Toyota HiLux GR Sport revealed

The Toyota HiLux GR Sport dual-cab ute has been revealed in Japan, boasting a wider stance, reworked suspension and a sportier cabin fit-out.

A rival for the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok W580 S, the new 2022 Toyota HiLux GR Sport favours on-road competence over off-road capability.

But unlike the Australian-market Amarok W580, there’s no V6 to be seen.

The thumping 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel (227kW/700Nm) that’s made its debut on the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is unlikely to appear on the ute (for GR Sport or any other model) until the new-generation HiLux mid-decade.

Confirming previous reports of a more athletic new HiLux in the works, and following the launch of GR Sport version for Thailand in August, the Japanese-market GR Sport is under consideration for Australia.

A Toyota spokesperson told carsales today that the company had “no announcements to make” at this stage, but that it was “continually looking at opportunities to expand the Toyota GR range with more exciting models”.

In Japan, the Toyota HiLux GR Sport follows the same path as the C-HR GR Sport, favouring cosmetic upgrades inside and out, along with mild chassis tweaks, rather than full-blown engine and chassis modifications.

It’s therefore not a Ford Ranger Raptor rival, but the HiLux GR Sport does benefit from a broader-shouldered 1900mm width, up 45mm, thanks to colour-matched wheel-arch extensions.

A new black grille replaces the circular Toyota logo with ‘Toyota’ lettering, like the LandCruiser 300 Series GR Sport, and the front bumper has been restyled as well.

Along with GR Sport badging front and rear, black 18-inch alloy wheels, red front brake callipers (the rear brakes are still drums) and a black rear bumper, the modified HiLux gets a mild suspension upgrade that is claimed to improve steering response and deliver “flat and comfortable driving”.

The theme continues inside, with faux leather and suede sports seats up front with GR Sport logos, red highlights and stitching, while a chunky GR-badged steering wheel with a red ‘straight-ahead’ stripe and bold stitching is part of the package.

There’s also a ‘GR’ engine start button and unique key fob, aluminium pedals and metal paddle gear shifters on the steering wheel column.

Priced at ¥4.3 million, which translates to around $A52,000, the HiLux GR Sport sold in Japan is powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (110kW/400Nm).

However, if the HiLux GR Sport does get green-lit for Australia it’s almost certain to adopt the more powerful 2.8-litre (150kW/500Nm) turbo-diesel mill favoured in 4x4 dual-cab models.

Currently there are two GR Sport models available in Australia, the C-HR and LandCruiser 300 Series.

The company has previously stated it plans to expand its range of GR Sport as well as full-strength GR models, like the GR Supra and GR Yaris.