2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport:The Australian ute market has always been fiercely competitive, but few vehicles command the respect and loyalty that the Toyota HiLux has earned over its decades-long presence Down Under.
For 2025, Toyota has elevated their flagship offering with the HiLux GR Sport, a vehicle that represents the pinnacle of what this legendary nameplate can achieve.
This isn’t simply another trim level with some cosmetic upgrades—it’s a comprehensive reimagining of what a modern pickup truck should be when engineering prowess meets real-world demands.
Standing in the driveway, the 2025 HiLux GR Sport immediately announces its intentions.
This is a vehicle that has been shaped by Toyota’s motorsport DNA, drawing inspiration from the brand’s dominant Dakar Rally campaigns while remaining thoroughly practical for everyday use.
The result is a pickup truck that bridges the gap between hardcore off-road capability and daily usability in a way that few competitors can match.
A Design Language Born from Desert Racing
The visual transformation of the HiLux GR Sport extends far beyond surface-level aesthetics. Every design element serves a purpose, reflecting the input from Toyota Australia’s engineering team who worked closely with the Gazoo Racing division to create something genuinely special.
The front fascia immediately catches your attention with its aggressive stance and purposeful lines. The upright TOYOTA alphabet grille isn’t just about making a statement—it’s engineered to optimize airflow to the engine’s cooling system during extended off-road adventures.
The front bumper design represents a masterclass in functional styling. The approach angle is steeper to allow this Hilux to go over obstacles without snagging on anything. At the same time, it’s loaded with skid plates to prevent underbody damage. This attention to real-world off-road requirements shows throughout the vehicle’s design philosophy.
Perhaps the most striking visual element is the vehicle’s dramatically widened stance. The second GR SPORT model edition features an increase in tread, the lateral distance between the wheels, which is expanded by 140 mm at the front and 155 mm at the rear compared to the standard Toyota Hilux.
This isn’t just for show—the wider track fundamentally changes how the vehicle behaves both on and off the tarmac, providing enhanced stability and improved handling characteristics that you can feel immediately behind the wheel.
The signature Gloss Black 17-inch alloy wheels deserve special mention, not just for their striking appearance but for their engineering. They contribute to performance too; a large rim area reduces aerodynamic drag while an ultra-efficient central spoke trims wheel weight.
Wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, these wheels provide the perfect balance between on-road refinement and off-road capability.
The GR Sport’s aesthetic enhancements extend to thoughtful details that reinforce its motorsport heritage. That striking look is emphasised by new 17-inch black alloy wheels, delivering impressive aesthetics combined with eye-catching red brake callipers.
These visual cues aren’t merely decorative—they hint at the substantial mechanical upgrades lying beneath the surface.
Heart of a Champion: Enhanced Powertrain Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 HiLux GR Sport houses what might be the most significant upgrade in the vehicle’s transformation. The familiar 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been substantially enhanced, receiving what Toyota describes as a comprehensive retune that delivers meaningful performance improvements across the board.
Compared to the other HiLux turbo-diesel variants, however, the GR Sport’s power and torque figures have been boosted by 15kW and 50Nm, thanks to ECU tuning, bringing outputs to 165kW and 550Nm.
These numbers represent a ten percent increase over the standard HiLux variants, but the real-world impact feels more substantial than the figures might suggest.
The engine’s character has been transformed alongside its performance capabilities. The standard 2.8-litre engine tune is quite good already, but the extra power and torque in combination with the transmission retune makes a world of difference to how the HiLux performs on-road.
This enhanced responsiveness becomes particularly noticeable during acceleration from standstill and when tackling challenging terrain where immediate torque delivery can make the difference between success and getting stuck.
The six-speed automatic transmission hasn’t been overlooked in this performance upgrade. The six-speed automatic transmission is also recalibrated to take advantage of the higher outputs. This recalibration results in more aggressive shift patterns when needed, while still maintaining the smooth operation that makes the GR Sport suitable for daily driving duties.
One of the most appreciated additions to the GR Sport is the inclusion of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. I like the fact the HiLux GR Sport has steering wheel paddle shifters because they allow you to take direct control over the gears. No other HiLux variant has these.
This feature proves particularly valuable when towing heavy loads or navigating challenging off-road sections where precise control over gear selection can be crucial.
