2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland Adds Mild Off Road Capability to the Family SUV
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Toyota is adding a new Woodland Edition to the Grand Highlander lineup for the 2027 model year. The new trim gives the large family SUV a slightly more rugged setup without turning it into a hardcore off road machine.
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland gets a small suspension lift, all terrain tires, a tow hitch, matte black 18 inch wheels and several interior features aimed at outdoor use.
It is available only with the 245 horsepower 2.5 liter hybrid powertrain. The more powerful 362 horsepower 2.4 liter turbocharged hybrid is not offered with the Woodland trim.
2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland Gets a Small Lift
The Woodland treatment is fairly straightforward. Toyota has raised the Grand Highlander’s suspension by half an inch using taller springs.
That extra ground clearance is not enough to turn the SUV into a serious rock crawler, but it should give the Woodland a little more breathing room when driving on rougher roads and trails.
The SUV also gets Goodyear Wrangler all terrain tires, which are better suited to loose surfaces than standard road focused tires.
Other exterior changes include:
- 18 inch matte black wheels
- Goodyear Wrangler all terrain tires
- Half an inch of additional ground clearance
- A tow hitch
Toyota is clearly keeping the Woodland focused on light off road use rather than trying to compete directly with something like the 4Runner Trailhunter.
Grand Highlander Woodland Uses the 245 HP Hybrid
The 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland is offered exclusively with Toyota’s 245 horsepower 2.5 liter hybrid powertrain.
That means buyers looking for the more powerful setup will have to choose another Grand Highlander trim. The 2.4 liter turbocharged hybrid produces 362 horsepower, but Toyota does not offer it in the Woodland.
That decision also affects towing capability.
The other Grand Highlander engine options can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Woodland is rated for a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
For families planning to pull a larger camping trailer, that difference could matter.
Interior Gets Practical Outdoor Features
Toyota has also added a few changes inside the Grand Highlander Woodland. These are not just cosmetic additions. Some should be useful even if the SUV spends most of its time on normal roads.
Standard equipment includes all weather floor mats and two additional 12 volt power outlets.
One outlet is located in the second row, while another sits in the luggage area.
That can be handy for camping equipment, portable coolers or other accessories that need power away from the front seats.
Removable Second Row Cooler
One of the more unusual Woodland features is the second row console cooler combination.
Toyota says the removable cooler can hold about a six pack of kombucha or similar drinks. That sounds like a small detail, but it fits the Woodland’s family and outdoor focus.
The cooler can also be removed when owners need easier access to the third row.
That makes it more useful than a feature that exists purely for appearance.
Woodland Is Not a 4Runner Trailhunter
It is worth keeping expectations in check.
The Grand Highlander Woodland gets some useful off road upgrades, but Toyota has not transformed the three row SUV into a dedicated off road vehicle.
The additional ground clearance is only half an inch, and the Woodland does not get the 362 horsepower turbocharged hybrid powertrain.
Its 3,500 pound towing limit is also lower than the 5,000 pound maximum available with other Grand Highlander powertrain choices.
So the Woodland makes more sense for families that occasionally leave the pavement than for buyers who regularly tackle difficult trails.
Grand Highlander Woodland Focuses on Family Practicality
The Grand Highlander’s biggest strength remains its family friendly layout rather than extreme off road performance.
The standard Grand Highlander hybrid has been well regarded for its smooth ride, spacious interior and fuel economy. The Woodland keeps that basic formula while adding equipment for people who spend some weekends outdoors.
That also creates an interesting balance.
A more capable off road SUV can take you deeper into the backcountry, but a hybrid Grand Highlander can be more practical for the long drive to the trailhead.
For a family that mainly drives on highways and city roads but occasionally heads toward a campsite or hiking trail, that compromise may make sense.
And yes, Toyota even leaves room for the classic roof tent setup.
2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland Price
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland starts at $53,375.
Toyota expects the Woodland to reach dealerships by the end of 2026.
2027 Grand Highlander Woodland Key Details
| Feature | 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.5 liter hybrid |
| Power | 245 hp |
| Ground clearance | Additional 0.5 inch |
| Tires | Goodyear Wrangler all terrain |
| Wheels | 18 inch matte black |
| Maximum towing | 3,500 pounds |
| Additional power outlets | Two 12V outlets |
| Cooler | Removable second row console cooler |
| Starting price | $53,375 |
| Expected arrival | End of 2026 |
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland is therefore more of a practical outdoor focused family SUV than a hardcore off road model. It adds the equipment that makes sense for camping, hiking and rougher roads while keeping the Grand Highlander’s hybrid powertrain and three row family friendly character.
