New Toyota Hilux GR Sport due in 2027, but NZ launch unconfirmed

A new Toyota Hilux GR Sport is on the way, with Toyota's South African boss pointing to a 2027 arrival for the tougher version of the ninth-generation ute.

The news will be of interest to Kiwi buyers who liked the more aggressive look and upgraded hardware of the previous GR Sport. There is an important catch, though: the timing applies to South Africa, and a New Zealand launch has not been confirmed.

Toyota South Africa president and chief executive Andrew Kirby told Cars.co.za that the new GR Sport is due in that market sometime in 2027. The vehicle has yet to be officially revealed, so its design and mechanical details remain under wraps.

What does it mean for New Zealand?

The latest-generation Hilux launched in New Zealand in May 2026, but the GR Sport badge was missing from the initial line-up.

When Toyota NZ announced the new generation in 2025, it said GR Sport and SR Cruiser were not included at launch and that it was exploring future options. That leaves the door open, but it does not amount to a commitment to sell the new GR Sport here.

For now, there is no confirmed NZ on-sale date, pricing or local specification. The South African timing should not be taken as a New Zealand timetable.

What made the last GR Sport different?

The previous-generation Hilux GR Sport was more than a badge and a different grille. The version confirmed for New Zealand in 2023 had a wider track, revised suspension components and a reinforced rear axle, along with bolder bodywork inspired by Toyota's Dakar racers.

Its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel produced 165kW and 550Nm. Those figures belong to the previous model: Toyota has not revealed the new GR Sport's engine or output, and there is no confirmation that it will use the same setup.

The earlier GR Sport offered buyers a factory-built Hilux with a more purposeful stance and changes aimed at improving its rough-road ability. Whether the next one follows the same formula, or takes a different approach, will have to wait until Toyota shares more.

For Kiwi ute fans, the encouraging part is that the GR Sport badge is set to continue. The bigger question is whether Toyota New Zealand will bring this one across.

Photos show previous-generation Hilux GR Sport vehicles. Hero photo: Ethan Llamas; body photo: LuvsMG481. Both via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.