I’m coming from a place without prejudice. I’ve driven some sports cars, but a ‘sporty’ car is a different thing altogether. They usually lean towards looks and not much on performance, but sometimes, there are little tweaks that significantly change the driving experience. So when Toyota Motor Philippines invited me to take the Hilux and Fortuner GR-S for a drive out of town, I was pleasantly surprised with the two.
Tamed look
First off, I have to commend how these GR-S models are not obnoxious in terms of looks. The Fortuner might have a bigger fog light housing and sharper rear skid plate but it actually looked a bit tame compared to the LTD with its body color wheel wells and tailgate handle. There is also more body color on its front face.
The story is the same for the Hilux. Its front end might look more intimidating with the spelled out TOYOTA emblem on the grille but overall, it’s a bit more tame than the Conquest. There’s a body color section that divides the front bumper, body colored overfenders, and a gloss black sport bar at the bed.
Inside, the leather seats are matched with a suede center while red stitching gives it more appeal. The steering wheel was also wrapped in leather, finished with red stitching, and was given a red center-guide on the top portion. Both enjoy aluminum pedals, which I’ve come to love because there’s less squeaking, and the Fortuner has the bonus carbon-like cover for the shifter housing.
Fortuner GR-S
The new Fortuner GR-S was quickly put to the test when we traversed provincial roads with bad ruts on its asphalt. The brakes are technically the same as before, only with a different color on the caliper, but it bites harder in this variant that normal braking is a bit tricky in the first minutes inside the car. After getting used to it, I was able to operate it smoothly and I must say, I like how it bites early.
Added to the Fortuner GR-S is the monotube shock absorber in the suspension for both front and rear. In my experience, the Fortuner has been the least plush in ride comfort compared to its rivals but in this GR-S, it felt like a totally different SUV. It’s more planted on the road and isn’t as jumpy as before even if I went through bad road ruts going to our destination. I was even caught off-guard by a hole and my soul didn’t leave my body from the resulting vibrations. It’s not a night and day difference against the LTD but it’s a noticeable improvement.
Aside from these, the only other additional toy for the Fortuner GR-S was the dual-zone climate control for the front passengers. It’s not much, but it’s useful especially since I always like it cold, and most of the time my preference is too cold for my shotgun rider.
Hilux GR-S
The Hilux is perhaps the most rewarded benefactor of the GR-S badge since it got more toys. Just like the Fortuner, it now has red brake calipers up front (none at the back since it’s a drum brake) and monotube shock absorber for both ends. It has become more stable and unless you’re hitting potholes at speed, it’s not jumpy anymore despite the empty cargo bed at the back. It’s still nowhere near the ride comfort of others in its segment but compared to the Conquest, the Hilux GR-S rides noticeably better.
Paddle shifters were also added to the Hilux which is the biggest upside for me. Having the control over shifting right at your fingertips is very useful since there are times I’d like to just suddenly downshift for an overtake. Combine that with the healthy 2.8L diesel engine under the hood and it makes the Hilux pretty versatile on the highways.
Another addition is the Panoramic View Monitor, or its own 360-camera system. Some might say it’s a bit gimmicky but with pickups, any camera assistance is appreciated because of its size. Parking is still a bit tricky, but at least you’d have less doubts on your maneuvers because you have a better view of your surroundings.
The new Toyota Fortuner GR-S is priced at P2,509,000 and is only available in a two-tone combo of White Pearl Crystal and Black Mica. It’s P59,000-P69,000 more expensive than the LTD, depending on the color of the LTD you’re looking at.
On the other hand, the Toyota Hilux GR-S is a significant jump at P1,985,000 for the Super White and Attitude Black Mica, while the one with Emotional Red is at P2,005,000. That’s around P110,000 more expensive than its Conquest counterpart.
Expensive, yes, but gone are the days where you’re paying for a badge and some aesthetic touches. The additions to the Fortuner and Hilux with the GR-S badge are very functional and justify the added cost. If anything, it further solidifies the GR-S branding that it’s not all for show and makes me excited about what else from their lineup will get this treatment and will arrive on our shores.
