Style Check: PH-spec Toyota Hilux GR Sport vs Euro-spec

It was back in October 2021 when Toyota Motor Philippines launched the Hilux GR Sport. Revealed alongside the Fortuner GR Sport, the pick-up truck gets a bevy of upgrades that give it a sportier appearance, as well as new monotube shock absorbers that Toyota says give the pick-up better handling.

But while we've had the Hilux GR Sport since Q4 of 2021, our friends over in Europe will only be getting the dressed-up pick-up truck this year. This is the Euro-spec Toyota Hilux GR Sport, and it has some key differences over the version that we get.

Let's start with the exterior. Unlike the PH-spec Hilux GR Sport that comes with body-colored wheel arches, the Euro version has matte black overfenders that give the pick-up a more rugged look. Then there are the 17-inch wheels that have a contrast black/machined finish look and are wrapped in all-terrain tires. Meanwhile, the local version of the GR Sport rolls on larger 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with standard road tires.

Some might say the front grille and bumper design are similar to what we get. But a quick look and we immediately noticed that the Euro-spec GR Sport gets a more angular grille, as well as a different-looking front apron and foglight bezels. Last but not least, the Euro version lacks a sports bar at the back.

While the exterior gets some noticeable differences, the interior is essentially the same. It gets the same leather-suede GR Sport seats, GR Sport steering wheel with leather wrapping, GR Sport floor mats, aluminum sport pedals, steering wheel paddle shifters, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic climate control, red contrast stitching, and faux carbon-fiber trim inserts.

2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport Euro-Spec

Other extra features that we wish were available in the PH-spec model are the blue LED ambient lighting on the doors, and the bold red trim piece that runs the entire width of the dashboard.

Under the hood, the Hilux GR Sport for Europe gets the same 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine dubbed the 1GD-FTV. It makes 204 PS along with 500 Nm of torque and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. But whereas the local spec models only come with an auto-disconnecting differential on the 4WD models, the Euro version also benefits from a limited-slip differential for better traction and handling.

2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport PH-Spec

The suspension was also given attention and now comes with monotube shock absorbers. Toyota says that, unlike regular dampers, the monotube units found on the Hilux GR Sport offer improved damping performance that enables quicker response and better heat dissipation. The dampers are then paired to new front coil springs with retuned rear leaf springs and new bushings, which Toyota says provides a better steering response.

The 2022 Toyota Hilux GR Sport for Europe is scheduled to be available at around Q2 2022. What do you think of the Euro-spec Hilux GR Sport? Does it look better? Or does it pale in comparison to what we get?