The Ford Ranger Raptor rival you've been waiting for? Toyota prices its most POTENT HiLux yet as 2024 GR Sport edges closer to showrooms

Toyota's top-dog HiLux GR Sport will land in Australian showrooms from September, wearing a pricetag to rival the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

That's right, you shouldn't expect this to be Toyota's answer to the popular, high-performance Ranger Raptor (which sits at $86,790 before on-road costs), as the HiLux GR Sport clocks in at just $73,990.

Part of the reason for the more affordable pricetag is that the GR Sport features the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel as seen on almost all other HiLux variants, albeit with an increase of outputs to 165kW/550Nm.

That's a 15kW/50Nm bump over the tune found in the previous flagship, the Rogue (from $70,200), and variants like the SR5 and now discontinued Rugged X.

Paired to the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, which sends drive to all four wheels.

With the Ranger Wiltrak coming in from $67,990 for the 154kW/500Nm bi-turbo engine and $71,190 for the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6, it leaves Toyota clear air for a potential full-fat GR version of the HiLux that could better take on the headline-stealing 292kW/583Nm Ranger Raptor.

But paying for the top-spec HiLux will yield more than a small bump in performance, as the GR Sport also sports a 15mm increase in height, and 135/155mm increase in track width front/rear when compared with the standard HiLux line-up.

And while that height and track width increase is also found on the Rogue variant, the GR Sport also boasts a new suspension set-up with KYB monotube shock absorbers with an increase to piston diameter.

Toyota is also promising more axle articulation thanks to the removal of the rear sway bar, while 17-inch Dakar-style alloy wheels sit at each corner, shod in 265/65 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres.

Tucked behind the new wheels are disc brakes, with four-piston callipers up front and single-piston floating callipers in the rear – both finished in red "for an extra visual effect", according to Toytoa.

Aside from the mechanical changes, the GR Sport also features a new look thanks to a black-mesh grille emblazoned with 'Toyota' and a GR badge.

The front bumper is also new, and is designed to improve approach angle, as well as sporting a silver-coloured contrasting scuff plate.

The bodywork is also butched up thanks to overfenders with aero ducts, while rock rails, exposed recovery points and factory-fitted towbar complete the GR Sport's tough makeover.

Step inside, and the GR Sport is differentiated by a "rally-inspired" leather steering wheel that features paddle shifters, a 12 o'clock marker and GR branding.

The front seats are also of the sport variety, mixing leather and suede materials, while the seat belts are coloured red, aluminium pedals are fitted and a GR Sport shifter is included, as well as a nine-speaker JBL sound system.

Exterior colour options extend to Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black, Glacier White, Frosted White and Feverish Red – the latter three also available with a contrasting black roof.