The Toyota Hilux line-up reaches new heights of performance, ride comfort and imposing appearance with the new Hilux GR SPORT II. Positioned at the top of the range, it draws both on Hilux's unrivalled reputation for durability and reliability and the model's sporting success with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, scoring multiple victories in the gruelling Dakar Rally and winning World Rally-Raid Championship titles. It demonstrates how Toyota applies the experience and knowledge gained in top-level motorsport to help create ever-better cars for the road.
Its powerful design gives it an imposing street presence, matched by enhanced handling and stability and uncompromised capabilities. Towing (3,500 kg) and payload (1,000 kg) capacities remain equal to the best-in-class.
This is the second GR SPORT model edition to be offered in the Hilux range and it builds on its predecessor in both design and chassis engineering. The significant changes include wider front and rear tracks, a raised ride height and an increase in the approach angle, strengthening the vehicle's off-road capabilities. The result is a confidence-inspiring ride, particularly when driving in adverse weather or road conditions.
Toyota considers the GR SPORT II to be the best driving Hilux yet, both on and off-road, thanks to the wider tread and improvements in handling characteristics, such as greater stability from a reduced roll angle and precise steering response.
Enhanced suspension and brakes ensure a sure-footed drive, while noise and vibration levels have been reduced. The result is a more rewarding drive with a sporty feel, and a comfortable ride.
Hilux's powerful and well-proven 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine can be relied upon to provide response and muscle, whatever the driving demands. Delivering 204 DIN hp/150 kW and 500 Nm of torque, it is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Exterior Design
While the current Hilux has a commanding look, the GR SPORT II adds even more impact to the exterior styling. Its imposing demeanour and sense of purpose are accentuated by red-painted rear coil springs and dampers, red brake callipers, robust black over-fenders and new-design 17-inch black alloy wheels.
The new wheels also contribute to the vehicle's performance with a large rim area that reduces aerodynamic drag and a weight-saving central spoke design.
The GR SPORT II further stands out with its black G-mesh pattern upper and lower grilles, with the TOYOTA name spelled out in classic style. The black detailing theme continues with the side steps, mirrors, door handles, aero sport bar and rear bumper. A silver front under-run and distinctive GR Sport badging complete the look.
Interior Design
The Hilux GR SPORT II's sense of purpose is also evident in the cabin design, which expresses the model's strength and sporting heritage. A black, monochrome theme with creates a stylish feel, with bold red accents, such as the contrasting seat belts.
The sporting character is reflected in the provision of paddle controls for manual shift selection and aluminium sport pedals.
The sports seats are upholstered in a combination of black synthetic suede and leather sport seats, with silver stitching and perforations exceptional comfort as well as a better grip, minimising sliding when the occupants experience higher lateral forces.
Completing the high-quality look and feel of the Hilux GR SPORT II cabin is a new carbon fibre ornament on the door trim and dashboard, which also features GR details on the information display and instrumentation.
Technical enhancements
The Hilux's world-famous "go-anywhere" qualities are strengthened with an increase in the approach angle from 29 to 30 degrees and higher ground clearance - 323 mm, and widening the front and rear tracks, by 135 mm and 155 mm respectively.
The suspension system has been revised with a 70 mm increase in the width of the front arms, the adoption of a lighter, tubular anti-roll bar and repositioning of the spring and damper assemblies further outboard. At the rear the axle has a new square cross-section and the dampers have been repositioned, to the outside of the vehicle's frame.
The changes have not compromised aerodynamic performance, thanks to the introduction of a new "air curtain" effect. This is created by a combination of the new grille, fog light bezels, wide over-fenders, sports bar, deck cover and alloy wheel design. Each element has been tailored to reduce drag and contribute to the vehicle's overall aero-efficiency.
Measures to gain a smoother and more stable ride over any terrain include new monotube dampers with large-diameter (46 mm) pistons in place of the previous twin-tube units. These provide better performance and faster response in tough conditions.
Toyota Smart Connect + multimedia
The Hilux GR Sport II is equipped as standard with the Toyota Smart Connect + multimedia system, accessed via an 8-inch touchscreen display or using an advanced voice command function. Users can also wirelessly connect their smartphone or tablet to the system using Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto®.
The multimedia package includes access to cloud-based journey navigation, which uses constantly updated real-time traffic event information for accurate and efficient route planning. There is also an embedded navigation system that can be used when no data connection to the cloud is available.
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