With a 4x4 ute range that already stretches to a dozen variants, you might think the last thing one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles the Toyota HiLux needs is another version.

But you would be wrong.

Wrong at least in the eyes of Toyota’s product planning division, who decided what the workhorse really needed was a dressed-up sports variant dubbed the HiLux GR Sport, designed to go head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X and Nissan PRO-4X Warrior among others.

The latest addition to the HiLux range launched with a $73,990 price tag, making it the most expensive factory-built HiLux money can buy and representing a $3,230 premium over the previous range-topping HiLux Rogue.

The new flagship variant is claimed to be the result of extensive development, including by Australian styling design and engineering evaluation teams, and aims to deliver a new level of excitement to the HiLux range.

Featuring extensive suspension, powertrain and underbody modifications, the HiLux GR Sport promises enhanced on and off-road performance credentials, along with strong towing capability.

Designed to appeal to recreational enthusiasts who want something with unique looks and enhanced capability, the HiLux GR Sport features an upgraded version of Toyota’s long-serving 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, boosting maximum power and torque outputs by 10 per cent to 165kW/550Nm. The standard six-speed automatic transmission has also been recalibrated in dereference to the increased engine outputs.

The changes stop short of giving HiLux the firepower it needs to compete with Ford’s potent 292kW/583Nm 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo Ranger Raptor, but its list price is also nearly $13,000 below that of the performance Ford’s $86,790 sticker.

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Underneath, the GR Sport’s track has been widened by 135mm at the front and 155mm, the same dimensions as the established HiLux Rogue, along with a 15mm increase in ride height compared with the core HiLux range.

Other suspension enhancements include fitment of KYB monotube shock absorbers, and removal of the rear stabiliser bar to provide increased suspension travel.

More aggressive 265/65R17 Bridgestone Duelers all-terrain tyres are fitted to stylish gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels, which contribute to the GR Sport’s wider and tougher stance.

Maximum braked towing capacity remains at 3,500kg and the GR Sport comes equipped with a standard fitment genuine towbar, towball and seven-pin trailer wiring harness.

A front skid plate, steel rock rails and a pair of red-painted rear recovery points all contribute to the GR Sport’s Dakar-inspired looks, which also include a blacked-out grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering, and wide-track front bumper with silver lower moulding.

Dark grey wheel-arch flares, red brake calipers with GR logos on the four-wheel ventilated discs, and black badges, door handles and exterior mirrors complete the ute’s stylish look.

Inside the cabin, red seatbelts provide sporty accents in line with the GR design theme, and the seats are upholstered in a blend of leather-accented and perforated suede, with grey stitching.

The steering wheel features a leather-accented wrap with a red centre mark, GR logo and paddle shifters, plus a unique shift lever look, aluminium pedals, and ‘Technical Mesh’ trim on the dash and doors.

A nine-speaker JBL premium audio system is also included as part of the GR Sport package.

The GR Sport features the same active safety technologies found on the HiLux Rogue and comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

This is extended to seven years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first three years/60,000km (whichever comes first) and each six-month/10,000km service costing $290.

Available colours are Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky, Eclipse Black and Feverish Red, with the white and red options able to be paired with a two-tone black roof for an additional cost of $1,000.