Toyota is giving the Grand Highlander a more outdoors-focused version for the 2027 model year. The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland brings a small suspension lift, all-terrain tires, extra power outlets and a removable cooler built into the second-row console.
The Woodland model is another trim line in Toyota’s growing series of trims designed for customers looking for increased functionality from their family cars. The Woodland models for the bZ and Sienna have been introduced with a focus on a combination of light off-roading capabilities, as opposed to heavy-duty off-roading capability.
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland will use the 2.5-liter, 245-horsepower hybrid powertrain and is expected to be available for purchase in dealership showrooms by the end of 2026.
Suspension and Tires
The Woodland gets an extra half-inch of ground clearance through taller springs. Toyota also fits Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires and 18-inch wheels with a matte black finish.
A tow hitch is also included with this model. With these modifications, the Grand Highlander has increased ground clearance and improved traction on unpaved roads and other challenging terrain; however, it remains an SUV for families who need to go camping or take their kids to trailhead locations, rather than being designed for extreme off-roading.
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland is nowhere near the level of a 4Runner Trailhunter in terms of off-road capabilities. Toyota made a few small modifications to help the three-row SUV be more suitable for use during camping trips, at trailheads and when traveling on difficult roads.
Hybrid Powertrain and Towing
The Woodland is only available with Toyota’s 245-hp 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. The 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid, which makes 362 horsepower in other Grand Highlander versions, is not offered on this trim.
The choice of powertrain also means a lower towing capacity. The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the other two Grand Highlander powertrain options can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
That difference could matter to families planning to pull a camping trailer. The Woodland’s extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires come with a lower towing limit.
Interior Features
Toyota also gives the Woodland several changes inside the cabin. All-weather floor mats come standard, while two additional 12-volt outlets provide power for passengers and camping equipment. One outlet sits in the second row and another is located in the luggage area.
The second row also includes a portable/removable center console that has a built-in cooler. This cooler can carry approximately 6 cans of kombucha, etc., and can easily be detached from the vehicle to allow passengers to access the third row more conveniently. Both additional features make the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland very easy to drive daily, and the additional power outlets, all-weather mats, and removable cooler will come in handy during trips such as camping or days spent outside.
Ride and Everyday Use
The Grand Highlander is already known for its roomy cabin, comfortable ride and good fuel economy, and the Woodland keeps the same hybrid setup. Toyota has not turned it into a serious off-road SUV.
Instead, the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland gets a little more ground clearance and all-terrain tires while keeping the three-row layout and hybrid powertrain that work well for everyday driving.
The result is a different approach from a more specialized off-road SUV. A 4Runner can handle more demanding trails, while the Grand Highlander Woodland is better suited to getting the family and their gear to a trailhead before the hiking begins.
Price and Availability
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland will have a starting MSRP of $53,375. Toyota anticipates that the Grand Highlander Woodland will be at dealership lots in late 2026. The Woodland includes several enhancements to the standard Grand Highlander, such as an additional 0.5 inches of ground clearance, Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, a standard tow hitch and 18-inch matte black wheels.
The Woodland version of the Grand Highlander has some additional features inside as well; specifically, all-weather floor mats, additional 12-volt power outlets, and a removable center console in the second row that includes a built-in cooler. With these enhancements, the Woodland is better equipped to handle camping trips and other outdoor adventures while maintaining the functionality of a three-row family vehicle and a hybrid powertrain, which provides efficiency for daily commutes.
However, even with the added functionality of the Woodland, it still cannot compare to the off-road capability provided by Toyota’s dedicated off-road SUVs.
Additionally, the Woodland’s towing capacity is limited to 3,500 pounds, whereas the higher capacities offered by the other Grand Highlander powertrain options can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
While the Woodland may provide added capability for those who occasionally travel on unpaved surfaces or camp out in the wilderness, it does so without altering the fundamental characteristics of the Grand Highlander.
