Australia’s unique terrain makes it an ideal market for pickups, the latest of which is Toyota’s rally-inspired Hilux GR Sport for the 2023 model year.
Toyota has a new contender in the performance pickup segment for one of its key markets
“Hilux GR Sport draws on the spirit of Toyota’s Dakar success as a hardcore 4WD that will appeal to customers seeking the quintessential off-road version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle,” according to Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President for Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations.
“It has been designed to turn heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that’s reinforced by a healthy performance boost, enhanced high-speed handling, and even better grip on dirt roads.”
Key to the new Hilux GR Sport’s performance is the same 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that inhabits the engine bay of the standard model, but with performance tweaks by way of revised turbo-supercharging and fuel injection control.
It runs on a tweaked version of the standard Hilux's 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill along with drivetrain and suspension improvements
These result in a 10-percent increase in output, yielding 221 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, making the GR Sport trim the most powerful Hilux yet for Australia. Toyota has endowed the accompanying 6-speed automatic gearbox with sportier tuning along with an expanded lock-up area, improving acceleration and overtaking with the benefit of paddle shifters.
Handling has also been upgraded through a redesigned wishbone suspension, stiffer coil springs, and a reinforced rear axle. Dedicated monotube shock absorbers deliver increased damping force and better heat-dissipation capacity. These work with a wider stance as the vehicle’s front and rear tracks have been increased by 140mm and 155mm, respectively.
Of course, the Hilux GR Sport wouldn’t be a performance variant if it didn’t look the part. The exterior styling references the vehicle’s motorsport roots, with a strong upright front intake maximizing cooling area while showcasing the signature GR mesh grille.
The interior bears Toyota's GR branding
The corners of the front bumper seemingly flow into the satin black fender flares housing 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Off-road running gear include a skid plate, rock rails, and red rear recovery points. Toyota says that the Hilux GR Sport’s exterior body parts were the product of wind tunnel testing for aerodynamic efficiency.
Heading into the cabin, bright sports pedals and red seatbelts contrast with the mostly black interior. Interrupting the color monotony is the prominent GR branding on areas such as the steering wheel, headrests, and tub-liner.
This could be the latest challenger to the Ford Ranger Raptor
Developed through the cooperation of Toyota’s Australian, Japanese, Thai, and Latin American engineers, the 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is expected to take the fight to the Ford Ranger Raptor. The latest Hilux trim level will be manufactured in Thailand with finishing touches added at Toyota Australia’s Victoria facility. It has been confirmed for launch Down Under by the second half of 2023.
Will the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport be something you’d like to see on our roads? Welcome the new year with news of more new releases at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Toyota Hilux 2024
The Toyota Hilux 2024 is a midsize pickup offered in the local market as both fleet and regular units. Toyota Hilux Prices Philippines range from PHP 885,000 to PHP 2,192,000 with 13 variants, spanning from the basic cab & chassis 4x2 model to the range-topping GR Sport 4x4. It is also available in two turbodiesel engine options and four gearbox choices, accompanied by eight exterior colors. Dimensions start at 5,285mm in height, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm. Among the rivals to the Toyota Hilux in the market are the Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and the Isuzu D-Max.
This popular pickup continues to evolve and slowly move upmarket after gaining luxuries. The most significant revolutionary jump of the Hilux happened in 2004 when the seventh generation of the model was introduced. It was the first 21st-century iteration of Toyota's pickup. It is also the first generation to ride on Toyota’s new Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle architecture. It provided improved safety, better ride comfort, modern D-4D diesel engines, more interior space, and a more modern aerodynamic body.
The current 8th generation offers a more refined and stylish design than its predecessor, but the tradition of being a tough pickup continues. It received a much-awaited refresh in 2020.
>>> New and used Toyota Hilux 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Toyota Hilux Launch
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) debuted the refreshed Toyota Hilux in 2020, featuring a meaner and more aggressive pickup truck design from the front to the back. The biggest update the Japanese carmaker added to the latest model is the minor power bump for the 2.8-liter engine option, which now makes it one of the most powerful in terms of performance numbers.
To cater to different car consumers who are in the automotive market for a reliable workhorse, TMP is offering its pickup truck with a wide array of variants, namely the Cab & Chassis, Cargo, J, FX, E, J, G, and the top-of-the-line Conquest. Only the top-ranging variant gets to benefit from the updated engine that now joins the superb 500 Club alongside the Ford Ranger
For 2024, the GR Sport received a massive update and it is now more powerful and more off-road capable than its predecessor. The brand also added a new E AT trim to its variant lineup.
Toyota Hilux Exterior
The current generation Toyota Hilux features a bolder and more rugged exterior styling. When Toyota's business unit in the Philippines introduced the Conquest variant of the Hilux, it received some much-needed flare. The top variants can turn heads because of their several external enhancements. The Conquest variant of the Hilux features a more aggressive exterior design while the standard variant leans on the safer side.
Upfront, it can come with either a set of projector or reflector halogen headlights, depending on the chosen variant. The higher trim levels feature an LED lighting set, as well as benefit from an array of DRLs. The E and G variants ride on 17-inch wheels, while the Conquest uses 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The new GR Sport meanwhile, also uses a 17-inch though these are off-road ready, Dakar-inspired wheels.
The current generation Toyota Hilux features a bolder exterior
Other exclusive features made available on the Toyota Hilux Conquest variants only include a tailgate assist, a bedliner, a sports bar, a roof ornament, and side decals to provide a sturdier road presence on the go.
