Toyota Adds Rugged Woodland Edition to 2027 Grand Highlander Lineup

Key points

• The 2027 Grand Highlander lineup now includes a new Woodland Edition trim, positioned between the XLE and Limited grades.
• The Woodland Edition features standard all-terrain tires, an additional 0.5 inches of ground clearance, and a removable second-row cooler console.
• This new trim is available only with the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, producing 245 total system horsepower.
• The 2027 lineup also sees the removal of the Hybrid Nightshade Edition and the Hybrid MAX Limited grade.
• Gas models start at $42,560, while hybrid models begin at $45,910, with 2027 models expected to arrive at dealers later in 2026.
• The vehicle retains a three-row layout with adult-sized third-row seating and up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Background

Toyota has been expanding its hybrid SUV offerings in recent years, emphasizing efficiency and versatility for family buyers. The Grand Highlander has been a key player in the three-row SUV segment, competing with larger vehicles by offering a more compact footprint without sacrificing interior space. Previous updates to the lineup have focused on refining powertrain options, including the introduction of the Hybrid MAX variant for higher performance. The addition of the Woodland Edition aligns with a broader industry trend of offering rugged, adventure-focused trims for mainstream SUVs, similar to previous Woodland editions on other Toyota models.

How outlets are covering it

Toyota’s official newsroom presents the Woodland Edition as a practical addition for families seeking outdoor capability, highlighting features like the removable cooler and all-weather mats. Car and Driver, in its secondary coverage, emphasizes the off-road capability aspect, noting that the new trim infuses the large SUV with extra ruggedness. While Toyota focuses on the lifestyle and convenience features, Car and Driver highlights the mechanical changes like the increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires as the primary differentiators. Both sources agree on the core specifications, but Toyota provides a more comprehensive overview of the entire 2027 lineup, including the removal of certain grades, whereas Car and Driver focuses specifically on the new Woodland trim.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Woodland Edition expands Toyota’s appeal to buyers who prioritize outdoor activities and light off-road capability without moving to a larger, more expensive truck. By adding a hybrid-only option with enhanced ground clearance, Toyota addresses a growing demand for efficient yet capable SUVs. The removal of the Nightshade Edition and Hybrid MAX Limited grade suggests a strategic refinement of the lineup, potentially to reduce complexity and focus on higher-demand configurations. This move also reinforces Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology in its mid-size SUV segment, offering a balance of efficiency and capability that competes with other major automakers in the family SUV market.

What to watch

Toyota expects 2027 Grand Highlander models to start arriving at dealerships later in 2026. Buyers will be able to choose from the new Woodland Edition alongside the existing LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades. The company will likely provide more detailed pricing for the Woodland Edition and other trims as the models approach release. Future updates may include further refinements to the hybrid powertrain or additional technology features, but the current focus is on expanding the lineup with the new rugged trim.