
AED247 000

AED237 000

The Toyota Hilux 2027 GR Sport is not necessarily the same pickup in every country. One of the most important differences for international buyers is the engine.
In some Gulf markets, Toyota sells the Hilux GR-S with a 4.0L V6 petrol engine. In several Asian markets, the performance-focused Hilux GR Sport or GR-S uses a 2.8L turbo-diesel instead.
That means a buyer searching for a Toyota Hilux GR Sport cannot rely on the trim name alone. The engine, drivetrain, source market and exact specification need to be checked before purchasing or importing the vehicle.
Toyota does not sell an identical Hilux range in every country.
Engine choices are influenced by local fuel preferences, emissions regulations, commercial demand, climate, taxation and the way pickup trucks are used in each market.
This is why the GR Sport badge does not automatically mean one specific engine.
For example, the current Toyota Saudi Arabia Hilux range includes a GR-S 4.0L V6 petrol 4×4 automatic. Toyota Philippines, meanwhile, currently offers a 2.8L turbo-diesel GR-S 4×4 automatic.
Toyota Thailand also lists a 2.8L GR Sport automatic configuration, demonstrating how strongly the diesel GR Sport concept is represented in Asian markets.
The biggest difference between these two GR Sport approaches is not simply horsepower. The engines deliver their performance differently.
| Specification | 4.0L V6 Petrol GR-S | 2.8L Turbo-Diesel GR-S |
|---|---|---|
| Current official market example | Saudi Arabia | Philippines |
| Engine | 4.0L naturally aspirated V6 petrol | 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Current reference output | 235 hp | 224 PS |
| Current reference torque | 376 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain in these examples | 4×4 | 4×4 |
| Driving character | Smooth, responsive petrol performance | Strong low-rpm torque |
| Best suited to | Petrol-focused markets, daily driving, desert and mixed use | Long-distance driving, towing, rough roads and torque-heavy use |
The petrol engine has the advantage of six-cylinder smoothness and a more traditional naturally aspirated response.
The diesel delivers significantly more peak torque and produces that torque lower in the rev range, which can be particularly useful during off-road driving, towing and heavily loaded operation.
The 4.0L V6 petrol Hilux GR-S is especially relevant to buyers looking at GCC and Middle Eastern specifications.