Sources & References
Official Toyota Sources
- Toyota USA Newsroom: 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland
Toyota USA Newsroom: Grand Highlander Woodland Edition
Official Toyota announcement covering the Woodland trim, 245 hp hybrid, all terrain tires, 0.5 inch extra ground clearance, cooler, power outlet, towing and equipment. - Toyota USA: 2027 Grand Highlander Overview
Toyota USA 2027 Grand Highlander
Official model information covering the 2027 Grand Highlander lineup, powertrains, seating and Woodland availability. - Toyota USA Grand Highlander Page
Toyota Grand Highlander on Toyota.com
Useful official source for the US market model information, features and specifications.
Independent US Automotive Sources
- Car and Driver: 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland
Car and Driver: 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland
Detailed independent coverage of the Woodland Edition, including its 245 hp hybrid powertrain, all terrain tires, additional ground clearance, cooler and $53,375 starting price. - Car and Driver: 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid Review
Car and Driver: 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Useful for broader information about the hybrid powertrain, towing, fuel economy, interior space and 2027 changes. - MotorTrend: 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid
MotorTrend: 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Independent specifications and review covering the Woodland’s all terrain tires, ground clearance, cooler and other equipment. - MotorTrend: 2027 Grand Highlander
MotorTrend: 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander
Useful independent reference for the broader 2027 Grand Highlander lineup and its powertrain choices. - CarBuzz: Grand Highlander Woodland Edition
CarBuzz: Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland Edition
Additional independent coverage of the new Woodland Edition and its off road focused changes.
Canada Source
- Toyota Canada: 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland
Toyota Canada: Grand Highlander Woodland Edition
Official Canadian announcement with Canadian specifications, including the 12 mm ground clearance increase, all terrain tires, AWD, cooler and Canadian powertrain lineup.
Additional Official Reference
- Toyota USA: 2027 Model Year Updates
Toyota USA 2027 Model Year Information
Useful for confirming that the Grand Highlander Woodland is part of Toyota’s 2027 US model lineup.
2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland FAQs
What is the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland?
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland is a more outdoor focused version of Toyota's three row family SUV. It adds extra ground clearance, all terrain tires, matte black wheels, a tow hitch and several practical interior features while retaining a hybrid powertrain.
What engine does the 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland have?
The Grand Highlander Woodland uses a 2.5 liter hybrid powertrain producing 245 horsepower. The more powerful 362 horsepower 2.4 liter turbocharged Hybrid MAX powertrain is not offered on the Woodland trim.
How much extra ground clearance does the Grand Highlander Woodland get?
Toyota gives the Woodland an additional 0.5 inch of ground clearance through taller springs. The small lift is intended to provide some extra capability on rough roads and light trails rather than turn the Grand Highlander into a hardcore off road SUV.
What off road upgrades does the Grand Highlander Woodland get?
The Woodland gets Goodyear Wrangler all terrain tires, 18 inch matte black wheels, an additional 0.5 inch of ground clearance and a tow hitch. These upgrades make it better suited to light off road driving and outdoor trips.
How much can the 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland tow?
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. That is lower than the 5,000 pound maximum available with some other Grand Highlander powertrain configurations.
What interior features are included with the Woodland trim?
The Woodland includes all weather floor mats, two additional 12 volt power outlets and a removable second row console cooler. One additional outlet is located in the second row and the other is positioned in the luggage area.
Does the Grand Highlander Woodland have a removable cooler?
Yes. Toyota equips the Woodland with a removable second row console cooler. It can hold roughly six drinks and can be removed when easier access to the third row is needed.
Is the Grand Highlander Woodland a serious off road SUV?
No. The Woodland is designed for light trails, rough roads, camping trips and similar outdoor use. Its modest suspension lift and all terrain tires add capability, but it is not intended to provide the same level of off road performance as a dedicated model such as the Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter.
How much does the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland cost?
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland starts at $53,375 in the United States.
When will the 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland be available?
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland is expected to reach dealerships by the end of 2026.
