- Toyota’s Hilux GR Sport redesign guarantees vital enhancements over its predecessor.
- It refines off-road functionality with upgraded suspension, bolder styling, and improved tech.
- Energy will doubtless come from a 221-hp turbodiesel, although Toyota might supply a stronger hybrid.
Toyota’s current-generation Hilux has been a staple of transportation exterior the USA for years now. Regardless of courting again to 2015—a lifetime within the fast-moving world of auto updates—it continues to promote exceptionally nicely, holding its personal towards far newer rivals. In Australia, for instance, the Hilux was the third best-selling automobile total final 12 months, trailing solely the Ford Ranger and its RAV4 stablemate.
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Future Vehicles: All the things We Know About The 2026 Toyota Hilux Pickup
Fortuitously, a redesigned Hilux is simply across the nook, promising huge enhancements throughout the board. But, one query lingers greater than most—will Toyota lastly have a aggressive reply to Ford’s Ranger Raptor?
The GR Sport: A Half-Step Towards a Raptor Rival
The present technology Toyota Hilux GR Sport
For context, Toyota at present sells a considerably equal known as the GR Sport. I say considerably, because it was developed as a reactionary response to the Raptor slightly than being a hardcore, off-road truck from the outset. To its credit score, the GR Sport isn’t only a sticker bundle because it includes a raft of modifications over the usual truck.
Extra particularly, it will get a wider monitor, beefier KYB monotube shocks, and a gentle energy bump for its 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-four, bringing output to 221 horsepower and an additional 15 kW/50 Nm over the usual truck. Good upgrades, positive, however nowhere close to the punch of Ford’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (rated at 392 hp in Australia and 284 hp in Europe) or the potential of its high-end Fox suspension setup.
Including to the combined bag, the following Hilux GR Sport will proceed driving on Toyota’s IMV ladder-frame platform, slightly than upgrading to the newer TNGA-F structure used within the Tacoma. That will sound like a letdown, however it’s not all unhealthy information.
Brawny Seems
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Beginning with the styling, the truck’s slim new LED headlights and angular honeycomb grille are complemented by rugged entrance bash plates, flared entrance and rear fenders, and chunky cladding. Redesigned rock sliders and elevated floor clearance assist these eager to navigate into rougher territory.
Inside, anticipate a very redesigned cabin with extra supportive seats and contrasting inside supplies. Toyota may borrow the Tacoma TRD Professional’s IsoDynamic shock-absorbing seats, which assist cushion occupants on tough terrain.
Extra: The Toyota Hilux GR Sport II Brings Rally Vibes To Your Muddy Building Website
Tech goodies will embody a 12.3-inch infotainment system with off-road digicam modes, a digital instrument cluster, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wi-fi charging. Toyota’s superior Security Sense suite of driver assists will even be included, guaranteeing the Hilux meets ANCAP’s (the down-under equal of the IIHS) stricter requirements for autonomous emergency braking.
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Sport in Identify, Delicate in Efficiency
If Toyota severely needs the GR Sport to problem the Raptor, powertrain enhancements are non-negotiable, as a result of 221 horsepower from a four-cylinder diesel isn’t going to chop it. Sadly, that’s doubtless what it’ll get.
The long-shot different? While the usual truck will make do with a carry-over 48V delicate hybrid 2.8-litre diesel 4, the GR Sport may benefit from the Tacoma’s 2.4-litre i-Drive Max hybrid powertrain that generates 326-horsepower and a thumping 465 pound-feet of torque. It’s not fairly the close to 400-odd ponies from Ford’s secure, however it’s a wholesome improve, nonetheless.
On the suspension entrance, anticipate re-tuned springs and dampers designed extra for technical off-roading than high-speed desert operating.
Rivals and Reveal
In idea, Toyota positions the Hilux GR Sport towards rivals just like the Ineos Grenadier, Kia Tasman, Isuzu D-Max Blade, Nissan Navara Warrior, and Jeep Gladiator Mojave.
However whereas it’s shaping as much as be a stable off-roader, it’s nonetheless not the Raptor killer some followers have been hoping for. That mentioned, we’ll have to attend for the official reveal within the coming months to see precisely what Toyota delivers.
Would you prefer to see a extra performance-focused Hilux GR Sport? Drop your ideas within the feedback under.
