2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport Review

With no shortage of options in the HiLux range, the GR Sport stands out with its aggressive, muscular styling, a range of off-road performance tweaks, more power from its turbo-diesel beating heart and some upgrades to the cabin.

The HiLux GR Sport takes the fight to its other halo dual-cab ute rivals that provide outlandish off-road abilities for the masses while remaining well-mannered enough to double as a family chariot.

The HiLux in its current form has been around since 2015, which means it’s getting a little long in the tooth compared to some of its major rivals in the segment, especially when you peek inside the cabin.

The questions we’re aiming to answer are whether or not the HiLux GR Sport is a package for hardcore off-road enthusiasts only, does its performance on and off the road justify its price tag and put simply, is the platform too old to be competitive in 2025?

We got behind the wheel of the latest MY25 range to find out.

Toyota HiLux GR Sport Competition

How Much Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Cost?

The MY25 HiLx GR Sport is offered in a single variant priced at $74,310 before on-road costs.

This puts it at a $2,780 premium over its closest variant, the HiLux Rogue, which picks up many of the hardcore, off-road modifications that the GR Sport comes packing.

• MY25 HiLux GR Sport - $74,310 (tested)

• MY25 HiLux Rogue 48V - $71,530

• MY25 HiLux SR5 48V - $63,260

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, you could save thousands on your next car with the help of our team of car-buying specialists.

Toyota HiLux GR Sport Specifications

What Features Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Have?

The HiLux GR Sport sits at the top of the lineup and receives a long list of features to assert itself as the best-equipped and most capable member of the range.

The list of GR Sport-specific features is headlined by a set of 17-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain tyres, upgraded front & rear KYB monotube shock absorbers, revised front & rear springs, a protective bash plate, a bespoke front grille design with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering, black wheel arches, a set of side rock sliders, rear recovery points and a unique GR Sport tub liner.

You also pick up the most powerful tune for Toyota’s trusty 2.8-litre turbo-diesel unit, offering 15kW / 50Nm more than you’ll find in the regular HiLux 2.8 4x4 range.

Inside, there is a range of special touches reserved for the GR Sport, like a mix of leather and suede upholstery for the seats, a GR Sport steering wheel and gear lever, wheel-mounted paddle shifters, aluminium pedals, leather accents for the door surrounds and some sporty red seat belts.

The GR Sport also picks up the most important features you’ll find in lesser grades, which means there’s a track width extension, a 15mm ground clearance increase, front & rear disc brakes, a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, LED head & tail lights and more.

Toyota HiLux GR Sport Connectivity & Infotainment Features

One of the weakest selling points of the HiLux GR Sport is the underwhelming, extremely dated infotainment tech on offer.

Toyota makes no effort in hiding that infotainment tech is not a priority for the HiLux GR Sport.

Granted, this may not even blip the radar for some of its core audience, though it’s worth considering if technology is a key concern of yours for your next ute purchase.

Despite its position at the top of the HiLux pile, the GR Sport picks up the same 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system you’ll find across the range, even the Workmate base model.

It’s a unit that pre-dates the Pyramids of Giza and certainly leaves a lot to be desired when going head-to-head with something like the Ford Ranger’s infotainment tech, though it gets the job done and remains particularly user-friendly to operate thanks to a set of physical shortcuts surrounding the display.

In bright sun, things can look a little bit cloudy and the 8.0-inch unit certainly doesn’t offer much in the way of crisp graphics, but it does come packing AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and comes paired with a great nine-speaker sound system from JBL that helps to sweeten the deal.

The menus have been re-skinned with a red theme to accompany the GR Sport branding and, in this case, the Feverish Red exterior paint, but they will appear almost comical to enthusiasts of the latest in-car tech.

Somewhat surprisingly, the GR Sport comes packaged with Toyota’s connected services suite, which offers remote vehicle diagnostics and controls, location tracking, and emergency calls; buyers pick up a three-year subscription to Toyota Connected Services from their collection date.

