TOYOTA HILUX GR SPORT II

New suspension and styling mods take the fight to the diesel Ford Ranger Raptor

- GEORGE BARROW

TESTED 17.10.23, ATHENS, GREECE ON SALE SPRING

Performance pick-ups were once the preserve of a few crazy modifiers in the US tuning V8s in full-size trucks like the Ford F-150. Without the luxury of wide roads and large parking spaces, European pick-ups have mostly remained unfettled, but since Ford unleashed the Ranger Raptor, more attention has been given to bolder, more badass and better iterations of standard trucks.

Toyota jumped on the bandwagon last year with the Hilux GR Sport, a range-topping model with styling mods and minor front suspension changes. Despite the smattering of Gazoo Racing badges, new sports bar and revised grille design, under the skin it left everyone rather disappointed. Now, Toyota is looking to redress the balance with the Hilux GR Sport II, which ushers in more substantial changes.

These are most noticeable in the vehicle's increased width.

The front axle has been widened by 70mm with a new stabiliser bar and repositioned shock absorbers that are now 46mm in diameter.