The Toyota Hilux pickup is getting a sports version inspired by its performance in the Dakar Rally, with the GR Sport model.
Featuring an updated sporting design, upgraded interior and revised suspension, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport will offer a more road-focussed driving dynamic than the regular pickup. Dedicated suspension enhancements promise to deliver a more rewarding driving experience, with increased control, responsiveness and grip feel, while a series of exclusive exterior and interior design features reinforce the vehicle’s appeal.
“The Toyota Hilux has a legendary reputation for toughness and reliability. This is true not only for our race car, but also for the production models, including the GR Sport,” explains Nasser Al-Attiyah, Toyota Gazoo Racing’s driver, multiple World Cross-Country Rally champion and three-times Dakar winner.
“This new model, which was inspired by our iconic Dakar race cars, brings new levels of driving experience both on-road and when going off-road. It truly encapsulates the spirit of our race cars, bringing a part of Dakar to buyers all over the world.”
Toyota Hilux GR Sport: Uprated Suspension
The current Hilux pickup already features improved suspension over the previous model, as we found during our road test of the Invincible model. The GR Sport takes things further, with the introduction of new monotube shock absorbers and new front springs being a key part of the improvements.
The monotube design creates a larger piston area to give better damping performance, with faster response and better heat dissipation. It also helps maintain the performance quality of the oil inside the unit when driving in tough conditions. The front coil springs have also been stiffened.
Compared to the standard Hilux, Toyota says that these changes deliver significant improvements in handling characteristics, including steering effort and steering angle response, straight-line performance, a flat ride and reassuring roll and rear grip feel.
The updated suspension also contributes to improved ride comfort; it’s said to respond more quickly to those small ripples on the road surface, while increased damping helps to control body movement leading to a more stable experience.
For those taking the Hilux GR Sport off-road, an automatic limited-slip differential and ‘Active Traction Control’ are fitted.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport: Sports Styling
A black front grille with a unique ‘G’ pattern mesh and prominent horizontal bar embossed with the classic Toyota logo sets the Hilux GR Sport apart from the regular models in the range.
Larger front fog light surrounds amplify the front end effect, while 17-inch alloy wheels with a contrast black and machined finish toughen up the stance. Black door mirror casings, side steps, over-fenders and tailgate handle complete the dark highlights, while rugged all-terrain tyres hint at its all-around performance.
One bit of colour has been added; the new shock absorbers and springs are painted in bright red, standing out against the dark shading of the GR Sport.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport: Interior Updates
New sports seats in the front combine black leather with synthetic suede, topped with red perforations and contrast stitching. There’s some GR Sport branding in the seatbacks, carpet mats, starter button and the information display animation graphic, just to remind you what you’re driving.
The driver gets steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the automatic gearbox for manual shift selection, and aluminium pedals to add to the sporting sensation. Carbon fibre-style trim inserts, a red deco line across the width of the instrument panel and blue door panel illumination complete the aesthetic.
Specification levels will mirror those of the Invincible X, so expect LED headlights, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning and hill descent control amongst other items. The GR Sport will still have the JBL sound system that’s being dropped from the Invincible X model.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport: Untouched Engine
Toyota is fitting the popular 2.8-litre diesel engine in the GR Sport, an engine that’s shared with the Invincible and Invincible X models. With 204hp available alongside 500Nm of torque, performance is strong but a fair way short of a dedicated performance model.
A six-speed automatic gearbox is paired to the engine; a manual gearbox option is not expected to be offered.
As there are few mechanical changes, the 3.5-tonne towing ability remains, as does the one-tonne payload ensuring business users will be able to reclaim the VAT element.
The Hilux GR Sport Toyota Hilux GR Sport: Pricing and Availability
The Hilux GR Sport will be available from UK dealers in the summer of 2022, in Double Cab versions only, priced at £37,551 plus VAT. The Invincible X model currently costs £34,384 plus VAT, leaving the GR Sport with a £3,167 uplift.
- Farizon SV electric van to gain faster charging and four-wheel drive
- Geely Farizon admits European expansion will be ‘extremely challenging’
- Electric Van Man plugs market gap with UK’s first dedicated used electric van dealership
- Stellantis sets 2029 date for next-generation large van
- Ford puts Transit City to work with new chassis cab
- Farizon SV electric van to gain faster charging and four-wheel drive - 18 September 2026
- Geely Farizon admits European expansion will be ‘extremely challenging’ - 18 September 2026
- Electric Van Man plugs market gap with UK’s first dedicated used electric van dealership - 17 September 2026