2023 Toyota Hilux GR Review
The GR Sport is a new top of the range Hilux that adds more style and sportiness to Toyota’s iconic pick-up.
Review
Pros: Sporty image, cabin finish, competent handling.
Cons: Unsettled ride, outdated infotainment.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport Design
The Hilux GR Sport was built to celebrate the success of the Toyota Gazoo Racing team in the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s toughest off-road races. The GR Sport makeover adds more kerb appeal to the iconic pick-up and will appeal to buyers looking for a high-end vehicle that’s perfectly capable off-road too.
Available with a double cab only, cosmetic changes include a new front end treatment that’s probably the most aesthetically pleasing of the entire range. T O Y O T A is spelt out across the grille instead of the brand’s logo and is a heritage-inspired feature that pays homage to the fourth generation Hilux from the early 1980s. The front fog light surrounds are larger and Toyota’s GR badging features around the car. Standard fit, bi-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish, wider wheel arch claddings, and all-terrain tyres complete the upscale look. The wing mirror caps, side steps, and tailgate handle are all finished in black, which contrasts nicely with the white pearlescent paintwork of our test vehicle. Look closely and you’ll find the GR Sport’s bespoke shocks and springs finished in bright red!
Toyota Hilux GR Sport Interior
The Hilux GR Sport gets an impeccably finished cabin with lots of good quality plastics and the definition of ‘well-screwed together’. The dashboard is logically laid out and it’s easy to get comfortable, with plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat. It feels special inside with a gorgeous set of black leather and synthetic suede seats with contrast red detail and GR Sport branding. There are also sporty aluminium pedals and more of that contrast red in the dashboard and carbon fibre-style trim. The driver’s instrument cluster gets a special finish and GR logo.
The 8-inch touchscreen is not the brand’s latest infotainment system, so it feels quite old-fashioned to interact with. But it does come with a wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection so it’s possible to bypass the native system’s dated graphics. There’s also a high specification including push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, reversing camera and heated front seats.
There’s space in the back for three with just enough legroom for adults. It can take a payload of one tonne and tow braked trailers up to 3.5 tonnes. Options include a hard top, roll covers, towing hitch, roof rails and storage boxes.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport Performance & Drive
The Hilux GR Sport gets more than just a cosmetic makeover, with a few tweaks to the suspension for some rally-inspired performance. Updates include stiffer front springs and monotube shock absorbers for more control, responsiveness and grip feel. It makes the Hilux feel more precise and athletic to handle and it’s quite fun to hustle it along some twisty roads. The downside is the ride is quite firm and bouncy. Even on smooth tarmac on the motorway, it feels quite restless. But you do get used to the firmness and pick-ups are never really quite the last word in comfort and refinement. The GR Sport is offered with Toyota’s 2.8-litre diesel engine putting out 204hp. It’s far from Dakar Rally performance with the 0-100 sprint done in 10.7 seconds, but it’s a practical engine with plenty of pulling power (500 Nm). Fuel consumption hovers around 9 litres per 100 kilometres and it settles down well to a cruise.
The GR Sport reassuringly compromises none of the off-road capabilities that have made the Hilux so famous. There’s a switchable four-wheel drive system, including a low speed four wheel drive mode with low gear ratios for very challenging terrain. An automatic limited slip differential improves traction and acceleration on low-grip surfaces, and Downhill Assist Control is also standard. Ground clearance is the same as the rest of the range at 310 mm, as are the approach and departure angles (29° and 26°), and wading depth of 700 mm.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport Pricing
The Hilux GR Sport is available from €59,610.
Carzone Verdict
The Toyota Hilux GR Sport aims to satisfy a growing market for more stylish and desirable high-end pick-ups that are equally capable off-road. The GR Sport’s styling tweaks and plush cabin do wonders for the Hilux, with no compromises to its legendary toughness and reliability. While the suspension upgrades make the GR Sport feel a bit more athletic and easy to handle on the road, buyers who prioritise comfort above all else would be better off looking elsewhere in the range.