Does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

It should come as no surprise that with its ageing infotainment system, the HiLux GR Sport does not offer any wireless smartphone connectivity for iOS and Android owners.

That said, the HiLux’s 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system does come packing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so long as you bring a USB-A cable to the party.

Having a physical connection might be a slight inconvenience for some, though it does, at least, offer an immediate connection to your phone, with no noticeable drop-outs in connection after a week of using Apple CarPlay.

Is the HiLux GR Sport Comfortable to Drive Around Town?

With the HiLux GR Sport, Toyota set out to create the most capable off-road package, which has limited its everyday appeal with a wide range of buyers, due to some of the compromises that arise from this hardcore approach.

Before we get to that, let’s take a look at what’s lurking beneath the bonnet, because GR Sport buyers pick up some mechanical changes to the engine, making this the most potent HiLux version on the market.

The HiLux GR Sport comes powered by a revised version of Toyota’s trusty 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel which now produces an extra 15kW / 50Nm,  translating to a total of 165kW of power and 550Nm worth of torque.

Power is thrown to either the rear or all-four wheels via a revised six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system.

Taking off from a standstill, the 10% extra power and torque doesn’t transform the GR Sport’s acceleration, though the difference is certainly noticeable - particularly in the mid range when the ‘power’ mode is engaged over the fuel-conscious eco mode.

In terms of the transmission, we were surprised to find some particularly sharp jolts between upshifts, particularly on a cold start, though the six-speed auto behaves itself the majority of the time and offers some pretty snappy shifts.

Around town, the GR Sport is reasonably well-behaved, though it can’t hide its tough-as-bricks construction and off-road hardware that may prove tiresome for some drivers on the daily grind.

The wider track - and subsequent large turning circle - combined with the hydraulic power steering means that the GR Sport is a bit of a chore to pilot through a crowded car park, leaving those behind the wheel with an incredibly heavy steering rack to throw around when parking.

The trade-off here is that at higher speeds, the steering feel is actually spot-on and allows you to feel exactly what the front axle is up to when you’re on the road or tackling off-road trails.

As per usual for the ladder-frame dual-cab ute segment, the ride quality in the HiLux GR Sport is incredibly firm when it’s unloaded with cargo, though the KYB shock absorbers and smaller 17-inch wheels certainly help.

In fact, the GR Sport is perhaps the best-riding package in the HiLux dual-cab stable thanks to the hardware upgrades, but it still manages to find even the most minute road imperfections and transmit frequent jittery moments throughout the cabin.

On the open road, the GR Sport’s track width extension offers a more planted feel on the tarmac while the added power from the turbo-diesel beating heart gives it an all-conquering vibe behind the wheel.

Is the HiLux GR Sport a Great Off-Roader?

It absolutely is, with Toyota pulling no punches in making it the most accomplished off-road version of the HiLux we’ve seen to date.

While the regular HiLux 4x4 range is no slouch off-road, the GR Sport takes things to another level thanks to a range of key upgrades shared with the HiLux Rogue range and some specialised GR Sport-specific features.

The track width has been extended by 135mm at the front and 155mm at the rear, while ground clearance has risen by 15mm, all of which is a configuration you can pick up in the more affordable HiLux Rogue.

• Ground Clearance: 265mm

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angle: 30.0 degrees

• Departure Angle: 23.0 degrees

• Front Track Width: 1,670mm (+135mm)

• Rear Track Width: 1,705mm (+155mm)

There is a tonne of space inside the wheel arches - particularly at the rear - to accommodate massive levels of wheel articulation, especially with Toyota doing away with the rear sway bar for even more movement while you're tackling deep tracks or rocky terrain.

There’s also a set of front & rear springs accompanied by upgraded KYB shocks that, combined with 550Nm of torque, a low-range transfer case and a locking rear differential, make light work of even the gnarliest of terrain formations and gives the HiLux GR Sport immense confidence when the going gets tough.

Is the HiLux GR Sport Fuel Efficient?

