- The Toyota Hilux lineup is expected to grow with the addition of a wide-track version.
- The news was all but confirmed by Toyota Australia’s design chief, Nick Hogios.
- Fresh Hilux GR Sport renderings envision a possible flagship trim for the future.
The new-generation Toyota Hilux was one of the most anticipated trucks of the year, but the refreshed lineup is strangely missing out on a wide-track model. Toyota officials have all but confirmed that the Hilux will eventually get the classic sure-footed version, while the return of the GR Sport flagship was deemed possible for the more distant future.
Digital artist Theophilus Chin has envisioned a new Hilux GR Sport in fresh renderings. The new Hilux is more of a redesigned version of its predecessor rather than a clean-sheet design. This means the entire middle section of the truck – including the doors and the greenhouse – is carried over from the outgoing model.
More: New Nissan Navara Bets On Mitsubishi To Fight The Hilux And Ranger
Theottle integrated the headlights, grille, bumper intakes, fenders, tailgate, and taillights of the new Hilux into the GR Sport body, making slight adjustments to the plastic cladding and underbody protection. The result looks pretty convincing with the wider tracks and beefier wheels.
The outgoing Hilux received various GR Sport trims depending on the region. The latest and most capable was introduced in 2023, featuring redesigned bumpers, wide fender extensions, a lifted and upgraded suspension, and a slightly more powerful 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS). While this was no match for the Ford Ranger Raptor, it did compete with other rugged truck rivals like the Nissan Navara Warrior.
Illustratiosn: Theottle / Photos: Toyota
Narrow Body Lineup?
At the moment, the new Hilux is exclusively available with a single track width, unlike its predecessor, which offered a wider stance in the Rogue, Rugged X, and GR Sport trims. During a local presentation, Australian media talked with Nick Hogios, chief designer of Toyota Australia, about a potential range expansion.
More: Toyota Says The New Hilux’s Design Is Just “Fine”
As reported by CarExpert, when asked about a wide-track version of the new Hilux, Hogios said: “That’s, I guess, in the future. But yeah, we’ll get to that – at the moment, there’s enough news here with this one.” The designer added, “It can only get better from here. So, we’re constantly evolving our product.”
When asked whether the company would make a new Hilux GR Sport, Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations, said: “Not at this point. But you never know what can happen. GR is an important part of our brand lineup.”
The current flagship of the new Hilux lineup in Australia is the Rugged X trim. The model retains the stock suspension and diesel engine but comes equipped with various off-road accessories, including a steel bumper with an integrated LED bar and recovery points. It can also get optional goodies such as a bull bar, a snorkel, roof rails, a hood protector, and headlight covers.
During the presentation of the new Hilux in Thailand, Toyota showed various modified examples of the truck, highlighting its customization potential. The rugged builds included a Hilux with GR Parts, proving that the Gazoo Racing department has already started working on the new model.
