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I remember the first time I saw the 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport prototype at an off-road exhibition in Dubai last year. The aggressive front fascia with its bold GR Sport badging immediately caught my attention, reminding me of how TNT started like a house on fire with Pogoy nailing three consecutive threes in one stretch to open a 29-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. That's exactly the kind of explosive performance this pickup promises to deliver right from the start.
Having tested numerous off-road vehicles over my 15-year career as an automotive journalist, I can confidently say the Hilux GR Sport represents Toyota's most ambitious attempt yet to dominate the rugged terrain segment. The numbers speak for themselves - with its 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine producing 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, it's packing serious firepower. I've personally put this machine through its paces in the Australian outback, and let me tell you, the way it handles rough terrain feels like watching a perfectly executed basketball play where every component works in perfect harmony.
The suspension system deserves special mention. Toyota has equipped it with specially tuned shock absorbers that provide 20mm more ground clearance than the standard Hilux, bringing it to a respectable 279mm. During my week-long testing in rocky mountain trails, I found the ride quality surprisingly comfortable despite the tough terrain. The GR Sport's approach angle of 31 degrees and departure angle of 26 degrees meant I could tackle slopes that would have stopped lesser trucks in their tracks. It's these precise engineering choices that make me prefer the Hilux over competitors like the Ford Ranger Raptor, though I'll admit the Raptor has its merits too.
What really sets the GR Sport apart, in my professional opinion, is how Toyota has balanced everyday drivability with extreme off-road capability. The electronically controlled four-wheel drive system with high and low range transfer case works seamlessly, while the automatic limited-slip differential provides incredible traction in muddy conditions. I recall one particular incident during testing where I had to cross a river with water levels reaching 700mm - the Hilux handled it with the confidence of a veteran athlete making a game-winning move.
The interior surprised me with its sporty yet practical design. The GR Sport-specific seats provided excellent lateral support during high-speed cornering on dirt roads, while the 8-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation proved invaluable when exploring remote areas. Toyota claims the cabin noise has been reduced by 3.2 decibels compared to previous models, and based on my experience driving at highway speeds, I'd say that estimate feels about right.
Fuel efficiency is another area where the Hilux GR Sport excels. During my mixed driving tests covering 1,200 kilometers across various terrains, I recorded an average consumption of 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers. That's impressive for a vehicle weighing 2,185 kilograms with all its off-road equipment. The 80-liter fuel tank gives it a theoretical range of over 800 kilometers - perfect for those extended adventures into the wilderness where gas stations are few and far between.
Now, I must address the elephant in the room - the price. Starting at approximately $48,000 in most markets, it's certainly not cheap. But having driven competitors in this segment, I believe the premium is justified by the level of engineering and quality components Toyota has packed into this machine. The GR Sport variant includes features like the front performance dampers and rear suspension with thicker stabilizer bars that you simply don't get in the base models.
After spending considerable time with the 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport across multiple terrains and conditions, I've come to appreciate its balanced approach to off-road performance. It may not be the most extreme vehicle in every single category, but as a complete package, it delivers where it matters most. The way it combines rugged capability with daily usability reminds me of how the best sports teams maintain consistent performance throughout the game rather than just having explosive starts. While there are certainly more specialized off-road vehicles available, for the average enthusiast who needs a reliable daily driver that can transform into a weekend warrior, the Hilux GR Sport makes a compelling case for being the ultimate off-road pickup truck currently available in the market.