The launch of the hotly-anticipated Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III is right around the corner, and we already know all the most important things about it.
The bakkie will cost R999,000 in South Africa and is modified with all manner of equipment to make it an even more capable off-roader than the standard models.
In this regard, it’s very similar to the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X that debuted in the country towards the end of last year, which also features a number of improvements that set it apart from the base Ranger.
Given that these two nameplates are two of the best-selling vehicles in South Africa, it’s only natural to see how their elite models stack up against one another, especially with a narrow price difference of R40,500.
Performance
Both the sporty new double cabs use familiar diesel engines from their respective brands, the Toyota being equipped with its 2.8-litre, single-turbo unit while the Ford gets a 2.0-litre, bi-turbo.
You can see how the two compare below:
| Specification | Toyota Hilux GR-Sport | Ford Ranger Wildtrak X |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8-litre turbo-diesel | 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel |
| Power | 165kW | 154kW |
| Torque | 550Nm | 500Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 8.7l/100km | 7.5l/100km |
| 0-100km/h | 9.7 seconds | 10.71 seconds |
| Top speed | 175km/h | 180km/h |
The Hilux is the more powerful bakkie, which gives it the better stat in most regards, though the Ranger does have better fuel consumption, which is worth considering if you plan to go on long trips in remote areas.
Their powertrains don’t tell the whole story though, as we also need to look at their dimensions and practical aspects:
| Specification | Toyota Hilux GR-Sport | Ford Ranger Wildtrak X |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,320mm | 5,370mm |
| Width | 2,020mm | 2,015mm |
| Height | 1,880mm | 1,914mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,085mm | 3,270mm |
| Ground clearance | 306mm | 261mm |
| Wading depth | 800mm | 800mm |
| Approach angle | 30.0 degrees | 32.0 degrees |
| Load capacity | 790kg | 966kg |
| Towing capacity | 3,500kg | 3,500kg |
The Wildtrak is the slightly bigger vehicle though both are enormous to begin with, and it has a longer wheelbase while the Hilux boasts much better ground clearance.
On the other hand, the American has a better approach angle and a greater carrying capacity, and both end up with the same towing capacity.
Features
What sets the GR-Sport III apart from previous Gazoo bakkies is its bespoke body kit that makes numerous improvements from a new mesh black grille and a revised air curtain structure, to redesigned fog lamp bezels that optimise drag efficiency and reduce turbulence in the wheel arches.
It also gets a steel bash plate, wider over-fenders, a styled sports bar, improved suspension with monotube dampers, red brake calipers, and 17-inch alloy rims wrapped in BF Goodrich Baja Champion all-terrain tyres.
The Blue Oval has done something similar with the X, which boasts enhancements over the standard Wildtrak such as Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, an distinctive off-road grille with auxiliary headlights, a steel bash plate, and 17-inch alloys with General Grabber all-terrain tyres.
Both bakkies are also fitted with equipment such as side steps, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, a leather multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, suede/leather upholstery, an electric driver’s seat, hill-start and hill-descent control, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.
Items unique to the Hilux include a GR-themed black-and-red interior with branded seats, paddle shifters, aluminium pedals, as well as a nine-speaker JBL stereo.
The Ranger, in contrast, comes with a black-and-orange colour scheme, a 12-inch digital driver display, an electric front passenger seat, ambient lighting, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Pricing
The Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III has a South African starting price of R999,000,
This includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and 9-services/90,000km service plan.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X has a local starting price of R1,039,500.
Each purchase comes with a 4-year/120,000km warranty and 4-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.
Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III
Ford Ranger Wildtrak X
Join the discussion