Beep.
As usual with using a highway in Malaysia, I had to wave goodbye to some money.
Out of the toll booth and gently merging into the long, clear stretch along the WCE at 70km/h, I prod the throttle. Without breaking a sweat, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport surges ahead with a confident diesel hum, happy to work within the limited rev range of its diesel power plant.
Before I can say ‘20 hp and 50 Nm more for 2024‘, passenger cars in the right lane were moving aside when they saw ‘ATOYOT’ in their rearview mirrors, a quick check of the speedo shows that I’m cruising way above the national speed limit…
| Engine | 2.8-litre turbodiesel inline-4 |
| Maximum power output | 224 hp |
| Maximum torque | 550 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Part-time 4WD |
| Price | RM169,080 |
Toyota Hilux GR Sport exterior: Substance now comes with more form
Robustness and reliability are two distinct concepts, and the overlap between them is precisely where most pickup truck makers want to be at. Over the years, the Toyota Hilux has arguably become synonymous with both qualities, as proven by the rigorous use—and sometimes abuse—from its owners.`
The Hilux might fulfill its calling as a workhorse, but it has rarely been praised for its looks. While design might traditionally take a backseat when one considers a truck, competitors like the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton have demonstrated that it’s possible to carry goods and still look distinctive, if not good.
With the brand emblazoned across the grille, the Hilux GR Sport shows its aesthetic aspirations by sharing this design with its stylish parallel-imported cousin, the FJ Cruiser, and a few high-end variants of the legendary Land Cruiser.
Though the truck bears the GR emblem, Toyota’s performance division nameplate, it doesn’t look as aggressive as the top dog in this segment, the Ford Ranger Raptor. Considering the price difference, it’s not an even match, and Toyota has the Hilux GR Sport Wide Tread (not available in Malaysia) to fend off the mighty Ford.
A fairer comparison for the Hilux GR Sport would be with the Ranger WildTrak, and at a stretch, the Ranger StormTrak and Platinum. These models stand out with their substantial 20-inch wheels, which contributes to a more dominant stance. The GR Sport looks relatively underwhelming with its 18-inch wheels, but remember, these smaller wheels have an extra 50 Nm to put on the road…
Toyota Hilux GR Sport performance: Capable highway cruiser
After its power bump last year, the 2.8-litre engine pumps out 224 hp and 550 Nm, the highest among its diesel-powered competitors. For context, the fire-breathing Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 Coupe makes just 30 Nm more at 580 Nm.
This translates to a very linear power delivery in town and on highways because the Hilux GR Sport pulls 110-160 km/h as effortlessly as 40-90 km/h, it’s advisable to keep an eye on the speedo at all times. The diesel clatter, though noticeable, doesn’t sound stressed at all when shifting its 2.1-tonne kerb weight.
With so much torque available, I found myself taking the truck on the road more than off it. The road-biased Highway Terrain tyres and monotube suspension contributed to pretty great road manners as well, while it’s not SUV-comfy, it feels stable and planted at high speeds.
The adaptive cruise control makes driving on the highway pretty enjoyable too, it adapts its speed to the car in front in a smooth and unobstructive manner, you can safely trust the substantial torque to accelerate to the preset speed once the car in front moves over (which happened quite a few times during the review). It’s a pity its adaptive capability is not available in start-stop traffic due to the mechanical parking brake.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport Interior: The GR touch is nice, but could be more
Slide into the Hilux GR Sport, and it’s clear that the seats have upped the premium feel inside the cabin. Well-sculpted with a good mix of materials, it’s as good to look as it is to be sat on. The inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto contributes to the overall interior experience too.
Now, about that red stripe on the steering wheel – of course, it’s to remind you of the truck’s sporting intentions rather than to indicate the steering position (the instrument cluster shows you that anyway). It’s meaty to hold and comes with a nice heft when you’re turning it, but it still lacks a bit of precision, but that’s to be expected, it’s a pickup truck.
A glaring detail in a relatively premium interior is a full panel of blank buttons near the driver’s door. While I’m not a product planner who can justify the financial strategy behind excluding equipment, it serves as a reminder that this truck could offer more.
Verdict: Is this the truck for you?
If you’re the type who wants to get around town in a hurry without slowing down for potholes, chances are you’re looking for (or already have) a pickup truck as a daily ride. If you are the pragmatic type who values reliability and residuals, a few other options in the market come close to the Hilux GR Sport.
Photography by Hazim
GALLERY
