Australia will welcome the flagship of the Toyota Hilux range in the form of the 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport that brings with it a raft of mechanical and visual upgrades over the rest of the range.

Chief among the upgrades include being the most powerful Hilux to date, with the 1GD 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine massaged to produce 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission which has been tuned to support the extra grunt.

The Hilux GR Sport incorporates input from Australian engineers and designers and comprehensive enhancements inside and out.

Part of this includes the sitting on the same “wide-track” platform as the Hilux Rogue, with a 15 mm increase in height and a track width increase of 135 mm front and 155 mm rear.

Also Read: Quick Review: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport - A gentle giant on the streets

Ride and handling is improved with a retuned front coil and rear leaf spring that’s further enhanced with KYB monotube shock absorbers featuring larger diameter pistons. Additionally, the rear sway bar has been removed to promote greater axle articulation and ground contact over uneven surfaces.

For maximum grip, the Hilux GR Sport is fitted with 265/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler AT tyres, wrapped on 17-inch Dakar style alloy wheels.

Also Read: Australia's Toyota Hilux GR Sport may get the same 2.8-litre turbodiesel, 204 PS and 500 Nm; to debut second half of 2023

To rein in all that extra power, disc brakes on all four corners help greatly improve stopping power, with four-piston fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear, all finished in red for a visual treat.

There’s no point in driving a Hilux GR Sport if everyone else isn’t aware and in that regard, enhanced visual elements are present throughout the vehicle, starting with a unique black mesh grille contrasted with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering and a GR badge.

Below that, a redesigned front bumper delivers an improved approach angle and features new fog lamp bezels and a silver lower moulding which sits above a uniquely developed skid plate for extra underbody protection.

Keeping the wheels tucked in are large black overfenders that feature aero ducts at the front to reduce turbulence in the arches.

Even fully laden, the underbody is protected by powder-coated heavy-duty rock rails made of 2mm thick steel. At the rear, red recovery points and a black rear bumper are paired with a pre-installed towbar, towball and trailer wiring harness to take on the outback.

On the inside, the Hilux GR Sport gets a rally-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel complete with paddle shifters, red centre stripe and GR logo. You’ll also find GR logos on the front sports seats upholstered in leather and suede, paired with grey stitching and red seat belts.

Completing the interior are aluminium pedals, a new ‘Technical Mesh’ dashboard ornamentation, a GR Sport shift lever and all-weather floor mats. For the audiophiles, the 9-speaker JBL premium audio system will be a delight.

For Australia, the Hilux GR Sport will be available and be reflective of the Gazoo Racing palette, Glacier White, Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black and Feverish Red.

Once launched next month, pricing will start from AUD 73,990 (~RM 224,000).