Table of Contents
Pros
- Great off road performance
- Plenty of space all around
- Aggressive looks
Cons
- Head unit is slow and outdated
- Can be a bit loud on road
- Difficult to get in and out of trunk bed
First impressions
Last week, we shared a photo of this truck’s interior on our Instagram page, and it sparked some interesting guesses. Many thought it belonged to the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, while others guessed the recently face-lifted Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Needless to say, everyone was surprised to learn it was actually the interior of the 2024 Toyota Hilux GR.
The Hilux GR isn’t the first vehicle that comes to mind for many when discussing Toyota reviews, and we’ll admit we approached it with some uncertainty. After all, the Hilux is renowned worldwide as a rugged workhorse, favored for its utility and durability. But what about those who aren’t using their truck to haul construction materials or lumber every day? That’s what we set out to discover.
The Exterior
So right off the bat, you’ll notice two things as you walk to the truck: 1)The massive fender flares sticking out the side of the truck and 2)The very aggressive black grill with the shiny GR badge. If you think a regular Hilux truck looks beefy, then this variation looks like someone who hasn’t missed a gym day in their life. Toyota has spared no effort in enhancing its aggressive aesthetic, incorporating larger, more robust tires paired with matching black rims, a lifted suspension, darkened lighting elements, and sleek blacked-out trims throughout the vehicle.
We’ll be honest that this truck is a looker though. There were several instances where we found ourselves stopped next to a standard Hilux on the road and were given a thumbs up or two. We even had one random passerby ask us if we had modified the vehicle ourselves. Imagine his surprise when we told him that all of these options came straight from the dealership, exactly as you see it.
The drive
To thoroughly evaluate its capabilities, we put the Hilux GR to the test across a variety of terrains, aiming to understand how this truck performs in real-world conditions. Our journey spanned long straight highways, rugged mountain roads, and even stretches of sand and mud in Qudra.
What stood out immediately was the truck’s impressive off-road capability. It handled uneven terrain with remarkable ease, maintaining composure over every bump and sway without missing a beat. Speed bumps posed no challenge, as the suspension absorbed them effortlessly.
Even on soft sand, where we anticipated potential difficulties, the Hilux GR exceeded expectations. It navigated the terrain gracefully, avoiding any signs of getting stuck. For additional assurance, the 4WD selector was conveniently ready to engage with a simple turn of the switch, providing confidence for more demanding scenarios.
Interior features
Once inside, the cabin feels familiar and straightforward. The seats are supportive and adjustable, featuring the GR logo elegantly embossed on the headrests. The seating position is ergonomic, complemented by a telescopic steering wheel that allows for effortless adjustments. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen head unit, equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
However, the screen resolution leaves room for improvement. Beyond that, the interior is intuitive, with controls functioning exactly as expected—a reflection of Toyota’s consistent design language, which remains largely unchanged from previous models. That said, an interior refresh would certainly be a welcome upgrade in the near future.
Don’t forget the air compressor tucked away under the rear passenger seat. It’s an invaluable tool for off-road adventures, allowing you to quickly reinflate deflated tires when navigating through deep sand—no need to rely on a gas station for assistance.
Driving videos
We had a lot of fun shooting these. The Hilux GR was always capable and zoomed past these tests with a breeze.
Final thoughts
The 2024 Toyota Hilux GR is a bold statement from Toyota, blending the Hilux’s legendary reliability and ruggedness with a fresh, aggressive design and impressive off-road capabilities. It’s a truck that turns heads on the road and performs confidently off it, handling everything from smooth highways to challenging terrains with ease.
While the exterior design and off-road capabilities are standout features, the interior was a bit too familiar for us. While the interior offers comfort, practicality, and the essential tech features drivers expect, a more modern refresh would elevate the experience further. Small details, like the built-in air compressor, shows Toyota’s attention to practical off-road functionality.
For those seeking a truck that is as visually striking as it is capable, the Hilux GR is a compelling option. It bridges the gap between utility and lifestyle, appealing not only to those who rely on their truck for heavy-duty tasks but also to those who value style, comfort, and a bit of adventure in their daily drive.
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