The GR Sport meanwhile, gets a wider track width, a set of beefier fender flares, an aero sports bar, under chassis protection, etc.
Toyota Hilux Interior
The Toyota Hilux currently on sale mostly carries over the interior from the 2020 update. Inside the pickup, there is the right amount of dimensionality that is also found in other Toyota vehicles offered in the Philippines that sit on the same platform. However, there are subtler styling elements that distinctly mark it as Hilux.
Higher trim levels feature seats with leather wrappings while lower trims have fabric seat coverings. Top variants are also equipped with automatic climate control and steering wheel audio control that depends on the head unit. The twin-dial setup gauge cluster comes with a multi-function display in the middle.
Technology & Safety Features
For on-board entertainment, Toyota gave the G a new eight-inch touchscreen. The Conquest likewise uses an eight-inch display, while the updated GR-S comes with a nine-inch headunit. The E meanwhile, retains its 6.75-inch display. Standard on the Conquest and GR-Sport is wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The displays on the G though, get the wired version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The top-range variants come with a push-start system and keyless entry. Hill-start assist is also available in this pickup. It adds to the livability and drivability of the Toyota Hilux. Depending on the trim, the Hilux also gets radar cruise control.
Safety is not an issue for the Toyota Hilux
This popular pickup from Toyota is a safe vehicle. The basic variant features passenger’s and driver’s airbags as standard. Higher variants have two front, side, and curtain airbags. Other safety features include ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, and speed-sensing door locks.
The GR-S and the Conquest get the Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistive kit, which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and more. The higher-spec trims also have blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a panoramic view parking camera.
Platform & Chassis
The Toyota Hilux is a midsize four-door pickup truck. It shares the same Toyota IMV platform as Innova and Fortuner. This pickup truck features a double-wishbone front suspension, and the rear setup is a rigid axle with leaf springs to further bolster its reputation as a reliable workhorse in the Philippines.
Toyota's pickup truck has a commanding presence on the road
On the top-spec GR Sport, the Hilux's suspension system is updated with monotube shock absorbers. It is also the only trim that gets disc brakes for all four wheels.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood, TMP offers two engine options for its entry to the Philippine pickup truck segment. The first engine option is a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV diesel engine which is used on the E, G, and Conquest 4x2 variants. It can generate 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm.
The second engine option for the model is a larger 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine which is capable of generating 201 hp at 3,400 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,400 rpm (500 Nm of torque for the top-of-the-line Conquest 4X4 A/T variant). Both the said engines can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the chosen variant.
The updated 2024 GR-Sport meanwhile, is propelled by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel that can generate up to 220 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. Like the other automatic versions, it also uses a six-speed gearbox, but this has been tuned for better performance.
>>> Related posts:
- 2020 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle
- What comes with the Toyota Hilux 2020 Philippines? Take a glimpse at the updated Aus-spec version
Available colors for the Toyota Hilux Philippines are Super White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Emotional Red.
Much like most of its rivals, the Toyota Hilux 2024 comes with a rear-locking differential for added traction and control in slippery driving conditions, especially when off-road. It also retains its 1,115-kilogram payload capacity, one of the highest in its segment, for superb carrying capability. Toyota has equipped the Hilux with a variable-flow control power steering pump to relieve driver stress during strenuous drives.
Toyota Hilux Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rugged appearance
- High payload capacity
- Improved steering
- Powerful engine choices
Cons
- Harsh ride
- No power tailgate function
- Top-spec variant is expensive compared to its rivals
Toyota Hilux 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT | ₱885,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 J DSL 4x2 MT | ₱995,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 Cargo 4x2 MT | ₱1,001,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 FX 4x2 MT (w/ rear A/C) | ₱1,124,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 J DSL 4x4 MT | ₱1,195,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 E DSL 4x2 MT | ₱1,312,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 G DSL 4x2 MT | ₱1,390,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 E DSL 4x2 AT | ₱1,392,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 G DSL 4x2 AT | ₱1,466,000 |
| Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 DSL 4x2 AT | ₱1,675,000 |
| Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 DSL 4x2 AT (Emotional Red) | ₱1,695,000 |
| Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 MT | ₱2,003,000 |
| Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 MT (Emotional Red) | ₱2,023,000 |
| Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 AT | ₱2,078,000 |
| Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 AT (Emotional Red) | ₱2,098,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR Sport AT | ₱2,158,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR-S 4x4 AT | ₱2,172,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR Sport AT (Emotional Red) | ₱2,178,000 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR-S 4x4 AT (Emotional Red) | ₱2,192,000 |
Toyota Hilux FAQs
1. How much is the Toyota Hilux 2024 Philippines?
Toyota Hilux 2024 price Philippines ranges from 885,000 PHP for the entry-level 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT to 2,192,000 PHP for the top-of-the-line Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 4x4 AT (Emotional Red color).
2. What are the Dimensions of Hilux 2024?
Dimensions for the Toyota Hilux 2024 include 5,285mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm.
3. What are the colors available in Hilux Philippines?
Toyota Hilux 2024 colors are available in 5 colors in the following shades: White, Super White, Sliver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Crimson Red, Attitude Black Mica, Nebula Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Emotional Red.
4. What is the Engine Capacity of Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT?
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT is offered with a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV diesel engine which can generate 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm.
5. Is the Toyota Hilux available in Automatic Transmission?
Yes, it is. All Hilux trims available in the Philippines are automatic transmissions.
₱ 879,000 - ₱ 2,166,000
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