Toyota Corolla Cross and Hilux get ‘GR Sport’ variant in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, the sportier versions of the Corolla Cross SUV and Hilux pickup have arrived in Malaysia. Dubbed as ‘GR Sport,’ these new trims feature aggressive styling and improved driving dynamics and offer a more engaging driving experience. Let’s get to know the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport and 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport in detail -

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport 

UMW Toyota retails the sportier trim of its popular SUV at a price of RM 142,000 (on the road without insurance). It is based on the non-hybrid Corolla Cross and thus powered by the familiar 1.8-litre mill paired with a seven-speed CVT gearbox with sequential shiftmatic. The engine delivers the same levels of output i.e. 139 hp of maximum power and 172 Nm of peak torque. 

While the engine setup remains the same, the sportier SUV boasts a few chassis upgrades including special performance braces, stiffer front and rear suspension, and a sports ECU for EPS.

In terms of design, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport looks aggressive thanks to track-inspired bits. These include - a sporty front grille, restyled front, and rear bumpers, 18-inch GR Sport Design alloy wheels, and smoked LED tail lights. Adding to exterior highlights are GR badging around the body and three dual-tone colour schemes (Platinum White Pearl, Nebula Blue Metallic, and Red Mica Metallic) paired with a black roof. 

The cabin of the GR-S trim sets itself apart with red accents on the steering wheel, leather seats, and gear knob along with GR logos available on the push start button and front seat headrests. Parts of the equipment kit are - 9.0-inch infotainment system, 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, single-zone air conditioning, seven airbags, and the Toyota Safety Sense system.

2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport 

The GR-S version of the well-known Hilux pickup is based on the 2.8 Rogue trim and retails at RM 159,880 (on the road without insurance). It is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which kicks out 204 hp of maximum power and 500 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox mated to sequential and gear-shift paddles. It also gains a new sports suspension with monotube dampers.

On the exterior, the Hilux GR Sport exudes a tougher appeal with a bolder front grille, new bumpers, 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels with red brake callipers, and a new shark fin antenna. Three colour choices include - Super White II, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica.

The exclusive cabin highlights are black leather seats with GR Sport branding, aluminium sports pedals, GR instrument cluster, and GR badging on push-start button, steering wheels, as well as mats.

Features borrowed from the 2.8 Rogue are a 4.2-inch TFT instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone air conditioning, seven airbags, and Toyota Safety Sense.

Both the Cross GR Sport models are now available at nine GR Outlets nationwide. 

Also read: UMW Toyota launches the all-new GR Supra MT