The performance improvements aren’t just theoretical—they translate into measurable real-world benefits. In fact, despite the larger Dueler All-Terrain tyres, we clocked the 0-100km/h sprint at just 9.94 seconds whilst in the wet.
That’s made more impressive when you consider the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X did the same sprint to 100km/h in 12.71 seconds with its bi-turbo 4 cylinder in the dry. These numbers demonstrate that the GR Sport’s enhanced powertrain delivers tangible benefits that drivers will notice every day.
Interior Refinement Meets Motorsport DNA
Stepping inside the 2025 HiLux GR Sport reveals a cabin that successfully balances rugged functionality with premium appointments. While the basic architecture remains familiar to HiLux owners, the GR Sport treatment brings numerous enhancements that elevate the daily driving experience.
The Hilux GR SPORT II forceful sense of purpose is mirrored within the cabin, where the pick-up’s DNA as an authentic performer with sporting heritage is underlined.
A black, monochrome theme creates a stylish feel and is accompanied by bold red accents, such as the contrasting red seat belts, to emphasise the motorsport passion behind the GR SPORT identity.
The seating represents a significant upgrade over standard HiLux variants. Black suede and leather sport seats, with silver stitching and perforation, elevate the interior appearance and provide exceptional comfort as well as a better grip, minimising sliding when the occupants experience higher lateral forces.
These seats aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re designed to provide proper support during spirited driving or when traversing rough terrain.
Technology integration has been thoughtfully implemented throughout the cabin. 8.0-Inch Touchscreen Media System: Redesigned with a cleaner, smartphone-style layout and red graphics unique to the GR Sport.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard for seamless smartphone integration. JBL Nine-Speaker Sound System: Delivers improved audio quality for a premium listening experience.
The attention to detail extends to functional elements that enhance the ownership experience. Paddle controls add the option of manual shift selection, and aluminium sport pedals complete the experience. These touches reinforce the connection between driver and machine while maintaining the practical focus that HiLux owners expect.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that while the GR Sport represents a significant step forward for the HiLux interior, some aspects still reflect the platform’s age.
This is where the Hilux is starting to feel its age. To put it bluntly, it’s fallen behind the much newer competition, especially in terms of space efficiency.
The front footwell feels tight, and rear legroom isn’t that great, either. This reality doesn’t diminish the GR Sport’s capabilities, but it does provide context for potential buyers considering their options in an increasingly competitive market.
Suspension and Handling: Where Science Meets Adventure
The heart of the GR Sport’s transformation lies in its completely reimagined suspension system. This isn’t simply a matter of installing stiffer springs and calling it complete—Toyota’s engineers have comprehensively rethought how the vehicle interacts with various surfaces and driving conditions.
GR Sport transforms your drive with a sophisticated new suspension package, exclusive to the top-of-the-range grade. The foundation of this system centers around KYB monotube shock absorbers that represent a significant advancement over the standard HiLux setup.
monotube shocks deliver stiffer coils, higher dampening force and effective heat dissipation for more precise handling on the most punishing tracks.
The benefits of this enhanced suspension become apparent immediately. The Toyota HiLux GR Sport is also relatively comfortable on the road, soaking up most bumps with ease thanks to the KYB monotube dampers.
They aren’t quite Volkswagen Amarok levels of comfort, but still, comfortable enough. This balance between comfort and capability represents exactly what most pickup truck buyers are seeking.
The wider track mentioned earlier works in harmony with the suspension upgrades to transform the vehicle’s dynamic behavior.
The high-speed ride is better than that of regular HiLux dual-cabs, thanks again to the wider track width and unique suspension setup. This improvement in stability and composure makes the GR Sport significantly more confident when loaded or towing heavy trailers.
Ground clearance remains impressive at 265mm, ensuring that the GR Sport can tackle challenging terrain without compromising its undercarriage.
Combined with approach and departure angles that have been optimized for off-road work, the GR Sport maintains the go-anywhere capability that has made the HiLux legendary among adventurers and tradesman alike.
Off-Road Capability: Built for the Wild
While many modern pickup trucks pay lip service to off-road capability, the HiLux GR Sport backs up its aggressive appearance with genuine technical enhancements designed for serious adventure.
