We have the lowdown on the widebody Toyota Hilux GR Sport III ahead of its launch in SA, including new details. Here’s everything from fresh images, detailed specifications and, of course, pricing…
Earlier in March 2024, Cars.co.za unearthed local pricing for the new widebody Toyota Hilux GR Sport III. Now, we’ve managed to lay our hands on detailed specifications for this upcoming double-cab bakkie, along with fresh SA-specific images of the 3rd iteration of the so-called “GR-S” model.
As a reminder, our information suggests the new Hilux 2.8 GD-6 DC 4×4 GR Sport III will be priced from R999 000, slipping in just under the 7-figure mark. For the record, that represents a R51 400 premium over the outgoing version, which topped out at R947 600. The latest model retains the outgoing version’s uprated 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (and 6-speed automatic transmission), which means peak outputs again sit at 165 kW and 550 Nm.
So, what sets the Hilux GR Sport III apart from the previous version? Well, the most obvious change is the upgrade to a widebody configuration (courtesy of wider tracks). We can confirm that while the Prospecton-built newcomer measures 5 325 mm from nose to tail (just like the standard double cab), its overall width increases from 1 900 mm to 2 020 mm.
At 1 865 mm, the GR Sport III also stands 50 mm taller than standard, thanks to a combination of its revised suspension system (which includes new monotube dampers) and chunkier tyres. On the latter topic, we can confirm that the SA-spec model rides on BFGoodrich all-terrain rubber in 265/65 R17 size (compared with the standard Legend and Legend RS tyres, which measure 265/60 R18).
The new model’s payload capacity matches that of its forebear at 790 kg, again seeing it slot in between the 2.8 GD-6 Legend RS 4×4 6AT (775 kg) and the 4.0 V6 Legend 4×4 6AT (835 kg). The GR-fettled model’s braked towing capacity likewise remains 3 500 kg.
We expect the new Hilux GR Sport III to again be offered in a choice of 4 exterior paint colours: red, white, black and grey. The GR-branded Hilux furthermore features subtle 2-tone decals running along the lower edges of its doors, along with model-specific bumpers (fore and aft) and a new black grille featuring bold “Toyota” lettering.
Other exterior updates include chunky black overfenders, a silver-coloured front bashplate, black side steps, a black styling bar, a towbar, a tonneau cover and a rubberised load bay (the latter complete with a 12V socket).
Inside, you’ll find an upholstery mix of leather and Alcantara, along with GR branding on items such as the carpets, start button, steering wheel and front-seat headrests. The seatbelts, meanwhile, are red, a hue that’s repeated on the tiller’s 12 o’clock marker. We’ve also discovered that the GR Sport III’s 9-speaker JBL sound systems gains DAB audio, while Toyota’s so-called Display Audio touchscreen scores a panoramic view monitor.
As a reminder, Mzansi has seen 2 versions of the Hilux GR Sport before now. The first came in mid-2019, with a revised iteration (complete with the aforementioned extra power and torque) hitting the local market in September 2022. Both, of course, featured standard bodies.
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