Automotive
Toyota is giving its spacious three-row Grand Highlander a little more adventurous personality for 2027 with the arrival of the new Grand Highlander Woodland Edition. Following the same basic idea Toyota has applied to Woodland versions of vehicles such as the Sienna and bZ, the new model combines the Grand Highlander’s family-friendly packaging with a modest collection of upgrades intended for dirt roads, campsites, trailheads, and weekends that take owners beyond the pavement. It is not trying to replace a 4Runner, and that is probably the point. This is still very much a comfortable family SUV, only now it arrives a bit better prepared to get dirty.
The 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland is offered exclusively with Toyota’s 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain and standard all-wheel drive. That setup produces 245 horsepower while retaining the fuel-efficiency advantage that makes the regular Grand Highlander Hybrid such a compelling large SUV. Toyota gives the Woodland an additional half-inch of ground clearance through taller springs and its tire package, along with 18-inch matte-black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. A factory tow hitch, mud guards, LED fog lights, roof rails with cross bars, black exterior accents, and Woodland badging complete the more rugged appearance without making the Grand Highlander look as if it is pretending to be something it is not.
That extra capability is fairly mild compared with Toyota’s serious off-road machines, but it should be much more relevant to how most families actually use a three-row crossover. The additional clearance and all-terrain rubber should provide some extra confidence on gravel roads, muddy campground entrances, or the occasionally rough path to a remote cabin. At the same time, buyers are not giving up the Grand Highlander’s biggest strengths, including a roomy cabin, an adult-friendly third row, and up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded. It remains a vehicle built primarily around carrying people and their stuff.
Toyota also added several touches inside that make the Woodland more useful once the pavement ends. One of the more interesting additions is a removable Woodland-branded second-row console that doubles as a cooler and can hold up to six 12-ounce cans. Take it out and accessing the third row becomes easier. There are also all-weather floor mats, a Woodland cargo tray with pop-up dividers, a heated steering wheel, and 120V/1500W power outlets available from the rear of the center console and cargo area. Those are the kinds of features that could prove genuinely useful at a campsite, tailgate, or during a family road trip.
There is one notable tradeoff for shoppers who want more muscle. Toyota does not offer the Woodland Edition with the much stronger Hybrid MAX powertrain, which produces 362 horsepower. The Woodland’s 2.5-liter hybrid configuration carries a 3,500-pound maximum towing rating, compared with as much as 5,000 pounds from other properly equipped Grand Highlander powertrains. Anyone planning to tow a larger camper or boat will want to keep that difference in mind. For buyers who prioritize efficiency and everyday usability over maximum towing capacity, however, the regular hybrid powertrain may be the more sensible pairing.
The Woodland also arrives at a time when adventure-themed family vehicles have become a significant part of the market. Buyers increasingly want something that looks at home beside hiking gear and bicycles without accepting the fuel economy, ride compromises, or packaging limitations of a traditional body-on-frame SUV. The Grand Highlander fits that role nicely because Toyota has avoided going too far. The Woodland enhancements give owners a little more flexibility while preserving the comfortable ride, spacious interior, and hybrid efficiency that make the vehicle attractive in the first place.
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland is expected to begin arriving at dealerships later this year, carrying a starting price of about $53,375. For families who actually spend weekends outdoors, or simply like the idea of being better prepared when the road gets rough, it may end up being one of the most interesting Grand Highlander configurations. No, it will not follow a 4Runner Trailhunter deep into serious backcountry terrain, but it should comfortably get the family, the cooler, and all the camping gear to plenty of places where an ordinary three-row crossover might feel slightly out of its element.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
