The top-spec Toyota Hilux in the Philippines is the Hilux GR-S.

With its body-colored fender flares and bumpers, it is a fetching-looking pick-up, especially in bright red.

But an even more vicious Hilux has just been unveiled in Australia – and it has the Ford Ranger Raptor in its crosshairs.

Toyota Australia unveiled the 2023 Hilux GR Sport on Jan. 6, 2023, and it is the new flagship of the Hilux range “Down Under.”

Not just for show

Compared to the GR-S, the Hilux GR Sport looks like it can dominate any terrain you throw at it.

Humongous, matte-black fender flares are there to accommodate bigger off-road tires and the variant’s wider track.

And up front, the familiar Hilux face gets a specially designed bumper that proudly displays silver steel underplating.

Other distinctions from the GR-S include rear disc brakes, new front control arms, and heavy-duty rock-sliders instead of side steps.

In addition, the rear shock absorbers have been moved outboard for better off-road wheel articulation.

Step inside the Hilux GR Sport, and you get part-leather upholstery, a GR Sport steering wheel, and drilled aluminum pedals.

More power

Toyota also bumped up the power for the Hilux GR Sport’s 2.8-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 turbodiesel powerplant.

It now packs 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque, compared to 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque in the GR-S.

The six-speed automatic gearbox has also been retuned to handle the extra power and stand up to more sporty driving.

Nonetheless, the Hilux GR Sport is substantially less powerful than the current-generation Ranger Raptor. 

The big 2023 Ford Raptor packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve V6 gas engine with a whopping 397 PS and 583 Nm of torque, coursed through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Sales for the Hilux GR Sport in Australia are expected to start in the second half of 2023.

Perhaps Toyota Motor Philippines can also bring some units to our shores, too?