Toyota HiLux GR Sport Set for 2027 Return: Will the Wide-Track Flagship Reappear?

The return of the performance-oriented ute was confirmed by Toyota South Africa CEO Andrew Kirby, who told Cars.co.za that an "exciting product" under the GR Sport banner would arrive "next year sometime". While Kirby declined to provide specific mechanical details, the timeline confirms a new halo variant is inbound for the ninth-generation HiLux, which launched in Australia in December 2025 without a GR-branded flagship.

Toyota Australia has not yet officially confirmed the model for local showrooms. However, a spokesperson acknowledged the previous generation's local popularity, stating, "Should a GR Sport become available in the future, we will certainly look at it." Gazoo Racing (GR) remains one of Toyota Australia’s five core focus brands, and the company currently offers GR Sport iterations of the Yaris Cross, Corolla Cross, C-HR, RAV4, and LandCruiser 300 Series.

The Wide-Track Dilemma

The primary question surrounding the 2027 HiLux GR Sport is whether it will reinstate the heavy mechanical upgrades seen on the previous Australian-delivered generation, which was introduced in 2023.

The previous GR Sport (priced at $73,990 before on-road costs) was distinguished by a significant track width increase: 135mm wider at the front and 155mm wider at the rear. This widened footprint was shared with the previous-generation Rogue, but the current ninth-generation Rogue launched without these track extensions.

Because the current HiLux utilizes an evolution of the previous generation's underpinnings, industry expectations suggest the platform could easily accommodate a return of the wide-track layout. Toyota Australia executives have previously hinted at its return. Prior to the current generation's launch in late 2025, Toyota Australia chief designer Nick Hogios noted a wide-track HiLux was "in the future," adding, "we'll get to that."

Powertrain and Precedent

If the 2027 model mirrors the formula of the 2023 Australian GR Sport, it will likely feature a power upgrade over the standard 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The previous iteration boosted outputs from the standard 150kW/500Nm to a more potent 165kW/550Nm, paired with a recalibrated six-speed automatic transmission.

It remains to be seen if Toyota will engineer a more substantial powertrain upgrade to directly challenge the twin-turbo V6 petrol Ford Ranger Raptor, or if it will maintain the GR Sport as a premium, diesel-powered off-roader.

Key Upgrades from the Previous (2023) Australian GR Sport:(Note: These features serve as the likely baseline for the 2027 model)

• Power increase to 165kW and 550Nm.
• Widened track (+135mm front, +155mm rear) and 15mm ride height increase.
• Bespoke KYB shock absorbers with revised spring rates.
• 17-inch black alloy wheels fitted with Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres.
• Heavy-duty rock rails, unique bodywork, and wheel-arch extensions.
• Suede-accented interior styling.

Production and Pricing Implications

Currently, the Australian HiLux range is imported from Thailand. However, South Africa (also a right-hand drive market) produces its own HiLux models at its Prospecton plant in Durban. It is unclear if Toyota Australia would source the GR Sport from South Africa if Thailand does not produce the specific wide-track flagship variant. (Arch-rival Ford currently sources hybrid Ranger variants from South Africa, while the rest of its Australian lineup originates from Thailand).

Should it arrive locally, the 2027 HiLux GR Sport would sit above the current range-topping diesel models—the HiLux Rogue and Rugged X—both of which are currently priced at $71,990 before on-road costs. Expect the GR Sport to command a premium above this mark.