Bodybuilder pick-ups -- 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport vs. 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor exterior comparison

For this comparison, we will look at the exteriors of the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor and the 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport to see which one comes out as the tougher truck.

We will look at their dimensions and much more to see which one, based on their exteriors, is the more capable off-road warrior. 

Also read: Which engine turbocharged it better? The next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor or the Toyota Hilux GR Sport?

Wide, large, and in-charge

As this is an exterior comparison between two large pickup trucks, here at their dimensions to see which one is bigger and possibly even better.

The numbers don’t lie, and the Ford Ranger Raptor is the bigger vehicle of the two. It's longer by 40 mm, wider by 188 mm and taller by 46 mm.

The Ford also has a longer wheelbase and better ground clearance, which is 6 mm higher than its Hilux rival.

This means while you get more truck for more money, you will have to live with the Ranger Raptor's greater bulk.

That also means tight spaces can be a bit of a squeeze for the Ford versus its smaller Toyota rival.

Who wears it better?

We understand that design preference is subjective – what looks good to some may not be in the eyes of another.

However, if we look at their designs objectively and compare them to their regular counterparts, we can see who put in a bit more effort. 

The Toyota Hilux GR Sport

The Toyota Hilux GR Sport still has the same body as the regular Hilux.

However, its front fascia has been tweaked with a new grill, bumper, and wider fender flares to accommodate its bigger wheel and tire setup. 

Despite these exterior changes and the updates to the suspension, transmisison and engine, you can tell that it's still a regular Hilux underneath that was made to look better by adding a few aftermarket bits and pieces.

Regardless of the big bump in power that it makes over the regular version, it is still something we highly appreciate about the particular model. 

Ford Ranger Raptor

Like its Japanese rival, you can see that the Raptor is based on the standard Ranger.

However, you can see that Ford put in more effort to make it look like it came from the factory this way. 

It still carries the Ranger’s broad front fascia and C-shaped headlights, but now comes with a new grill and wider fenders with wrap around body cladding.

At the back, while the bed cargo space is the same as the regular model, its sides have been widened slightly to accommodate the larger wheels. The side steps at the rear have also been removed. 

Since it now comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine, its exhaust system has also been changed. It now comes with dual tailpipes at the back, with each exit positioned on either side of the vehicle.

The Ford Ranger Raptor not only looks more imposing than its Toyota Hilux GR Sport rival, but the changes made to it are also better executed and look more purpose-built. 

In our opinion, the Ranger Raptor wins in how it was designed.

Which tough truck do you think looks better  – the Toyota Hilux or the Ford Ranger Raptor?