More Hardcore Toyota GR Hilux Could Arrive To Fight The Ford Ranger Raptor In 2024

Though exclusive in Australia for now, Toyota has already started selling the first Hilux GR Sport. It's an awesome version of the venerable nameplate, complete with performance upgrades that amp up the invincible truck, but it's not quite the Ford Ranger Raptor rival we expect.

That's fine because Toyota has one more Hilux version coming next year, according to Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia's vice president of sales. In an interview with CarExpert, Hanley backs the upcoming mild-hybrid Hilux but also mentioned one more version the world has yet to see.

"The arrival of the 48-volt battery will be the third major update for highlights since October last year. And we have at least one more Hilux surprise in store for next year," Handley told the publication.

The upcoming Hilux could be any version, based on Handley's statement. Still, he put emphasis on this product, hinting that it will be an important model above the Hilux GR Sport, possibly aimed at the hot-selling Ranger Raptor.

"And before you ask me what it is you'll have to wait - we need another event! It just keeps getting better," he added.

The Hilux GR Sport was developed in Australia, just like the Ranger Raptor, but is way down on power compared to the Ford. Toyota may have uptuned the diesel engine for an output of 221 hp and 406 lb-ft torque, but even the US-spec Tacoma can swallow it whole with its 2.4-liter i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain that makes up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of pulling power.

In comparison to the Blue Oval, the Oz-spec Ford Ranger Raptor is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that churns out 392 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, with the US version even more powerful at 405 hp.

That said, Toyota could also opt for a V6 for the full-fat Hilux GR when it arrives so it can compete squarely with the Ranger Raptor. This is similar to what Kia plans to do with its own upcoming Ranger Raptor fighter, but that's another story for another time.

In the meantime, we can relish Hanley's confidence in Toyota's supposed Ranger Raptor fighter despite being late to the competition.

"Toyota is rarely first to market, but that's okay - because when we do come to market, when we do arrive, we arrive. And we arrive with a damn good product - good quality, good reliability, good durability," he said.