New GR Sport II leads Toyota Hilux 2024 line-up
Order books open this week for the 2024 Toyota Hilux range, led by the new Hilux GR Sport II.
With more aggressive looks and a series of technical adjustments, the GR Sport II celebrates Hilux’s formidable heritage as one of the world’s best-respected and most capable pick-ups, a status reinforced by multiple victories in the gruelling Dakar Rally.
The new model has a double cab body and continues with its 2.8-litre diesel lump that delivers 201bhp with 500Nm. Bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission it will tow 3,500kg and handle a payload of 1,000kg.
Toyota reckon that this is the best-driving Hilux yet, on and off-road, thanks to the wider track, a raised ride height and improvements in handling characteristics, including a reduced roll angle and more precise steering response. There is less noise and vibration and suspension and brakes have also been revised.
The styling changes include red coil springs and coloured dampers – black at the front and red at the rear, plus black wheel arches. There are also new 17” black alloy wheels which strike a contrast with red brake callipers. They contribute to the vehicle’s performance too, with a lightweight design that’s aerodynamically efficient. The specification includes an aero sport bar and a soft cover for the load area. The bodywork features both black badging and the GR Sport logo.
The GR Sport II further stands out with its black G-mesh upper and lower grilles, with the TOYOTA name spelled out in classic style. The black detailing theme continues with the side steps, mirrors, door handles, aero sport bar and rear bumper. A silver front under-run and distinctive GR Sport badging complete the look.
The cabin complements the strong design with a black monochrome theme with red accents. Red seatbelts, paddle shifts and aluminium pedals reference the motorsport influence.
The sports seats are upholstered in a combination of black synthetic suede and leather with silver stitching and perforations. The GR logo is featured in the information display and instrumentation and there are new-look door trims.
Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia
The Hilux GR Sport II is fitted with the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, accessed via an eight-inch touchscreen display. Users can also connect their smartphone or tablet to the system – wired or wirelessly if using Apple CarPlay or with a wired link for Android Auto.
The multimedia package includes access to cloud-based journey navigation, which uses constantly updated real-time traffic event information for accurate and efficient route planning. There is also an embedded navigation system that can be used when no data connection to the cloud is available.
The GR Sport II is also equipped as standard with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.
There is further convenience with future multimedia and safety system software tweaks or upgrades delivered seamlessly over the air, via the car’s data communications module (DCM).
Technical enhancements
The world-famous “go-anywhere” qualities of Hilux are strengthened with an increase in the approach angle from 29 to 30 degrees and higher ground clearance, achieved by raising the ride height by 20mm and widening the front and rear tracks, by 140mm and 150mm respectively.
Improved aerodynamic performance is achieved with a new front “air curtain” structure that includes a new bumper and fog lamp bezel designs that optimise drag efficiency and reduce turbulence in the wheel arches, plus an aero-styled sport bar and deck cover.
Measures to gain a smoother and more stable ride over any terrain include new monotube dampers in place of the previous twin-tube units. These provide better performance and faster response in tough conditions.
The new, lighter 17-inch wheels are fitted with all-terrain tyres; superior braking performance is secured with larger front discs and new rear discs in place of the previous drums.
The on-the-road price for the new Hilux GR Sport II is £49,750. Deliveries to customers will commence later in 2024.
Hilux Invincible
The 2024 Hilux Invincible benefits from some specification upgrades, including the addition of smart entry, eight-inch multimedia touchscreen and a reversing camera. The revised range offers the Invincible Double Cab with the 2.4-litre engine and six-speed automatic transmission, or the 2.8-litre unit with manual transmission. The Invincible X uses the 2.8-litre engine and manual transmission.
