2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport unveiled in Thailand

Riding on the trend of its stablemates wearing the Gazoo Racing (GR) branding, Toyota’s Hilux follows suit. It’s now the midsize pickup’s turn to present a motorsports-inspired version with the Thai launch of the Hilux GR Sport. 

The 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport makes its debut in Thailand 
 

What might come as a surprise is that the flagship variant comes not just in one, but two available styles. There’s the standard raised version called the Hi-Floor, ideal for off-road adventures. For more sedate urban drives, there’s the Lo-Floor counterpart that sits relatively closer to the ground. 

The Hilux GR Sport now comes with a sportier fascia, mainly due to the grille being rendered in body color instead of the contrasting dark gray found on the erstwhile range-topper. A revised grille carries the Toyota text up front for the high-riding version in lieu of the usual emblem, which the Lo-Floor retains. The raised variant still features redesigned fog lamp housings, while the Lo-Floor features spoilers at the front corners and faux intakes. 

The Hilux GR Sport has an offroad-ready Hi-Floor version

Side stepboards, a black sports bar and tailgate graphics continue to set the Hi-Floor version apart from its low-riding sibling, along with a set of 18-inch two-tone alloys. Meanwhile, the Lo-Floor counterpart brings side skirts, a diffuser-like rear bumper, and 17-inch black wheels set against silver rims. A smattering of GR badges adorns both trucks all around the body. 

Inside, both variants share a common layout, featuring room for five occupants with leather and suede upholstery bearing the GR logo, although the front seats are slightly redesigned on the Hi-Floor variant. A leather-wrapped tiller with red stitching and prominent marker at the 12 o’clock position is standard. Alloy pedals continue to exude a sporty feel, and a GR startup display lights up between the analog gauges. 

There's also the more urban-oriented Lo-Floor version

There appears to be no changes as far as the powertrain is concerned, with both the Lo-Floor and Hi-Floor still running on the same 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill rated at 201 hp and 500 Nm of twist. This works in concert with a 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox offering paddle shifters. 

The Hi-Floor version rides on a double wishbone front suspension and coil spring rear suspension with stabilizer bar, with the addition of monotube shock absorbers. Vented disc brakes in front come with red calipers and the GR emblem. Meanwhile, the Lo-Floor features a suspension setup lowered by 23mm to reduce body roll when tackling corners at high speed. The taller version rocks a four-wheel-drive unit, while the Lo-Floor comes with rear-wheel-drive. 

Both styles feature the same interior layout

For safety, the Hi-Floor variant comes with a comprehensive list of driver-assist features including Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Both the Hi-Floor and Lo-Floor also come with a smart remote key system. 

The 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport Hi-Floor 4x4 retails for THB 1,299,000 (almost Php 1.98 million), while the Lo-Floor 4x2 version sells for THB 899,000 (Php 1.35 million). Would you like to see these two in Toyota’s Philippine lineup? 

More automotive industry updates at Philkotse.com.