The vehicle’s off-road credentials start with its mechanical foundation but extend to thoughtful details that can make the difference between a successful expedition and an expensive recovery operation.
Like the desert armour of its Dakar namesake, the belly of the beast features a newly-designed skid plate for advanced off-road protection. Sidesteps are replaced with robust rock rails, designed to protect low clearance areas and withstand greater impact in tough terrain.
These aren’t cosmetic additions—they’re essential protection for the vehicle’s vulnerable areas when traversing rocky or debris-strewn terrain.
Recovery equipment has been integrated into the GR Sport’s design from the beginning. Located on the tow bar, rear recovery points use 20mm thick plates and high tensile bolts for safer and easier vehicle recovery when needed.
This attention to real-world requirements demonstrates Toyota’s understanding of how these vehicles are actually used by their owners.
The four-wheel-drive system remains true to the HiLux’s traditional approach, utilizing a part-time system that operates in rear-wheel drive mode on sealed surfaces. This configuration provides excellent fuel economy during daily driving while ensuring maximum traction is available when conditions demand it.
The system includes low-range gearing for extreme situations, maintaining the crawling capability that has made the HiLux a favorite among serious off-road enthusiasts.
Braking performance has been enhanced to match the vehicle’s increased capability. Large ventilated front and rear disc brakes improve driver control and provide optimum stopping power.
Race-red ‘GR’ calipers complete the sporty set. This upgrade proves particularly valuable when descending steep terrain or when the additional weight of cargo or a loaded trailer demands enhanced stopping power.
Previous testing has demonstrated the GR Sport’s exceptional off-road credentials. Indeed, we’ve previously described it as “ridiculously capable” off-road, and in our launch review we said you can feel what each of the wheels are doing, making it very confidence-inspiring on loose terrain.
This level of capability ensures that the GR Sport can handle whatever challenges adventurous owners might encounter.
Safety and Technology: Modern Protection Systems
Safety remains paramount in the 2025 HiLux GR Sport, with Toyota incorporating their comprehensive Safety Sense suite alongside additional features specifically chosen for this flagship variant.
While the vehicle maintains its rugged character, modern active safety systems work seamlessly in the background to protect occupants and prevent accidents.
Equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, including AEB, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera. These systems provide essential assistance in both urban environments and remote locations where help might be far away.
The 360-degree camera system proves particularly valuable when maneuvering in tight spaces or navigating challenging off-road obstacles where visibility might be compromised.
Adaptive cruise control represents another significant safety feature, though with some limitations that reflect the platform’s age. On the safety front, there’s adaptive cruise control that only works at high speeds. It disengages at lower speeds, requiring you take control when you come to a complete stop.
While this system isn’t as sophisticated as some newer competitors offer, it still provides valuable assistance during long highway journeys.
The lighting system has been comprehensively upgraded to enhance visibility and safety. The HiLux GR Sport does come with bright automatic LED headlights as standard, however.
These are great if you frequently travel on rural roads where wildlife can jump out in front of you. This feature proves particularly valuable for users who regularly drive in remote areas where wildlife encounters are common.
The HiLux platform has earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating, providing confidence in the vehicle’s crashworthiness and occupant protection systems. This rating reflects comprehensive testing across multiple scenarios and ensures that the GR Sport meets the highest safety standards expected in the modern marketplace.
Market Position and Value Proposition
Priced at approximately $73,990 before on-road costs, the 2025 HiLux GR Sport positions itself as a premium offering in the dual-cab pickup segment.
This pricing places it in direct competition with other flagship variants from established manufacturers, creating an interesting dynamic in a market segment that continues to expand and evolve.
The Toyota HiLux GR Sport will set you back $73,990 AUD before on-road costs. That does see it beat its main competitor – the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X – by $2,000 AUD, which sells for $75,990 AUD before on-road costs.
This pricing advantage, while modest, could prove significant for buyers considering their options in this competitive segment.
The value proposition extends beyond initial purchase price to include Toyota’s comprehensive warranty and service support. All Toyota HiLux models sold in Australia are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. That extends to seven years if you service on time within the Toyota dealer network.
This level of support provides peace of mind for buyers who plan to use their vehicle extensively or in remote locations where reliability is crucial.
