Pickup truck tussle: Toyota Hilux GR-S vs. Ford Ranger Raptor

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) just released the refreshed version of the Hilux GR-S. 

Not only did we get to see a handsome iteration of the pickup truck but also saw a boost in its overall output, meaning that the said update was more than just cosmetic. 

Looking to give the new Toyota Hilux GR-S a warm welcome is yet another segment staple, which also boasts both better looks and performance, the Ford Ranger Raptor. 

Which model will emerge the better in this pickup truck tussle? Let’s find out. 

Weigh-in

The Toyota Hilux GR-S measures 5,320 millimeters (mm) long, 2,020mm wide, and 1,880mm tall. 

As for the Ford Ranger Raptor, it has an overall length of 5,381mm, an overall width of 2,028mm, and an overall height of 1,922mm. 

Exterior 

The updated Toyota Hilux GR-S wears a new front grille with large honeycomb patterns, a more prominent framework, and a bold “T-O-Y-O-T-A” script. To each of its sides are LED headlamps and fog lamps. It also wears a solid-looking skid plate. 

Also eye-catching are the new panels that bridge the wheel arches to the front fascia’s lower side trims. And although they look like sideburns, the said panels add to the rugged attitude of the new Toyota Hilux GR-S.

Contrasting appointments found on its side profiles are blacked-out side mirrors, door handles, B-pillars, step boards, and the aforementioned wheel arches that have striking angles, which make the new Toyota Hilux GR-S look all the more aggressive. 

It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with GR design wrapped in 265/65 all-terrain tires. 

The rear end of the pickup truck wears LED taillamps, a third brake lamp on the tailgate, and a black rear bumper with a stepboard. To add, there’s also a spoiler-like appointment on the rear window of the Toyota Hilux GR-S.

All around, the Toyota Hilux GR-S is peppered with the Gazoo Racing badge, which can be found on its grille, tailgate, and wheels. 

Likewise, the Ford Ranger Raptor also sports more than the usual exterior appointments compared to the standard trims. 

These include the bold “F-O-R-D” lettering on the grille and exhaust vents on the automobile’s hood. Of course, one can still find its LED light clusters at the front, C-shaped daytime running lights, and fog lamps. 

The flank of the Ford Ranger Raptor comes with flared wheel arches, body-colored door handles, black B-pillars, side mirrors with cameras, and a huge stepboard. 

It rides on 17-inch allow wheels shod in BF Goodrich KO2 high-performance all-terrain tires. 

Rear-end appointments offered by the Ford Ranger Raptor include LED taillamps, a third brake lamp on the handle of the tailgate, and a debossed “Ranger” logo. 

“Raptor” badging can be found all around the truck such as its stepboards, decals on the side of the truck bed, and tailgate.

With both pickup trucks offering plenty of exterior features, we give this round a tie.

Interior 

Inside the Toyota Hilux GR-S are a handful of unique appointments like its well-bolstered suede seats with GR-logo, leather steering wheel, also with GR logo. It also has red seatbelts, which adds to the sportiness of its cabin. 

In terms of tech, the Toyota Hilux GR-S packs a digital and analog instrument cluster, a nine-inch display audio system that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charger. 

Not to be outdone, the Ford Ranger Raptor also offers a slew of unique features in its interior. These come in the form of a “Raptor”-badged steering wheel and seats. 

Taking things up a notch, the Ford Ranger Raptor offers its owners a fully digital instrument panel and a vertically oriented infotainment system that measures 12.4 inches. 

On that note, we give this round to the Ford Ranger Raptor for its more modern interior amenities. 

Engine 

Under the hood of the Toyota Hilux GR-S is a 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with part-time four-wheel drive. 

Performance figures clock in at 224 horsepower (hp) — an increase of 24 horses compared to the previous version’s churn.

On the other hand, the Ford Ranger Raptor is equipped with a 2.0-liter Bi-turbo diesel engine mated to a 10-speed Selectshift automatic transmission.

The said setup produces 207hp. 

Looking at these numbers, we give this round to the Toyota Hilux GR-S. 

Verdict 

With the two pickup trucks seemingly neck in neck, we will have to give this matchup a tie. That said, selecting between the Toyota Hilux GR-S and the Ford Ranger Raptor will be a matter of personal preference. 

Will you go for the more techy Ford Ranger Raptor or the beefier Toyota Hilux GR-S? The choice is yours. 

Photos from Toyota, Ford, Ruben Manahan IV, and Juan Paulo Papa

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