In the current Saudi Toyota range, the GR-S uses a 4.0L six-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine producing 235 hp at 5,200 rpm and 376 Nm at 3,800 rpm.
It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
Toyota Saudi Arabia currently quotes fuel consumption of approximately 9.1 km/L for this specification.
The 4.0L petrol GR-S makes the most sense for buyers who want a performance-oriented Hilux but operate in a market where petrol is widely available and competitively priced.
It can be a strong choice for private driving, desert use, highway travel and mixed business or recreational use.
Buyers covering very high annual mileage should compare fuel costs carefully against the diesel alternative.
For a broader petrol-engine comparison, see our Toyota Hilux 2027 2.7L vs 4.0L Petrol guide.
The 2.8L turbo-diesel GR Sport takes a different approach.
Toyota Philippines currently lists the Hilux 2.8 GR-S 4×4 automatic. Official Toyota GR-S specifications list the 1GD-FTV high-output turbo-diesel at 224 PS and 550 Nm.
The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Philippine GR-S also includes hardware intended to support its performance positioning, including monotube shock absorbers, rear disc brakes, GR brake calipers, an auto disconnect differential and a differential lock.
The difference between 376 Nm from the 4.0L petrol and 550 Nm from the high-output 2.8L diesel is important, but the numbers should not be viewed in isolation.
The diesel produces its strongest torque much lower in the rev range. This gives the pickup the type of pulling force buyers often prefer for hills, sand, towing, rough tracks and heavy loads.
The V6 petrol produces its performance differently, with smoother power delivery and a greater willingness to rev.
For more detail on Toyota’s diesel options, see our Toyota Hilux 2027 2.4L vs 2.8L Diesel guide.
There is no single winner for every buyer.
The better engine depends on where the vehicle will be used and what it will be asked to do.
| Buyer / Use | Better Starting Point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Daily driving in GCC | 4.0L petrol | Strong regional petrol support and smooth V6 performance |
| High annual mileage | 2.8L diesel | Diesel can offer better long-distance efficiency |
| Towing | 2.8L diesel | Strong low-rpm torque |
| Heavy loads | 2.8L diesel | 550 Nm is useful under load |
| Desert recreation | Both | Choice depends on fuel preference and driving style |
| Remote work | Depends on country | Local fuel and service support are critical |
| Private lifestyle use | 4.0L petrol | Smooth engine character and strong road performance |
| Commercial + recreational use | 2.8L diesel | Torque and long-distance suitability |
Both engines can work well in desert conditions when paired with the correct 4×4 system, tires and tire pressures.
The petrol V6 offers smooth throttle response and strong power, while the diesel provides substantial low-rpm torque.
Vehicle weight, tire choice, driver experience and terrain matter just as much as the engine.
The 2.8L diesel’s torque advantage makes it the more natural starting point for buyers planning regular towing or heavy-duty use.
However, buyers must check the legal towing and payload ratings of the exact vehicle rather than assuming all GR Sport models have identical limits.
For an international buyer, choosing between petrol and diesel is only part of the decision.
The source market can affect the engine, safety equipment, emissions system, infotainment, suspension, wheels and other specification details.
The 4.0L petrol GR-S is especially relevant to Gulf buyers because current Toyota Saudi Arabia specifications confirm this combination.
Petrol availability, high-temperature operation and established local experience with petrol-powered Hilux models can make this version attractive.
For many African buyers, the 2.8L diesel can be attractive because of torque, long-distance capability and commercial use.
However, fuel quality and access to technicians familiar with modern common-rail diesel systems should be checked before choosing a high-output diesel specification.
Asian markets provide some of the clearest examples of diesel GR Sport configurations.
Toyota Philippines currently sells a 2.8 GR-S 4×4 automatic, while Toyota Thailand also lists a 2.8 GR Sport automatic within its Hilux range.
Buyers should pay particular attention to emissions certification, registration rules and whether a source-market specification can legally be imported and registered.
The specifications discussed above are based on current Toyota regional information rather than assumptions about a single global 2027 model.
Official Toyota Saudi Arabia Hilux range
Official Toyota Philippines Hilux range
Buyers should recheck the official specification when 2027 production details for their source market become available.
Yes. Toyota Saudi Arabia currently offers a Hilux GR-S with a 4.0L V6 petrol engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
Yes. Toyota Philippines currently offers a Hilux 2.8 GR-S 4×4 automatic, and Toyota Thailand also lists a 2.8L GR Sport configuration.
A 2.4L diesel is available in several Hilux markets and work-focused grades, but buyers should not assume it is a GR Sport engine. Current GR Sport references examined for this guide use the 2.8L diesel or 4.0L petrol depending on market.
The 2.7L petrol engine is widely used in other Hilux grades, but current official regional GR Sport examples reviewed for this guide do not use the 2.7L petrol.
In the current examples compared here, the high-output 2.8L turbo-diesel produces 550 Nm, compared with 376 Nm from the Saudi-market 4.0L V6 petrol GR-S.
The 4.0L petrol suits buyers prioritising smooth petrol performance and petrol-friendly markets. The 2.8L diesel is the stronger choice where low-rpm torque, towing, long journeys and heavier use are priorities.
Buyers should not assume so. Hilux engine and trim combinations vary significantly between Toyota markets, and final 2027 specifications should be confirmed for the exact source country.
Tell DubiCar your destination country and whether you prefer the 4.0L petrol GR-S or 2.8L diesel GR Sport. We can help you check available specifications, drivetrain, source market and suitable export options.
Check Hilux 2027 GR Sport Availability on WhatsApp