Electric vehicles outperform hybrids on efficiency and cost
As South Africa forges ahead in the automotive landscape, a notable divide has emerged in the growing realm of new-energy vehicles.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 8 December 2025
Building on its multiple Dakar Rally-winning heritage, the Hilux GR SPORT III has landed in South Africa and will be the most powerful Hilux yet available, perfect for spirited drivers.
What is it?
The double cab Hilux GR-S III delivers a powerful combination of enhanced handling and stability, with excellent towing (3 500kg) and payload (1 000kg) capacity allied to an assertive design evolution. It stands out from the crowd in terms of looks and performance.
Exterior:
The GR-S III features an increase in tread, the lateral distance between the 17-inch wheels, which is expanded by 140 mm at the front and 155 mm at the rear compared to the standard Toyota Hilux with new 17-inch wheels.
Maing the Hilux GR-S III stand out from the crowd are a variety of premium exterior design details, such as the black G mesh front grille featuring the classic Toyota name logo, black sidestep, mirrors and door handles. Silver-coloured protective front under guard, black rear bumper and distinctive GR logos complement an evocative appearance.
Interior:
A black, monochrome theme creates a stylish feel and is accompanied by bold red accents, such as the contrasting red seat belts, to emphasise the motorsport passion behind the GR identity. Paddle controls add the option of manual shift selection while the perforated sports leather steering wheel (with contrast stitching) and aluminium sport pedals complete the experience.
Black suede and leather sport seats, with silver stitching and perforation, elevate the interior appearance and provide exceptional comfort as well as a better grip, minimising sliding when the occupants experience higher lateral forces.
Completing the high-quality look and feel of the Hilux GR-S III cabin is a new hydrographic ornament on the door trim and dashboard, which also features GR details on the information display and instrumentation.
Engine:
Power comes from the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque and is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Technical Changes:
An increase from 29 degrees to 30 degrees in the approach angle and enhanced ground clearance extend its off-road capabilities. That is achieved via a 20 mm increase in ride height combined with a tread increase in front and at the rear.
More powerful braking is provided by the front discs expanded from 16 to 17 inches, and new 15-inch discs on the rear which replace the previous drum brakes.
Pricing:
The Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 DC 4×4 GR Sport III costs R999 000. It also comes standard with 9-services/90 000km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000km warranty.
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