Review: Toyota Hilux GR Sport
What is it?
I don’t think it would presumptuous of me to assume that everyone reading this will know what the Toyota Hilux is, after all, it’s been with us for over 50 years, and in that time has gained an enviable reputation for both ruggedness and reliability.
So what’s with the GR Sport moniker?
Toyota’s in-house motorsport arm, Gazoo Racing, has already created two excellent road cars in the form of the GR Yaris and most recently the GR86. So, inspired by the Dakar Hilux’s international racing successes and overall victories in 2019, 2022 and 2023, they decided to get their hands on the Hilux and do their magic.
“Have they just stuck on a badge then?”
Heavens no, not only have they adorned it with some exclusive styling touches, but they’ve fettled the suspension to give it sharper road handling, but I’ll get to that later.
On the outside the GR has gained a new black mesh front grille, larger front fog light surrounds and 17” alloy wheels with a contrast black and machine finish shod with all-terrain tyres. The black theme is carried through in the door mirror casings, side steps, tailgate handle, plus a sports bar. I said ‘bar’, not bra!
Look a bit closely and you’ll notice glimpses of red from under the arches. These are the new Monotube shock absorbers and springs that are fitted to the rear to improve on-road damping performance.
On the road
Around this time last year I borrowed the revised Invincible X model Hilux. My thoughts back then were that Toyota had managed to offer a more SUV-like comfort and stability to the Hilux’s on-road driving whilst offering a fair degree of flex and articulation whilst off it.
The point of the GR Sport, of course, is for it to be less SUV and pickup, and more boisterous. Maybe boisterous is the wrong word, more sporty, let’s say that.
On freshly resurfaced Welsh roads the GR was an absolute joy. Toyota’s 2.8-litre diesel with 204hp and 500Nm of torque that’s bolted to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox meant that there was plenty of oomph to match its new found stability. With a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds it never feels flustered, and despite a lot of green-laning it still managed an average of 28.5mpg throughout our week together.
The downside was that on bumpy B-roads and local pot-hole strewn roads it felt a little too harsh. But even though I'm being critical, I had to keep reminding myself of the GR’s purpose - it’s a sporty pickup not a cruiser. With this in mind, unladen at least, you are always aware of how firmly sprung the Hilux GR is, no matter what the road.
Off road
As I mentioned earlier, the Hilux is a popular pickup, and one I see regularly on green lane adventures, but will a GR Sport owner take their pride and joy ‘laning? I doubt it.
Not that it isn’t capable, as even without its rear locker the Hilux is exceptionally competent and never struggled for grip, even when balancing on its two opposing wheels. It’s just that the aforementioned uprated suspension makes the going a bit hard, especially when you are tootling along rock strewn lanes at around 10mph.
That said, it’s still a Hilux and it will still get you to where you want to be - just expect a bumpier ride.
Despite having all the safety features you’ll find on other pickups, what I really appreciate about the Hilux is that is hasn’t been widened and is still capable of being driven through narrow gateposts without requiring a spotter. On a recent day out with the GR and Ford’s new Wildtrak, the latter proved to be a little too wide for some lanes.
Interior
Staying with the GR theme, the cabin boasts new sports, yet comfortable front seats attired in a combination of leather and synthetic suede, with red perforations and contrast stitching. There is GR Sport branding on the seatback, carpet mats, starter button. And to remind you of what you are driving, it’s on the information display graphic too.
Equipment specifications are based on the Invincible model and include a premium JBL sound system, satellite navigation, heated front and rear seats and a useful Panoramic View Monitor which provides an all-round view of the vehicle’s location which is especially handy for carparks and narrow gates whilst green-laning.
You also get LED headlights and combination lamps, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, Downhill Assist Control and an automatic limited-slip differential.
Conclusion
I have mixed feelings about the GR, as on smooth, fast B roads it was quite fun to drive, but on a day to day basis it was a bit harsh. That said, I’m not going to moan about the stiff suspension as it is what it is, and I have no doubt that it will sell out, much like its siblings. But if you want an expedition vehicle or weekend green-laner that will take you and your family to wild and wonderful places, then a standard Hilux will do the job easily, and it’ll be both comfier, and cheaper.
price £40,528 (excl VAT)
more at » toyota.co.uk/new-cars/hilux
Reviewed in Issue 50 - August 2023
