New GR Sport II Leads Toyota's 2024 Hilux Family in Tackling the Ford Ranger Raptor

You see, while other GR Sport models, like the Yaris and Corolla, are performance-focused, the 2024 Toyota Hilux GR Sport II is an all-show with no extra-go proposal. It uses a 2.8-liter diesel that develops 201 hp (204 ps/150 kW) and 369 pound-feet (500 Nm) of torque.

The output and thrust are channeled to the standard four-wheel drive system through a six-speed automatic transmission. The automaker says it has a best-in-class towing rating of 7,716 pounds (3,500 kg) and a payload of 2,205 pounds (1,000 kg).

Toyota says the front and rear tracks are 5.5 inches (140 mm) and 5.9 inches (150 mm) wider, respectively. The new model has a 0.7-inch (20 mm) jacked-up ground clearance, reduced roll angle, and more precise steering. It also keeps the noise and vibration down. The automaker mentions new monotube dampers replacing the twin-tube units, as well as larger front discs and rear discs instead of drums.

On the visual front, the 2024 Toyota Hilux GR Sport II features a black grille decorated by the Toyota lettering, a new bumper, a faux skid plate, black fender flares, and a few other black elements, like the door handles, side mirror caps, side steps, rear bumper, and aero sports bar. The dedicated GR badging contributes to the sportier look, and the truck rides on lighter 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

Opening the door will reveal a black monochrome theme with red accents here and there. Toyota says the model has a motorsport influence with its aluminum pedals, paddle shifters, and red seatbelts. The sports seats were upholstered in black synthetic suede and leather, stitched together with silver string. The instrument information display and instrumentation feature the GR badging, and new door trims are also on deck.

Equipment includes the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system and an 8-inch touchscreen display. The Hilux GR Sport II also has wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, real-time traffic information, efficient route planning, JBL audio with nine speakers, and over-the-air updates.

Deliveries will kick off later this year, and the 2024 Toyota Hilux GR Sport II starts at £49,750 (equal to $62,150) in the United Kingdom. By comparison, the rivaling Ford Ranger Raptor can be ordered from £46,300 ($57,840). This model comes with a 2.0L turbodiesel making 207 hp (210 ps/155 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, or a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 rated at 288 hp (292 ps/215 kW) and 362 pound-foot (491 Nm). With the oil burner under its hood, the Ranger Raptor needs 10.5 seconds to 62 mph (100 kph) and 7.9 seconds with the gasoline unit.