Quick Facts:
- Vehicle: 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland, a hybrid-only grade.
- Announced: October 1, 2026, with 2027 Grand Highlander models due at dealers “later this year.”
- Lift: 0.5 inch more than other Grand Highlander models.
- Towing: 3,500 lb, against 5,000 lb on gas grades and the Hybrid MAX.
- Price: Not listed in Toyota’s release.
- Best for: Families who drive gravel roads to the trailhead.
5 min read
In This Article
Overview
Toyota announced the Grand Highlander Woodland on October 1, 2026, as a new hybrid grade for the 2027 model year. It joins the LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades. Specifically, the new grade adds all-terrain tires, extra clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and a removable cooler for the second row.
However, the Toyota newsroom release lists no Woodland price. It gives only base prices of $42,560 for the gas LE with front-wheel drive and $45,910 for the hybrid LE, both before the dealer processing and handling fee. Toyota expects 2027 models at dealers later this year.
The bigger question is who this trim suits. Families on gravel roads fit it best, not rock crawlers. Because Toyota built it on the XLE grade, you get family space with a tougher look. For example, Toyota lists 33.5 inches of third-row legroom for the Grand Highlander lineup. In addition, cargo space reaches 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Meanwhile, Toyota’s crowded three-row lineup gains its most outdoorsy Grand Highlander in the Woodland.
Gravel roads call for steady pressure checks and quick fixes for small punctures. Therefore, pack the VIAIR 88P compressor, AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge, and Slime 2040-A Tire Repair Plug Kit.
Gravel road gear mentioned in this article
VIAIR 88P 00088 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit for Car and Truck T…
Grand Highlander Woodland Key Facts
Here is what Toyota has confirmed so far, in one place.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027, built in Princeton, Indiana |
| Engine | 2.5L hybrid, 245 total system horsepower |
| Drive | Electronic On-Demand all-wheel drive |
| Wheels and tires | 18-inch matte black alloys with all-terrain tires |
| Ground clearance | 0.5 inch above other Grand Highlander models |
| Fuel economy | 34 mpg combined (manufacturer estimate) |
| Seating | Seven, with second-row captain’s chairs |
| Tow rating | 3,500 lb |
| Woodland price | Not listed in Toyota’s release |
What Toyota Adds to the Grand Highlander Woodland
Toyota builds this trim on the XLE grade and layers on an equipment package. First, the 18-inch matte black wheels carry all-terrain tires. Next, Toyota adds a tow hitch, mud guards, LED fog lamps, and roof rails with cross bars. Black badges and black trim around the headlights and windows finish the look.
Inside, you get black leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 120V/1500W outlet in the second row. The removable cooler holds up to six 12-ounce cans. In the cargo area, Toyota adds extra lighting and a Woodland-branded tray with pop-up dividers. Likewise, all-weather floor mats carry the same logo.
Toyota drops the Hybrid Nightshade Edition and the Hybrid MAX Limited grade for 2027. Among the 2027 hybrid grades, only the Woodland Edition is built around outdoor gear.
Does Half an Inch Matter on the Trail?
Not by much. Toyota credits the extra ground clearance to the tires and taller springs. It publishes the gain, not a total, and it lists no approach or departure angles. Therefore, any total height you see online is a derived figure until Toyota posts specs.
For scale, the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport gains 1.38 inches of clearance and reaches 9.65 inches. A 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers 9.0 inches. By comparison, half an inch looks modest.
After owning five Jeeps, including two Grand Cherokee Overlands, I read half an inch as a nicer stance and a little more room over ruts. Still, it is not a leap in capability. Toyota describes the drive system as electronic On-Demand all-wheel drive. So, think gravel roads, snowy campground loops, and forest service spurs. The tires matter more than the lift here. Our guide to crossover all-terrain tire options explains how this tire category differs from a full off-road tire.
Toyota’s release does not name the tire brand or size. Reports from owners of other Toyotas on aftermarket all-terrain tires are mixed on noise. Some say the tires sound no louder than stock, while others hear a little more noise.
Hybrid Power, Mileage, and Tow Rating
The Woodland uses the 2.5L hybrid, which makes 245 total system horsepower. Toyota rates the Woodland AWD at 34 mpg combined, the same estimate it gives the Hybrid LE, XLE, and Limited AWD grades. However, estimates and real roads differ. Owners of the standard hybrid Grand Highlander describe strong mileage for a three-row. By contrast, some RAV4 Woodland owners blame the tires and roof rack for a few lost miles per gallon.
Towing capacity is where the Woodland gives something up. The 2.5L hybrid grades tow 3,500 lb, while gas models and the Hybrid MAX tow 5,000 lb. Because the Woodland ships with a tow hitch, this rating matters. Standard Grand Highlander owners treat the hybrid rating as a ceiling and leave a buffer. Our look at i-Force MAX hybrid trade-offs covers a similar choice on the 4Runner.
What This Means for You
First, decide how you tow. A small camper well under 3,500 lb fits the Woodland. Anything heavier points you to a gas grade or the Hybrid MAX Platinum. In contrast, a bike rack on the hitch suits the Woodland easily.
Compare the Woodland Edition with the Hybrid Limited AWD. Both carry the same 34 mpg estimate and the same 3,500 lb rating. However, Toyota lists a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ventilated front seats, and 11-speaker JBL audio on the Limited. Meanwhile, the Woodland keeps analog gauges and a 7-inch display. You trade luxury for gear.
Then wait for the price. Toyota’s release lists no Woodland price, so a dealer quote matters more than any online estimate. Finally, remember the standard Grand Highlander complaints. Several owners report fill-ups well short of the 17.2-gallon listed tank capacity. Some also hear cabin noise at low speeds. Test drive the Woodland on rough pavement before you sign.
The Woodland’s second-row cooler holds six drinks, a thin supply for seven seats. Instead, add the Coleman Xtreme Rolling Cooler, Lepro 1000LM LED Camping Lantern, and Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove.
Camp gear mentioned in this article
Final Thoughts
Picture a family with the cooler in the second row and a dirt road leading to camp. The Woodland suits this trip well. For me, the hitch, mud guards, and 120V outlet are the useful parts of this package. Those practical pieces matter more than the badge or the half inch of lift.
The trade-offs are plain. You give up 1,500 lb of towing against the gas models, and Toyota lists no low-range gearing. Anyone planning real trail work should look at a truck-based SUV instead.
My advice is to wait for the price, then take a test drive. If Toyota prices it fairly against the Hybrid Limited, the Woodland is a sensible pick for a family wanting a tougher three-row. Let everyone try the third row before you sign.
FAQ
How much ground clearance does it add?
Toyota says the Woodland has 0.5 inch more ground clearance than other Grand Highlander models. The company credits the tires and taller springs. It has not published a total figure.
How much does the Grand Highlander Woodland cost?
Toyota’s release lists no Woodland price. It gives base prices of $42,560 for the gas LE with front-wheel drive and $45,910 for the hybrid LE, both before the dealer processing and handling fee.
What is the towing capacity?
The 2.5L hybrid grades, including the Woodland, tow 3,500 lb. Gas grades and the Hybrid MAX tow 5,000 lb.
Does the Grand Highlander Woodland use the Hybrid MAX engine?
No. The Woodland uses the 2.5L hybrid with 245 total system horsepower. Only the Platinum grade gets the Hybrid MAX, which makes 362 total system horsepower.
When does the Grand Highlander Woodland reach dealers?
Toyota expects 2027 Grand Highlander models at dealers later this year. It has not given a date for the Woodland.
Related Reading