Not particularly - Toyota has a range of 48-volt, mild-hybrid versions of the HiLux if you’re looking for some minor fuel efficiency gains.

Instead, the GR Sport’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel unit has received a tune focused on increasing its power and torque outputs, which has come with some fuel efficiency burdens, but not to a major extent.

Toyota says that the HiLux GR Sport range is rated at 8.1L per 100km on the combined cycle.

During our week behind the wheel, we covered north of 900 kilometres worth of town, country and some off-roading excursions and returned combined cycle figures of 8.9L per 100km.

With a well-behaved right foot, we’re pretty confident that you could get pretty close to Toyota’s official figures.

• HiLux GR Sport City Fuel Consumption: 9.2L per 100km

• HiLux GR Sport Highway Fuel Consumption: 7.5L per 100km

• HiLux GR Sport Combined Cycle Fuel Consumption: 8.1L per 100km (claimed)

• HiLux GR Sport Combined Cycle Fuel Consumption: 8.9L per 100km (tested)

Is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Practical and Spacious?

The layout of Toyota’s dual-cab hero is unchanged from the regular dual-cab lineup, though buyers pick up a hefty list of special touches inside the cabin.

Climb aboard and first impressions of the GR Sport’s cabin are a little underwhelming considering the aggressive pricing.

It feels pretty dated, even a little underwhelming, especially when you consider some of its flashy, more contemporary rivals, with Toyota sticking with an almost uncompromising utilitarian approach.

There’s no hiding the fact Toyota has stuck with the ‘if it ain’t broken, why fix it’ approach to the GR Sport’s cabin, in fact, all HiLuxes for the past five or so years, as their cabins tire out compared to their updated rivals.

Climb aboard and you’re greeted with a pair of leather and suede upholstered bucket seats with some sporty side bolstering, which are spot-on for comfort and support and definitely add some flamboyance when coupled with the red seat belts.

There’s also a unique GR steering wheel with a red centre marker - in case you plan on throwing the tail into some mega drifts - and special trim inserts that signify the GR Sport’s position at the top of the range.

The cockpit offers excellent headroom for tall adults and solid marks awarded for ergonomics thanks to the adjustable driving position, reach and rake-adjustment in the steering wheel and soft finishes for the most important touch points.

Toyota’s old-school approach continues below the 8.0-inch display, with easily-accessible physical controls for the climate settings, seat heaters and the locking centre differential and hill descent controls.

Below the dashboard you’ll find a pair of cupholders flanked by another storage area that doubles as a wireless phone charger and a pretty average centre console arrangement with a mass of cheap-looking plastic, eco and power buttons and a handbrake lever.

Peek inside the folding armrest and there’s a decent amount of space inside which, combined with the two gloveboxes positioned in front of the passenger’s seat and the tradie-favourite pop-out cupholders below the air vents, makes things pretty practical in the front of the HiLux.

Move to the rear and things are pretty basic, though the seats get the same lovely leather and suede treatment.

Headroom isn’t an issue for adults in the rear of the cabin, and, in our driving position, we were able to sit in the second row without an issue even with the slightly raised second row seating layout.

It’s not the most spacious dual-cab ute on the market, but it’s not the smallest, either.

Amenities are particularly scarce, though, with just a set of air vents, map pockets, a pair of coat hooks and a folding armrest with cupholders rounding out the GR Sport’s somewhat spartan rear cabin.

Three adults in the rear is a bit of a pinch, though kids won’t be complaining back here while parents pick up two ISOFIX anchors and easily accessible top tether mounts for a range of forward and rear-facing child seats.

The base of the HiLux’s second row bench can also fold up to allow for bulky items to be stored safely inside.

All up, things are reasonably practical for the dual-cab segment and while the GR Sport doesn’t feel anywhere near as modern as some key rivals, it does at least offer some bespoke, special touches for those lashing out on the range-topper.

How Big is the HiLux GR Sport’s Tray?

