2027 Toyota Grand Highlander: What’s New & Woodland Edition
2027 Toyota Grand Highlander: What’s New, Plus the Woodland Edition and Powertrain Guide
A three-row SUV with room for up to eight, three powertrain choices, and a new off-road-styled hybrid.
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander keeps its big-family formula, with an adult-sized third row, up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded, and a choice of gas, hybrid, or Hybrid MAX power. For 2027, Toyota adds a Woodland Edition with an off-road-inspired look and makes a few trim changes. Here is what is new and how to choose the right setup for family life in Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley.
All details below come from Toyota’s October 2026 announcement. Toyota says 2027 models are expected at dealerships later this year, so check current availability before you plan a visit.
What Is New for 2027
According to Toyota, these are the changes for the 2027 model year:
- New Hybrid Woodland Edition
- Hybrid MAX Platinum gets black trim
- New wheel design on gas Platinum
- Heated steering wheel now standard on XLE
- 18-inch dark gray wheels on XLE
- Hybrid Nightshade Edition not offered
- Hybrid MAX Limited not offered
A quick note on model years: Toyota’s newsroom lists the Grand Highlander as a 2027 model. The 2028 label belongs to the separate, redesigned all-electric Highlander, so the Grand Highlander has not moved to 2028.
Gas, Hybrid, or Hybrid MAX: The Side-by-Side
The 2027 Grand Highlander is assembled in Princeton, Indiana. The difference between the three versions comes down to power, efficiency, and towing.
| Per Toyota | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid MAX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbo | 2.5-liter hybrid | Hybrid MAX |
| Power | 265 hp | 245 hp total system | 362 hp total system |
| Drive | FWD or AWD (Dynamic Torque Control) | FWD or AWD (electronic On-Demand AWD) | Full-time electronic AWD |
| Combined mpg, up to | 24 FWD, 23 AWD | 36 FWD, 34 AWD | 27 |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and, on hybrids, battery-pack age and condition. Hybrid MAX is offered on the Platinum grade only.
If you want to understand how Toyota’s hybrid technology works, read our plain-English guide to Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system.
Meet the Woodland Edition
The Woodland Edition is the first Grand Highlander with an off-road-oriented look. Toyota builds it on the hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive. Highlights from Toyota’s announcement include:
- 18-inch matte black wheels with all-terrain tires
- Ground clearance 0.5 inch higher than other Grand Highlanders
- Roof rails with cross bars
- Tow hitch and mud guards
- Removable second-row console cooler
- All-weather floor mats
- 120V/1500W outlet
- Seven-passenger seating with captain’s chairs
Toyota says the added ground clearance comes from the tires and taller springs. It is a modest lift, so think of the Woodland as a family SUV with more outdoor attitude, not a rock crawler. If your weekends involve Johnson Valley or serious trails, ask us about a Toyota built for that, such as the 2027 Land Cruiser.
Toyota’s announcement does not list a separate towing rating for the Woodland, so confirm that detail for the exact grade you are considering.
Space, Seating, and Cargo
This is where the Grand Highlander earns its name. Toyota says it seats up to eight, and the third row has 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom. With all three rows in use, Toyota says it fits seven carry-on suitcases, and cargo room grows to 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Family-friendly details include three-zone climate control with second- and third-row vents, seven USB-C ports, standard dual Qi wireless charging, and a 120V/1500W outlet in the rear cargo area. Toyota also lists standard acoustic glass on the windshield and front side windows, a nice touch for long family drives like a run over the Cajon Pass.
Technology and Convenience
Every Grand Highlander comes with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen running Toyota Audio Multimedia, with a six-speaker system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on grade, Toyota also offers:
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- JBL Premium Audio
- 10-inch head-up display
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Heated and ventilated seating
- Panoramic moonroof
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Digital Key (Remote Connect subscription required)
Features vary by grade and powertrain, so confirm what is on the exact Grand Highlander you are considering. Connected services come with trial periods, and a subscription is required after the trial.
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
All 2027 Grand Highlander models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. According to Toyota, the suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Toyota also lists Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Alert, and the Star Safety System as standard. These systems assist the driver and do not replace attentive driving. For a deeper look, see our Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 breakdown for High Desert drivers.
Which Powertrain Fits Your Family?
Hybrid may fit if
You want the best fuel economy in the lineup for daily driving, school runs, and commutes. The trade-off is a 3,500-pound towing rating, lower than the gas and Hybrid MAX versions.
Gas may fit if
You tow regularly and prefer a conventional powertrain. It carries the higher 5,000-pound towing rating, with lower fuel economy than the hybrid.
Hybrid MAX may fit if
You want the most power and a 5,000-pound towing rating, and you are comfortable with fuel economy that sits between the gas and standard hybrid versions. It is offered on the Platinum grade only.
The best way to decide is to drive more than one back to back on roads you know.
Colors, Warranty, and Care
Standard exterior colors, depending on grade, are Blueprint, Celestial Silver Metallic, Cement, Midnight Black Metallic, and Storm Cloud. Wind Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Heavy Metal are premium colors that carry an additional charge.
Toyota’s limited warranty includes 36 months or 36,000 miles of basic coverage, with the powertrain covered for 60 months or 60,000 miles. On hybrids, the electric vehicle components, including the traction battery, are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. ToyotaCare covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, plus three years of Roadside Assistance. See your Toyota dealer for complete warranty details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grand Highlander a 2027 or 2028 model?
Toyota lists the Grand Highlander as a 2027 model. The 2028 label applies to the redesigned all-electric Highlander, which is a separate vehicle.
What is new on the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander?
According to Toyota, the headline is the new Hybrid Woodland Edition. Other changes include black trim on Hybrid MAX Platinum, a new wheel design on gas Platinum, and a standard heated steering wheel and 18-inch dark gray wheels on XLE. The Hybrid Nightshade Edition and Hybrid MAX Limited are not offered.
How many people does the Grand Highlander seat?
Up to eight, depending on grade and seating configuration. The Woodland Edition seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs.
How much can the Grand Highlander tow?
Toyota lists 5,000 pounds for gas models and Hybrid MAX, and 3,500 pounds for hybrid grades.
Is the Woodland Edition a true off-roader?
It adds all-terrain tires, a 0.5-inch increase in ground clearance, and rugged styling, but it is still a family three-row SUV. It suits gravel roads and campground trips better than technical trails.
Is the 2027 Grand Highlander at Valley Hi Toyota yet?
Toyota expects 2027 models at dealerships later this year. Availability changes often, so check our new inventory page or call us for the latest.
More from the Valley Hi Toyota blog: model guides, comparisons, recall updates and High Desert driving tips.
See the 2027 Grand Highlander in Victorville
Browse our current Grand Highlander inventory, or schedule a test drive and compare gas, hybrid, and Hybrid MAX on the roads you drive every day. You can also explore our Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid model pages. Valley Hi Toyota is at 14612 Valley Center Dr, Victorville, CA 92395.
Specifications and features are based on Toyota USA Newsroom information published October 2026 and are subject to change. Features vary by grade and options. Fuel economy figures are manufacturer estimates; actual mileage will vary. Towing capacities vary by grade and powertrain. Vehicle availability varies. See Valley Hi Toyota for details.
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