2024 Toyota HiLux GR Sport Review

Famed for its go-anywhere abilities and tough, work-ready platform, the HiLux is a favourite for Aussies in need of a reliable workhorse with an adventurous spirit.

With the HiLux range, there are no less than 56 options across a range of single, extra and dual-cab pickup and cab chassis options, with the GR Sport sitting atop the lineup as the current flagship.

The HiLux GR Sport picks up a range of visual and off-road enhancements that make it look more aggressive and give it the most dynamic set of abilities when the going gets tough.

Just how good is Toyota’s range-topping HiLux GR Sport, then, and how does it stack up against its flagship dual-cab ute rivals? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Toyota HiLux GR Sport Competition

How Much Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Cost?

The Toyota HiLux GR Sport sits atop the lineup as the current flagship, wearing a price tag of $74,310 before on-road costs are applied.

For reference, Toyota’s most affordable 4x4 dual-cab pickup, the HiLux Workmate 2.4TD Manual is priced at $48,420 while the GR Sport’s closest sibling, the HiLux Rogue 2.8TD V-Active is priced at $71,530.

• HiLux Workmate 2.4TD Manual: $48,420

• HiLux Workmate 2.4TD Automatic: $50,420

• HiLux SR 2.8TD Manual: $52,640

• HiLux SR 2.8TD Automatic: $55,190

• HiLux SR 2.8TD Automatic V-Active: $56,210

• HiLux SR5 2.8TD Manual: $60,670

• HiLux SR5 2.8TD Automatic V-Active: $63,260

• HiLux Rogue 2.8TD Automatic V-Active: $71,530

• HiLux GR Sport 2.8TD Automatic: $74,310 (tested)

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Toyota HiLux GR Sport (4x4) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Have?

Features specific to the range-topping HiLux GR Sport include a set of 17-inch alloys wrapped in 265/65 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres, as well as a mix of suede and leather upholstery for the sports seats, aluminium pedals, wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a set of red seatbelts.

There’s also numerous GR Sport badges throughout the interior and a set of red brake calipers.

The HiLux GR Sport also picks up features found in lesser variants, like the bulging wheel arches accommodating a wider track, ventilated rear disc brakes, a protective bash plate, rock rail side steps, LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lamps and rear recovery hooks.

There’s also a tow bar, tow ball and integrated wiring harness, a full-sized spare tyre, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors.

Toyota HiLux GR Sport Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The HiLux GR Sport range comes packaged with the same 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system you’ll find in every member of the HiLux family, including the entry-level Workmate range.

While it would have been nice for the range-topper to pick up some added infotainment tech, Toyota’s improvements have centred largely on the GR Sport’s appearance and making it a more adept off-roader.

Toyota’s 8.0-inch infotainment system is packaged with DAB+ digital radio, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation and a 12-month subscription to the Toyota Connected Services suite.

In terms of HIFI, the HiLux GR Sport picks up an upgraded nine-speaker sound system courtesy of JBL over the standard six-speaker sound system fitted to regular double cab variants.

Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

The Toyota HiLux GR Sport offers wireless smartphone connectivity, however, it’s reserved for one of the two major ecosystems.

Owners of an iPhone will be pleased to know that the HiLux GR Sport’s 8.0-inch infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, though Android users will need to bring their own USB cable because Android Auto still requires a wired connection.

Is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Comfortable to Drive?

There’s certainly no hiding its hardcore underpinnings on the road, though overall, the HiLux GR Sport does well to keep its versatility user-friendly on a more mundane run around town.

Headlining the package is a revised version of Toyota’s trusty 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit which has received power and torque bumps of 15kW and 50Nm, respectively.

That means the HiLux GR Sport produces a combined 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque, which is thrown to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

While the increases haven’t transformed its acceleration, the GR Sport is a more spritely beast off the line while some added mid-range torque will leave few buyers begging for more of a push up to speed.

On the road, the GR Sport feels familiar to the rest of the HiLux double cab range.

That means it shares the hallmarks of its workhorse nature, translating to relatively heavy steering around town that might take some time to get adjusted to.

It’s also quite the firm package on a daily drive.

Without any cargo in the tray to weigh down the rear axle, the HiLux GR Sport rides incredibly stiff - like any dual cab workhorse.

After all, Toyota has been tasked with making a driveable package when it’s absolutely loaded with cargo and towing large objects - and it’s near impossible to achieve this in a silky smooth package.

As a complete package, though, the HiLux GR Sport is still a useable town-driving option, though its workhorse nature and ability to conquer the outdoors means that there are some catches in terms of the daily driving experience.

Is the HiLux GR Sport a Great Off-Roader?

The standard HiLux dual-cab is certainly no slouch off-road, but Toyota has made some modifications to make it even more hardcore when the going gets tough.

There’s been some significant changes underneath the GR Sport, namely the 15mm increased ride height and wider track that gives a 135mm stretch to the front axle and 155mm at the rear.

You’ll also find a new set of KYB monotube shocks at each wheel and a revised anti-sway bar that offers even more impressive abilities when pushed on dirt, sand and muddy, rocky terrain.

Combined with its serious ground clearance thanks to the 15mm increase in height and power increases from the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel unit, a locking rear differential and a low-range transfer case and the HiLux GR Sport is by far the most accomplished off-roader in the range.

Full off-road specifications for the MY24 HiLux GR Sport can be found below.

