Toyota HiLux GR Sport 2023 Review

What is the HiLux GR Sport like

September 25, 2023 Rob Fraser 4WD Dual Cab Ute Guide, Motoring Minute, Reviews, Toyota Comments Off on Toyota HiLux GR Sport 2023 Review

Toyota HiLux GR Sport – I recently went to the launch of the Toyota HiLux GR Sport 4wd Ute.

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport I already had a few chats about the new model adds to the HiLux range and written a few articles, so today I want to chat about how it drives.

There are three things that you immediately notice.

The first are the external changes, wider track, lifted suspension, better approach angles etc.

These second is that once you hop in and drive, the tightness of the suspension. It soaks up the little road bumps while feeling more in tune with road conditions. It also has more articulation and rebound dampening.

The third is the engine. That’s something you feel.

The extra power and torque, some 10% improvement, is immediately felt. Its how the HiLux should be. More responsive, more engaging more effective.

I drove the GR Sport over forest trails, rutted tracks and a specialised 4WD track run by the Canobolas 4WD Club. Throughout it all the GR Sport made it all look effortless.

Priced from a touch under $74.000 plus the usual costs the GR Sport is the best HiLux built so far.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport. Filmed on a closed circuit under controlled conditions. Fresh water crossing shown.

Everything you need to know about the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, and more driving impressions,  can be FOUND HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE HILUX GR SPORT RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport. Filmed on a closed circuit under controlled conditions. Fresh water crossing shown.

What is good?

  • 4WD and towing ability
  • Engine upgrades to power and torque
  • Improved ride and handling and increased ground clearance

What is not so good?

  • Interior is dated.
  • No wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Wheels and tyres look small in the wheel arches

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport

Some more HiLux articles  

Also look at:

Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market and everyone is aiming upmarket

Buyers could look at Ford Ranger Wildtrak,  Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 Thunder.

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport_Frosted White with Black Roof

Toyota HiLux

Model

HiLux GR Sport

Model Price$73,990 MLP*
Engine2.8L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5
Drivetrain6 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD
Power165kW @ 3,000rpm
Torque550Nm @ 1600-2800rpm
SafetyFive star ANCAP (tested July 2019)
0-100kmh / Top SpeedTBA / 175km/h
CO2 Emissions213 g/km
Economy ADR8.1L/100km / 80L capacity
Economy on testN/A
Max Range1000km plus.
Servicing6Mth / 10,000km Capped Price
Warranty5yr/ Unlimited km
Road side Assist5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport_Feverish Red with Black Roof

Overall Rating    

86/100

Behind the Wheel8
Comfort9
Equipment8
Performance9
Ride and Handling9
Practicality8
Fit for Purpose9
AWD/Towing Capability*10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5 )
Technology/connectivity8
Value for Money8

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport exterior adittions 1

Dimensions GR Sport

 
Overall Length5320mm
Wheelbase3085mm
Width2020mm
Height1880mm
Wheels17×7.0 Alloy
Tyres265/65 R17 Bridgestone Dueller AT
Spare TyreFull size alloy with tyre as above
Max ground clearanceUp to 265mm
Wading Depth800mm
Approach30 degrees
Rampover26 degrees
Departure angle23 degrees
Steering typeRack and pinion hydraulic power steering
Turning Circle KTK12.6m
Tub Length1520mm
Tub width arches1085mm
Tub Depth475mm
Kerb Weight2270kg
Payload (kg)780kg
GVM (kg)3050kg
GCM5850kg
Towing Capacity3500kg
Tow Ball rating350kg

2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport. Filmed on a closed circuit under controlled conditions. Fresh water crossing shown.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Motoring Minute is also part of the Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

  • 8.6/10
    Overall Rating - 8.6/10
8.6/10

Summary

Toyota HiLux GR Sport – I recently went to the launch of the Toyota HiLux GR Sport 4wd Ute. Today lets chat about how it drives.

About Rob Fraser 2492 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.
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