From the exterior, one of the features you will like about the Toyota Hilux GR Sport is its front aerodynamic shape that enables it to run through all kinds of winds, while maintaining the output of a high-performance pick-up.
During my test drive of the 2025 model that started at the Corporation for Africa and Overseas (CFAO) showroom, formerly known as Toyota Uganda in the Industrial Area, I discovered that the GR Sport is more than a pick-up known for being laborious.
The new version combines comfort, speed and extraordinary performance.
From the showroom, I drove through the potholes of the Sixth and Seventh Street in Industrial Area, to Namuwongo, through the potholes of Muyenga via IHK Hospital, Tank Hill Road, Kansanga, Ggaaba, Munyonyo to Kajjansi, Entebbe expressway and to the Kampala Northern bypass.
In Muyenga, I discovered that the GR Sport maintains high traction levels even when I deliberately drove into the numerous potholes, unlike some pick-ups where you run into potholes and feel the vehicle bouncing with wheels in potholes.
In terms of comfort, the more you drive into potholes or any other rough terrain, the harder the seatbelt will hold you firmly in the driver’s seat to give you total control of the car. You will still feel the roughness of uneven terrains but will be comfortable enough to steer through smoothly.
Performance
Running on a 2800cc engine, the GR Sport performs well when it is fitted with the right tyre size and rim. For maximum performance, use high profile tyres with reasonable treads against the recommended rim size, preferably size 17 or 19. What you also need to understand is that the size of the rims and tyres you use determine comfort levels as well as fuel economy.
If the tyres have no treads, it means the vehicle will struggle to get over rough terrains, thereby increasing fuel consumption to a certain extent. Tyres with treads also enable effective and safer braking compared to treadles tyres where you risk crashing into other road users or objects.
On a high-speed road, the GR Sport picks up speed from zero to 100km/hr mark between five to 10 seconds, depending on how hard you step the acceleration pedal. Much as it has a sporty element, what I also liked about the GR Sport is that it requires a very short braking distance regardless of your driving speed to stop the vehicle.
In some Toyota brands, you will feel as if you are bending when negotiating corners. In the GR Sport, this is almost non-existent. Its stability increases as you negotiate sharper corners. It does not, however, mean that you negotiate a sharp corner at, for example, 100km/hr; otherwise, you will overturn the vehicle.
Other features
The Hilux GR Sport has a re-tuned suspension. The key feature in the upgraded suspension system is the introduction of new monotube shock absorbers and new front springs. The monotube design creates a larger piston area to give better damping performance, with faster response and better heat dissipation. It also helps maintain the performance quality of the oil inside the unit when driving in tough conditions.
The front coil springs have been stiffened and both these and the new shocks are painted red to make a stand-out statement of the Hilux GR Sport’s special character. These changes are in addition to suspension upgrades previously introduced for new Hilux, including retuned rear leaf springs and new bushes. The result is confidence-inspiring reliability in demanding driving conditions.
Compared to the standard Hilux, these changes deliver significant improvements in handling characteristics, including steering effort and steering angle response, straight-line performance, a flat ride and reassuring roll and rear grip feel. The new set-up also contributes significantly to ride comfort, with fast response to high-frequency vibrations and increased damping capability to control body movement and eliminate shock.
GR SPORT styling
Styling treatments inside and out emphasise the Hilux GR Sport’s special character. The black front grille has a dedicated G-pattern mesh and gains a prominent central horizontal bar with the Toyota name classically rendered, in place of the brand emblem. This heritage-inspired touch references the badging on the fourth generation Hilux of the early 1980s.
The powerful frontal design is amplified by new, larger front fog light surrounds.
The 17-inch alloy wheels have a contrast black and machined finish and are fitted with all-terrain tyres. The black theme is carried through in the door mirror casings, side steps, over-fenders and tailgate handle. This throws the bright red of the new shocks and springs into sharp contrast. Discreet GR Sport badging is also featured. In the cabin, there are new sports front seats in a combination of black leather and synthetic suede with red perforations and contrast stitching. The GR sport branding is featured on the seatbacks, carpet mats, starter button and the information display animation graphic.
The driver can use paddle controls for manual shift selection and aluminium sports pedals are fitted.
The look is enhanced with carbon fibre-style trim inserts, a red deco line across the width of the instrument panel and blue door panel illumination. Equipment specifications are based on the high-grade Hilux and include LED headlights and combination lamps, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, downhill assist control and an automatic limited-slip differential.
Cost
Albert Besigye, a sales executive at CFAO Motors, says the quoted price for the 2025 model GR Sport is $85,000 (Shs305.5m). This is a significant investment that exemplifies both aspiration and access in an economy where mobility and status often come at a steep premium.