Toyota Europe has revealed its version of the HiLux GR Sport, following the debut of slightly different models in the Thai and Japanese markets in 2021. It will arrive in European showrooms in mid-year and will be available exclusively as a double cab.
The new Toyota HiLux GR Sport for the European market features an enhanced suspension with new monotube shock absorbers and stiffer front coil springs.
Both shock absorbers and springs are finished in red, and Toyota claims the monotube shock absorbers provide better damping performance.
The company says the front suspension improvements work in conjunction with previous updates to the rear leaf springs and bushes to enhance steering effort, angle response, and straight-line performance while promising “flat driving and a reassuring feeling of roll and rear grip.”
Toyota also states that the new setup offers the HiLux GR Sport greater driving comfort and less body movement.
The HiLux’s 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine remains unchanged, with 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Payload and towing capacity with brakes remain unchanged at 1000 kg and 3500 kg, respectively.
Based on the high-spec HiLux Invincible, it features keyless entry and start, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, surround-view camera, heated front and rear seats, and an automatic limited-slip differential.
It distinguishes itself from the Invincible with a redesigned front grille featuring a horizontal bar containing the Toyota nameplate, as well as a larger front fog light frame and black finish for parts like the side steps and exterior mirrors.
There are 17-inch alloy wheels with a black and machined finish, wrapped in all-terrain tires, as well as a “discreet” GR Sport badge.
Inside, the GR Sport features front sports seats upholstered in black leather and synthetic suede with red perforations and contrasting stitching.
GR Sport logos can be found on the seatbacks, start button, and floor mats, while there are paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, and carbon-fiber-style trim inserts, along with blue ambient lighting on the doors.
Toyota Japan has also confirmed that its local GR Sport variant has a revised suspension setup, while the Thai-market Revo GR Sport has a new monotube shock absorber. Both also feature red brake calipers, unlike the European model.
The Thai model is unique in also offering a 4×2 variant, which has been lowered by 23 mm.
Toyota offers a wide range of GR Sport vehicles in the Japanese market, including the Voxy and Noah people carriers and the Prius hybrid, but the sub-brand is also expanding beyond its home country.