• Ground Clearance: 265mm

• Wading Depth: 700mm

• Approach Angle: 30 degrees

• Departure Angle: 23 degrees

Is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Fuel Efficient?

While Toyota has added some mild-hybrid engine tech across certain versions of the MY24 HiLux range, the GR Sport makes do with a more traditional approach.

This means that while it’s not the most fuel-efficient member of the range, it is the most powerful and offers the highest torque figures that make a huge difference off-roading and while towing.

On a combined cycle, the MY24 HiLux GR Sport is rated at 8.1L per 100km, which is pretty much on par for the 4x4 turbo-diesel dual cab ute segment.

Around town, the HiLux GR Sport drinks 9.2L per 100km while time spent cruising on the highway will see you sipping around 7.5L per 100km.

Is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Practical and Spacious?

Step inside the HiLux GR Sport and you’ll find some special touches to remind yourself it sits as the company’s flagship ute in an otherwise family and reasonably practical dual-cab package.

There’s GR Sport logos, some fancier-looking pieces of trim, red highlights and upgraded upholstery to help justify spending the extra money, though it’s not the most flamboyant or modern of the halo utes on offer.

Climbing aboard the taller package is relatively easy with the side steps and grab handles, while interior space and headroom are more than accommodating to tall drivers and front passengers.

The dashboard layout remains unchanged, which means there’s a user-friendly set of physical controls for the climate settings and buttons to lock the rear differential.

Ergonomics are also great, largely thanks the familiar, somewhat old-school design that will resonate well with an older demographic.

In terms of storage, there’s a pair of cupholders where the base of the dash and centre console meet, a storage nook beside the handbrake lever and added storage inside the folding rear armrest.

There’s also two gloveboxes positioned in front of the passenger’s seat which, paired with large bottle holders inside the doors means the HiLux ticks all the important boxes in terms of storage.

Move to the second row of the cabin and the HiLux GR Sport offers enough space for an adult to sit in the rear, meaning you won’t hear any complaints from kids seated back here.

It’s not the most spacious second row in the segment and headroom in the back is tight for taller adults, though it does offer enough space for family buyers with young ones sitting in the rear.

Amenities in the rear include a folding armrest with cupholders, door bins and air vents, though no options for USB charging in the HiLux’s second row.

For the parents out there, the HiLux GR Sport comes packaged with two pairs of ISOFIX anchors but just a single, solitary top tether mount.

How Big is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport’s Tray?

While it rides on a wider track, the GR Sport offers the same tray dimensions you’ll find in the rest of the dual-cab pickup range.

• Length: 1,569mm

• Width: 1,645mm

• Width between arches: 1,109mm

• Height: 470mm 

How Much Can the HiLux GR Sport Carry and Tow?

With all its extra kit, the HiLux GR Sport is the heaviest member of the HiLux range with its 2,270kg footprint.

This means that while it is the most powerful HiLux version, payload and gross vehicle mass figures are actually less than what you’d find in its siblings like the Rogue and SR5.

Why? All that added equipment and versatility comes at the cost of its payload and gross vehicle mass figures, effectively reducing your potential for moving tonnes of cargo.

That said, the HiLux GR Sport is still a damn capable workhorse - it’s just worth noting that its enhancements do come with some sacrifices to outright pulling power.

The HiLux GR Sport’s payload figures stand at 780kg, while the gross vehicle mass (GVM) figures total 3,050kg.

Braked towing capacities are rated at the 3,500kg benchmark for the dual-cab segment, though combine that with its 5,850kg gross combination mass (GCM) figures and you’re only left with around 80kg vacant weight if you’re maxing out its towing power.

• Toyota Hilux GR Sport Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Toyota Hilux GR Sport Payload: 780kg

• Toyota Hilux GR Sport Gross Combination Mass: 5,850kg

Is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Safe?

Toyota’s range-topping HiLux comes packed with a hefty list of active safety gear that makes it quite competitive, even against its more modern rivals.

The list includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and vehicle detection, lane-keep assist with lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.

You’ll also pick up a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors and seven airbags, including a full-length curtain airbag.

Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The HiLux GR Sport wears a five-star tick from ANCAP after testing in 2019 saw the HiLux score the following marks.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 96%

• Child Occupant Protection: 87%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 88%

• Safety Assist: 78%

What Warranty Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Come With?

Toyota offers the HiLux GR Sport with its five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

This five-year warranty can be extended to seven years for the driveline, specifically, when it’s serviced on-time and within the Toyota dealer servicing network.

Toyota offers capped-price servicing for the first six visits to the service centre which are priced between $245 - $290 per visit, or around $580 every year for the first three years of ownership.

Service intervals for the HiLux GR Sport sit at a relatively short six-months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Worth it?

While it’s not the most hardcore flagship ute on the market, the HiLux GR Sport is a mighty impressive package.

Thanks to a lengthy list of mechanical changes and a moderate bump in power and torque, it’s the most accomplished off-roader in the HiLux range and is competitively priced when compared to Ford’s flagship Ranger Raptor.

If you’re looking for the most accomplished, rugged and hardcore HiLux in the lineup, the GR Sport will not disappoint.

On that note, if you’re looking to upgrade to a new work ute or a family-friendly SUV, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who is ready to do all the legwork for your next purchase.

Five Toyota HiLux GR Sport Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Driveline warranty extends to seven years when serviced in-house

3. 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 165kW/550Nm

4. 3,500kg braked towing capacity, 780kg payload figures

5. Six-month/10,000-kilometre service intervals