Bring on the Ranger, Australia unveils powerful 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport with 224 PS, 550 Nm!

Familiar name, yet not entirely the same recipe: the third permutation of the 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is by far, the baddest one yet, diverging from the models trading under the same name in Thailand and Japan.

Australia's one is a proper GR, equipped with more power, wider tracks, tuned suspension, and bigger brakes. The ones for the Asian market are just visually done-up, and possess no performance updates beyond retuned suspension.

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

A co-development effort between Toyota Australia, Latin America, Thailand, and Japan, this 'halo variant' of the Hilux range is also Australia's most powerful to date – 224 PS and 550 Nm is coaxed out of the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV diesel mill (10 per cent higher over regular variants), courtesy of revised turbocharging and fuel-injection controls.

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In addition, the 6-speed automatic transmission benefits from sportier tuning too, aided by new paddle shifters behind the tiller.

The wide bodykit isn't just for show either as it's necessary to accommodate the wider tracks – extended 140 mm front, 155 mm rear – and there's also redesigned wishbones, along with a reinforced rear axle to go with uprated shock absorbers.

Also read: Hydrogen-fuelled Toyota Hilux FCEV begins development; driveable prototype ready in 2023

New 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in all-terrain tyres, add to its off-road résumé just as much as the skid plates, rock rails, and increased approach angle and higher ground clearance do.

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GR's signature red-on-black theme spruces the cabin, with the hardy black theme set off by metallic sports pedals, as well as red seatbelts. Like spiders in your typical Australian household, the GR monogram is peppered everywhere; on the steering wheel, headrests, and even on the tub-liner.

The 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is bound to hit Australian showrooms in the second half of 2023. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Closer to home, this big boy might join Toyota Thailand's line-up as it's been spotted there a couple of times. Word on the grapevine says that Malaysia could be looking to add a Hilux GR Sport to the range as well, but time will tell which one we'll get.

Also read: Toyota was nearly kicked out of Thailand, yet 60 years on and the Hilux is now their 'national car', how?