When I first got behind the wheel of the 2020 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, I immediately noticed how the upgraded suspension transformed what could have been just another pickup into something genuinely exciting. Having tested numerous off-road vehicles over the years, from rugged American trucks to nimble Japanese SUVs, I can confidently say Toyota's latest iteration of the Hilux stands out—not just for its brute capability, but for its surprising refinement. The moment you press the accelerator, the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine roars to life with 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but feel absolutely potent when you're navigating rocky trails or overtaking on highways. It's this combination of power and precision that reminds me of watching a perfectly executed volleyball play—much like how Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen and Tranh Thi Thanh Thuy dominated their match with 20 and 17 points respectively, the Hilux GR Sport delivers a one-two punch of performance and control that leaves competitors scrambling.
Driving through muddy tracks in the countryside last weekend, I was struck by how the GR Sport's off-road enhancements—like the retuned shock absorbers and reinforced chassis—made rough terrain feel almost manageable. The electronic differential lock and crawl control system worked seamlessly together, allowing me to focus on the path ahead rather than constantly adjusting settings. It's rare to find a vehicle that balances everyday comfort with genuine off-road prowess, but Toyota has managed it here. I remember thinking how the truck's stability on steep inclines mirrored the unwavering performance of elite athletes; just as Tuyen and Thuy covered the scoring front without breaking a sweat, the Hilux tackles challenges with effortless confidence. The steering, while weighty, provides excellent feedback, and the upgraded brakes—with larger discs front and rear—inspired confidence during sudden stops on loose gravel. Personally, I've always preferred vehicles that communicate with the driver, and the GR Sport does exactly that, whether you're crawling over boulders or cruising at 110 km/h.
On paved roads, the Hilux GR Sport continues to impress, though it's here that you notice its truck-like roots. The cabin, while more refined than previous models, still lets in some road noise, and the ride can feel firm over potholes. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a remarkably versatile machine. The sport-tuned exhaust gives the diesel engine a throatier note, which I found oddly satisfying during acceleration—it's a touch that adds character without being overbearing. Fuel economy, for those who care, sits around 9.2 L/100km in mixed driving, though I saw it dip to 11.5 during aggressive off-road sessions. What stood out to me most, however, was the interior. The GR-specific seats offer great bolstering, and the red stitching on the dashboard and steering wheel adds a sporty flair that makes daily drives feel special. It's these details that elevate the Hilux from a workhorse to something you'd genuinely look forward to driving every day.
Off-road, the Hilux truly shines. I took it through a river crossing that would have stalled lesser vehicles, and the revised air intake and waterproofing kept everything running smoothly. The approach angle of 31 degrees and departure angle of 26 degrees might not break records, but they're more than adequate for most adventures. I pushed it up a 45-degree slope, and the low-range gearing made it feel almost easy—a testament to Toyota's decades of experience in building tough trucks. Some might argue that rivals like the Ford Ranger Raptor offer more extreme performance, but in my view, the Hilux strikes a better balance between durability and daily usability. It's like comparing specialists to all-rounders; while the Raptor might excel in certain conditions, the GR Sport adapts to whatever you throw at it, much like how a versatile athlete can dominate multiple aspects of a game.
Wrapping up my time with the Hilux GR Sport, I'm left with a sense of admiration for how Toyota has evolved this iconic model. It's not perfect—the infotainment system feels dated, and the price tag of around $52,000 might deter some—but it delivers where it counts. Whether you're hauling gear to a job site or exploring remote trails, this truck handles it with a quiet competence that's hard to find elsewhere. If I had to sum it up, I'd say the GR Sport is like the reliable star player on a team: it might not always grab headlines, but it consistently delivers when it matters. And in a world full of flashy but fragile vehicles, that's something worth celebrating.