Toyota GR Sport Hilux, Fortuner to arrive in PH this month: Report

Updated Nov 03, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The two truck-based models get the GR branding as well.  

For Filipinos, September traditionally marks the start of the longest Christmas season in the world. If an anonymous tip is to be believed, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will join other carmakers in bearing early gifts to customers. 

 
The Hilux GR Sport recently made its debut in Thailand

A report by Autoindustriya cites an unnamed source in saying that the GR Sport versions of the Hilux pickup and Fortuner midsize SUV are already making their way to our market. The two truck-based variants recently launched in Thailand are among the latest to join an ever-expanding Toyota lineup wearing the Gazoo Racing (GR) branding. 

The GR Sport designation brings several cosmetic embellishments to an otherwise stock example right off the factory floor. In the case of the Hilux GR Sport, it will be using the current Conquest flagship trim as its platform, which means that only the Hi-Floor version could be arriving here.  

Hilux GR Sport Hi-Floor

It's likely that only the Hi-Floor version could make it here 

A revised fascia sees the standard grille replaced by a blacked-out edition, accompanied by the Toyota text and GR Sport badge. New bumpers bookend the truck, with special body graphics, body-color wheel arches, and 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels in between. 

Suede and leather GR Sport upholstery will likely be standard equipment, just one of the things to expect in the custom black-and-red interior. Other motorsport-inspired elements include a GR Sport-inspired instrument panel, steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker, and aluminum sport pedals.          

Engine start button

Even the engine start button sports the GR emblem

Meanwhile, the incoming Fortuner GR Sport could be featuring less overt styling changes than the new Thai version. This is because TMP sources its Fortuner units from Indonesia, which markets a relatively muted version of the trim level. 

Whereas the Thai-spec Fortuner GR Sport is aesthetically similar to the LTD trim level here, the Indonesian GR Sport features the lower variants’ fascia, transferring the GR badge to the rear. There’s a noticeable lack of GR Sport branding on the interior as well, making the Fortuner GR Sport a little more understated compared to its pickup counterpart.    

Fortuner GR Sport Thai version

Unlike the Thai-spec Fortuner GR Sport pictured here, the Indonesian version is more understated  

Both models will likely still be powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine rated at 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, with a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and all-wheel drivetrain. TMP declined to give details in terms of pricing and other features in the meantime, so we’ll have to wait and see the rest of what the new variants bring to our market.    

Catch more industry updates at Philkotse.com.   

Know more about Toyota Hilux 2024

Toyota Hilux

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. 

 

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 in the most latest model of the pickup truck 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.

Toyota Hilux Philippines front view

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.

Toyota Hilux side view

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, etc. Also present for the higher-spec trims are 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 with the 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 Hilux rear view

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. 

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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 Cons
 
  • Rugged appearance 

  • High payload capacity

  • Improved steering 

  • Powerful engine choices  

 
  • Harsh ride 

  • No power tailgate function

  • Top-spec variant is expensive compared to its rivals 

Toyota Hilux Q&A

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 Toyota Hilux available in Automatic Transmission?

Yes, it is. All Hilux trims available in the Philippines are automatic transmission.

 

₱ 879,000 - ₱ 2,166,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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