They say horsepower doesn’t matter.

But in the world of pick-up trucks, which are built to haul and tow the biggest and heaviest items, having plenty of heave is always a big help. The current-generation Toyota Hilux may be long in the tooth, but it certainly isn’t short of firepower, at least in Malaysia.

The Hilux GR Sport there received an update on September 2023 – its venerable 2.8-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 turbodiesel now produces 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque. This is a bump of 20 PS and 50 Nm.

Crucially, the sporty Hilux takes top trumps in Malaysia’s pick-up power stakes, beating the Ford Ranger Wildtrak with 210 PS and 500 Nm of torque. It also outmuscles the all-new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, which is available with 207 PS and 470 Nm of torque.

The Malaysian-market Hilux GR Sport has a 6-speed automatic transmission, along with the A-TRC active traction control system, an automatic limited-slip differential and a rear differential lock. The variant adds on improved suspension.

Will we get it?

In the Philippines, the top-spec Hilux GR-S and Conquest variants use the 204 PS turbodiesel.

The GR-S model, which is named after Toyota’s motorsport division GAZOO Racing, gets monotube shock absorbers, GR brake calipers and special 18-inch GR wheels. 

Other neat features that are exclusive to the top Hilux are body-colored overfenders, suede-and-leather upholstery with red stitching, paddle shifters, aluminum pedals and electrically adjustable sports seats.

The GR-S Hilux also has the most comprehensive safety kit of all its siblings, getting a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on top of the Toyota Safety Sense active-safety suite. 

Do you think our Hilux GR-S should get more power, too?

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