The range-topping HiLux picks up a bespoke ‘GR Sport’ branded tub liner and the same tray dimensions you’ll find in the regular HiLux dual-cab range, which means it doesn’t shy away from cargo-ferrying tasks.

The tray picks up a little GR Sport-branded plaque as well as four tie-down hooks to help secure loose cargo.

Dimensions of the MY25 HiLux GR Sport’s rear tray can be found below.

• HiLux GR Sport Tray Length: 1,569mm

• HiLux GR Sport Tray Width: 1,645mm

• HiLux GR Sport Tray Width Between Arches: 1,109mm

• HiLux GR Sport Tray Depth: 470mm

How Much Can the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Carry & Tow?

The process of making this the most confident and capable HiLux off-road has come with some sacrifices to its payload figures, though it remains a pretty solid contender for the ‘halo’ dual-cab segment.

While the HiLux GR Sport hits benchmark braked towing figures of 3.5 tonnes, factor in the limiting GCM figures you’re left with an extremely fine margin for your passengers, gear and any aftermarket accessories you’re fitting.

For example, a GR Sport towing a 3,500kg trailer has just 80kg worth of payload left over.

• HiLux GR Sport Payload: 780kg

• HiLux GR Sport Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• HiLux GR Sport Gross Vehicle Mass: 3,050kg

• HiLux GR Sport Gross Combination Mass: 5,850kg

• HiLux GR Sport Kerb Weight: 2,270kg

Is it Safe?

Unlike the infotainment tech, the HiLux GR Sport comes packing a pretty decent list of safety equipment to keep modern buyers appeased.

Buyers pick up everything from autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assistance, a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, brake-based lane assistance and traffic sign detection.

While a welcome addition, we found the surround-view monitor to be of particularly poor quality, rivaling that of a potato.

Toyota’s brake-based lane-keep assistance can also be a little unpredictable on country roads and at times, unnecessarily hit the anchors on a curve.

Overall, though, it’s nice to see that Toyota has maintained a healthy list of active safety tech with the GR Sport.

While the rest of the Toyota HiLux range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2019, GR Sport variants remain unrated.

What Warranty does the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Come With?

Toyota offers the HiLux GR Sport with its five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

This warranty offers an additional two years of protection for the engine and driveline when you keep it serviced on time and within the dealer network.

Capped-price servicing plans are available for up to three years, priced at $305 per visit to the service centre.

The relatively short six-month, 10,000-kilometre service intervals mean, however, that you’ll be dropping down to the service centre twice a year, with annual servicing costs sitting at $610 or a total of $1,830 over three years.

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota HiLux GR Sport Worth it?

It’s the ultimate HiLux, and for many buyers, that will be reason enough to splurge out on the GR Sport.

The true allure of the HiLux GR Sport depends on the buyer and comes down to the simple matter of just how hard they intend to push it to its limits.

For buyers tackling the urban jungle, there are a number of far more refined options out there.

For buyers planning on hammering their way up a series of off-road trails or tackling a haul through the Outback, the HiLux GR Sport really begins to shine.

In many respects, it’s an unapologetic package that can be a bit rude on the road, though the moment you put its nose in the dirt, the GR Sport feels nearly bullet-proof and inspires some serious confidence in the tough stuff.

While it certainly doesn’t come cheap, Toyota has thrown in a hefty list of kit into the GR Sport, mostly in the form of tangible, off-road-focused mechanical upgrades that are likely to be celebrated by core buyers over mere superficialities inside the cabin.

It’s certainly the most hardcore version of the HiLux and that alone will be more than enough for some buyers to sign up to Toyota’s halo version.

Don’t forget that our team of car-buying experts is waiting on hand to help find you the best possible price on your next car… reach out now!

Five Toyota GR Sport Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (can extend to seven years for driveline)

2. 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 165kW / 550Nm

3. Six-speed automatic with low-range transfer case and locking rear differential

4. 780kg payload figures, 3,500kg braked towing capacity

5. 8.1L per 100km combined cycle fuel economy