Closer look: Thailand's 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport

The 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is the newest addition to the range of GR offerings in Thailand. 

In addition to aesthetic bits, the Hilux GR Sport also gets updates under the skin, so let’s take a closer look.

The Hilux GR Sport was launched in Thailand just under a month ago and is offered in two variants, the (4x2) Lo-Floor and (4x4) Hilux Revo.

Also read: Thais' 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport rocks Land Cruiser grille, better suspension and more kit!

Prices start at THB 889,000 (∼RM 111k) for the 4x2 and rise to THB 1.29 million (∼RM 163k) for the 4x4 variant.

Exterior - Bolder looks

The Hilux GR Sport is offered in three colours including two highlight colours - White Pearl Crystal and Emotional Red II.

The front bumper and grille fascia bears much resemblance to the Revo Rocco (Rogue as we know it), however, the GR Sport receives the “Toyota” script nestled within the grille instead of a logo. 

As opposed to the Revo Rocco, the GR Sport package highlights certain trim elements of the front grille, foglamp garnish, side mirrors and parts of the overfenders in contrasting piano black finish. 

Along the flanks, the GR Sport features thicker wheel arch overfenders for an aggressive stance. Further down the Hilux GR Sport features new 18-inch alloy wheels, and red GR brake callipers at the front.  

As we move towards the rear, the Hilux GR Sport gains a sports bar and rear bumper that is finished in gloss black.

The GR Sport package adds subtle badging on the front grille, rear tailgate, and vinyl graphics.

Interior - Driver focussed and sporty looking

On the inside, the cabin space has been spiced up to give the GR Sport an overall sporty and driver-focused feel.

The seats are upholstered all-black perforated suede and red synthetic leather highlights with red contrast stitching.

Red contrast stitching continues on the steering wheel, which is additionally complemented with a red strip at the 12 o’clock position. Lower down, the Hilux GR Sport features a sport pedal set.

GR badging is peppered across the interior. In addition to startup graphics on the instrument cluster, GR badges are also found on the base of the steering wheel, start/stop button and headrests.

Also read: Toyota GR Hilux trademarked, Malaysia debut likely?

Even the key has a GR badge.

Powertrain - Building on a proven package

Under the hood, there are no changes to the 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder, which generates 204 PS and 500 Nm.

Power is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifters.

Perhaps the biggest update of the GR Sport is a set of upgraded monotube shock absorbers which is claimed to improve the overall handling and stability of the pickup.

Safety - unique additions to ADAS suite

Reserved only for the 4x4 Hilux GR Sport is a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) which include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSM, RCTA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

Conclusion 

At its price, the Hilux GR Sport is more expensive than all its immediate rivals such as the Ford Ranger Wildtrak (THB 1.26 million) and Mitsubishi Triton Athlete (at THB 1.16 million). 

The GR Sport package alone adds a premium of over THB 32,100 (∼ RM4,000) to the already well-specified Hilux Revo Rocco.

However, the overall package manages to create a rather unique product, that with the added value of the GR badge gives it superb appeal for both brand loyalists and lifestyle buyers.

Also read: 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport arriving in Japan in October – Will Malaysia get it?