Service costs remain reasonable despite the GR Sport’s enhanced specification. The Toyota HiLux’s service schedule is every six months or 10,000km, with service pricing capped between $245 and $290 per visit for the first six visits – covering three years or 60,000km.
This predictable cost structure helps owners budget for ongoing maintenance while ensuring their vehicle receives proper care.
The GR Sport’s market positioning reflects a broader trend in the pickup truck segment toward more specialized, capability-focused variants. While it doesn’t directly compete with extreme off-road machines like the Ford Ranger Raptor, it offers a more balanced approach that maintains practical utility while significantly enhancing capability and presence.
Living with the GR Sport: Real-World Considerations
Understanding how the 2025 HiLux GR Sport performs in daily use requires acknowledging both its strengths and the compromises inherent in its design focus.
This is fundamentally a vehicle designed for people who need genuine capability but don’t want to sacrifice daily usability in pursuit of extreme performance.
Fuel economy represents one practical consideration for potential owners. Fuel economy is rated at 8.1L/100km (which is weirdly 0.3L/100km better than the HiLux Rogue), although we saw an average fuel economy of 10.3L/100km over our week of testing.
While real-world consumption exceeds official figures—as is typical for this vehicle class—the GR Sport remains reasonably efficient considering its performance capabilities.
The enhanced suspension system that provides such impressive off-road capability does influence on-road comfort characteristics. However, the ride of the Toyota HiLux GR Sport is still relatively stiff which does make for some decent handling characteristics.
This firmness represents a deliberate engineering choice that prioritizes capability over maximum comfort, though most drivers will find the compromise acceptable.
Noise levels reflect the vehicle’s working truck heritage. On the freeway this ute makes a lot of noise. The main culprit seems to be the all-terrain tyres, but there’s also a fair bit of wind noise from around the side mirrors.
While not class-leading in terms of refinement, these characteristics are consistent with the GR Sport’s positioning as a capability-focused vehicle rather than a luxury conveyance.
Load carrying capacity remains impressive despite the performance upgrades. The GR Sport maintains a substantial payload capacity and the full 3.5-tonne towing rating that makes the HiLux such a versatile choice for both commercial and recreational users. This practical capability ensures that the GR Sport doesn’t sacrifice utility in pursuit of performance.
The Verdict: A Worthy Flagship
The 2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport represents exactly what a flagship variant should be—a comprehensive enhancement of the base vehicle that addresses key areas while maintaining the fundamental character that made the original successful.
Rather than pursuing extreme performance at the expense of practicality, Toyota has created a vehicle that genuinely improves upon the standard HiLux in meaningful ways.
The 2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport solidifies its position as the most capable and rugged HiLux ever, blending Toyota’s renowned reliability with thoughtful upgrades for off-road enthusiasts.
This assessment accurately captures what Toyota has achieved with this variant—a vehicle that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible within the existing platform constraints.
The engine improvements alone justify much of the GR Sport’s premium, delivering tangible performance benefits that enhance both daily driving and challenging situations. Combined with the suspension upgrades and enhanced off-road equipment, these mechanical improvements create a vehicle that feels substantially more capable than its standard siblings.
However, the GR Sport’s success should be evaluated within the context of its intended mission. While it doesn’t aim to rival the Ford Ranger Raptor, it stands as a serious off-road-ready ute that caters to those who prioritize capability and dependability over outright luxury or extreme performance. This positioning makes perfect sense for the HiLux brand and its traditional customer base.
For buyers seeking a pickup truck that can handle serious work while providing enhanced capability for weekend adventures, the 2025 HiLux GR Sport represents an compelling choice. It successfully bridges the gap between practical utility and genuine performance capability, creating a vehicle that excels in both domains without making significant compromises in either area.
The GR Sport stands as testament to what’s possible when experienced engineers are given the freedom to enhance a proven platform with modern technology and motorsport-derived improvements. While it may not be the newest or most revolutionary pickup truck available, it represents the evolution of a proven formula that has earned the respect of demanding users worldwide.
In an increasingly crowded market segment, the 2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport earns its place through genuine capability improvements, thoughtful engineering, and the reliability that has made the HiLux name legendary.
For those who demand more from their pickup truck without sacrificing the practical utility that makes these vehicles so valuable, the GR Sport delivers exactly what’s needed—power, poise, and proven off-road prowess wrapped in a package that works every single day.