
Complementing the plush seats are features like impressive noise insulation, a kick-ass sound system, plenty of storage space, the infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the DVR as well as the reverse camera which make the Hilux GR Sport just as practical as a Vios or an Altis.
As for the ride and handling, the Hilux GR Sport feels more planted compared to the regular Hilux especially on tarmac, thanks to the tweaked suspension that is slightly stiffer, resulting in less body roll.
Since there is lesser body roll, the Hilux GR Sport handles corners quite impressively for a pickup truck, and adding to the whole driving experience is the availability of paddle shifters which enable you to downshift and upshift as you wish, making sure that you’re in the right gear before negotiating a bend.
Simply put, the Hilux GR Sport offers a slightly more engaging driving experience than the regular Hilux which is already quite impressive. Compared to its rivals, I would rate the Hilux higher than the new D-Max or the current Triton in terms of the ride and handling.
There is also a lot of power at your disposal. The 224 PS and 550 Nm produced by the engine makes the Hilux GR Sport one of the most powerful 4x4s in the market. Since it is a case of “just ask and you shall receive”, one has to be gentle, very mindful, very demure, to prevent yourself from losing control and ending up in a ditch.
Where off-roading is concerned, the Hilux GR Sport is still, essentially, a Hilux which is known for its durability, reliability, and capability to carry whatever you want to carry and move it from point A to point B.
After completing its task as a workhorse, you may head straight to the car wash, give it a quick bathe, and drive straight to a club or a function at a 5-star hotel where it would stand just as tall, just as stylish next to a Ford Ranger Raptor or a Land Cruiser.
Specifications
Engine: 1GD-FTV 2.8L Turbocharged, diesel
Max Power: 224 Horsepower
Max Torque: 550 Nm of torque
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic with Sequential & Paddle Shift
Suspension: GR Sport Monotube
Price: RM173,280 on the road without insurance
