Is the 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport the Ultimate Off-Road Pickup Truck?

I remember the first time I saw the 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport prototype at an off-road exhibition in Dubai last year, and I immediately thought - this could finally be the pickup that dominates both the desert dunes and the technical trails. Having tested numerous off-road vehicles throughout my career, from modified Jeeps to factory-spec Rams, I've developed a pretty good sense of what makes a truly exceptional off-road machine. The Hilux has always been legendary for its durability - there are videos of these trucks surviving floodwaters, falling from buildings, and still running - but the GR Sport version promises something more: performance.

Let me start with what Toyota has done differently with this GR Sport edition. They've taken the already capable Hilux and injected some serious performance DNA from Gazoo Racing, Toyota's motorsport division. The suspension has been completely reworked with new shock absorbers and springs, lowering the ride height by 20 millimeters while actually improving off-road capability. That might sound counterintuitive - lowering an off-road vehicle - but in practice, it creates a lower center of gravity that makes a huge difference in handling without sacrificing ground clearance. The front and rear tracks have been widened by 140 millimeters and 155 millimeters respectively, giving it a more planted stance that immediately catches your eye. Under the hood, the 2.8-liter turbodiesel now produces 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, which represents a meaningful 24 horsepower and 50 Nm increase over the standard model. These aren't just marketing numbers - that extra power translates directly to better dune climbing and overtaking capability.

Now, let me draw an interesting parallel to that TNT performance mentioned in our reference material. When TNT started "like a house on fire" with Pogoy nailing three consecutive threes to open a 29-18 lead, that's exactly how the Hilux GR Sport feels when you take it off-road. The initial response is explosive and confidence-inspiring. From the moment you press the accelerator, there's this immediate surge of power that makes you feel like you can tackle any obstacle. I've driven this truck through sand, mud, and rocky terrain, and that low-end torque from the diesel engine means you rarely need to rev it hard - the power is just there when you need it. The way Pogoy's consecutive threes built momentum for his team mirrors how the Hilux's capabilities build driver confidence with each successfully conquered obstacle.

What really sets the GR Sport apart in my experience is its electronic control systems. The upgraded four-wheel drive system now includes an electronically controlled rear differential lock that automatically engages when it detects wheel slip. During my testing in the Australian outback, this feature proved invaluable when climbing loose gravel hills where one rear wheel would inevitably lose traction. The system would instantly lock the differential, and the truck would continue climbing without missing a beat. The off-road turn assist function is another game-changer - it applies brake force to the inside rear wheel during tight turns, effectively reducing the turning radius by what feels like at least 15-20%. This might sound like a minor feature, but when you're navigating tight forest trails or making a U-turn on a narrow mountain path, it makes an enormous difference.

The interior upgrades deserve special mention because this is where Toyota has addressed one of my longstanding complaints about previous Hilux models. The GR Sport features heavily bolstered sports seats that provide excellent lateral support during off-camber sections, something I've always found lacking in other pickups. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has just the right thickness and grip, and the red stitching throughout the cabin gives it a premium feel that rivals luxury SUVs. I particularly appreciate the 8-inch touchscreen with off-road specific displays, including an inclinometer, steering angle indicator, and four-wheel drive status monitor. These might seem like small touches, but when you're descending a 35-degree slope, knowing your exact wheel position and vehicle angle becomes critically important.

Now, let's talk about where it potentially falls short. The GR Sport's lowered suspension, while beneficial for handling, does reduce breakover angle slightly compared to the standard Hilux. During extreme rock crawling, I found myself being more cautious about high-centering risks. The 17-inch alloy wheels with their 265/65 R17 tires look fantastic, but serious off-road enthusiasts will likely want to swap them for smaller wheels with higher-profile tires for better sidewall protection. And while the improved power is welcome, I can't help but wish Toyota had gone even further - perhaps offering the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Land Cruiser in certain markets.

Comparing it to competitors, the Hilux GR Sport occupies an interesting space between the Ford Ranger Raptor and the more utilitarian Nissan Navara. The Raptor has more extreme off-road hardware but feels less refined on pavement, while the Navara can't match the Toyota's power output. What the Hilux GR Sport achieves is this remarkable balance - it's comfortable enough for daily commuting while remaining brutally capable off-road. I've driven all three back-to-back through the same off-road course, and while the Raptor might be slightly faster over whoops, the Hilux feels more composed and predictable, which ultimately inspires more confidence when you're pushing limits.

Looking at real-world ownership, the Hilux's reputation for reliability remains its strongest card. I've spoken with owners in Southeast Asia who've put over 300,000 kilometers on their Hilux trucks with minimal issues. The GR Sport builds on this foundation while adding genuine performance enhancements that go beyond cosmetic upgrades. The upgraded suspension components, the retuned steering, the additional sound insulation - these all contribute to a vehicle that feels premium without losing its workhorse DNA.

So, is the 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport the ultimate off-road pickup? From my perspective, it comes remarkably close. It may not have the extreme suspension travel of the Raptor or the luxury interior of some premium SUVs, but it delivers an incredibly well-rounded package that excels in nearly every off-road scenario I've thrown at it. The way it builds confidence reminds me of that TNT team building momentum - each successful obstacle conquered makes you more willing to push harder on the next. For serious off-road enthusiasts who also need a practical daily driver, the Hilux GR Sport represents what I believe is currently the best balance of capability, reliability, and refinement in the pickup truck segment. It's not perfect, but it's closer to off-road perfection than anything else I've driven recently.