A fresh version of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport has broken cover in Australia, with the flagship double-cab bakkie gaining wider tracks and more aggressive styling than that of the SA-spec model…

Toyota has unwrapped a new version of its Hilux GR-Sport for the Australian market, with the latest iteration boasting noticeably tougher styling than that of the halo double-cab bakkie available here in South Africa.

While the Australian-spec Hilux GR-Sport features the same engine tune – taking the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit’s peak outputs from the standard 150 kW and 500 Nm to 165 kW and 550 Nm – as the version offered in South Africa since September 2022, it gains considerably wider tracks as well as a far more aggressively styled front end (improving the approach angle to 30 degrees), complete with a skid plate.

Ostensibly inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing’s successful Dakar competitor, the front track has been extended 140 mm to 1 675 mm and the rear 155 mm to 1705 mm, while this version also scores redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle to “cater for the most demanding driving conditions”. As a result, the listed vehicle width comes in at a whopping 2020 mm. This model is slightly shorter than the one built in SA, measuring 5320 mm from nose to tail.

The Australian version of the left and the South African model on the right.

The grille, too, differs from that of the SA-spec version, as does the design (not to mention hue) of the 17-inch alloy wheels, which are here wrapped in all-terrain tyres. The black wheels furthermore frame red brake callipers (while the rear drums are replaced with discs) and the load bay features an embossed “GR” logo. Round back, you’ll likely also notice this model’s red recovery points. Interestingly, this version does without a sports bar, an item that is included as standard in SA.

Described as a “hardcore off-roader”, the new Hilux GR Sport 4×4 AT offered Down Under also gains a special suspension tune, seemingly subtly different to that applied to the SA version. According to the Japanese firm’s Australian arm, this includes dedicated monotube shock absorbers (with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity), stiffer coil springs and an “optimal” front-rear suspension balance. It also features a “higher ground clearance”, though an exact figure has yet to be revealed.

Inside, you’ll find bright sports pedals and red seatbelts, along with “GR” branding on items such as the steering wheel and headrests. While the SA-spec version features black rather than red seatbelts, it does score plenty of red contrast stitching as well as crimson-coloured trim on the facia and a GR-specific instrument cluster (features not present on the Aussie-spec model).

So, will any of these changes be implemented locally? Well, though we certainly can’t rule out the possibility, it seems somewhat unlikely considering Australia sources its Hilux units from Thailand while South Africa builds its own at Prospecton in KwaZulu-Natal…

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