Toyota Adds Woodland Edition To The Grand Highlander With Half Inch Lift, All Terrain Tires And Outdoor Gear

Toyota's family hauler just put on its hiking boots. The 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid Woodland Edition debuted October 1, pairing standard all-wheel drive with all-terrain tires and a suspension lift aimed at families who leave pavement behind.

The trim slots into the existing hybrid lineup rather than replacing anything. Toyota expects the new models to reach dealerships later this year, adding another hybrid grade alongside LE, XLE, and Limited in an eight-grade Grand Highlander range.

Toyota built the Woodland Edition exclusively on the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, which makes 245 total system horsepower. That's less punch than the 362-horsepower Hybrid Max offered at the top of the range.

Toyota says the goal wasn't more power but more usability off the beaten path. "The Woodland Edition adds an adventurous flair to the Grand Highlander lineup," the automaker said in its announcement, pitching the trim as a lifestyle pick rather than a performance one.

That tradeoff shows up at the tow hitch. The Woodland Edition carries a 3,500-pound maximum tow rating, the same ceiling as other hybrid grades.

Gas and Hybrid MAX models can pull up to 5,000 pounds. Families who haul campers or boats regularly should check that number before falling for the trim's looks.

What All-Terrain Tires And Extra Clearance Add

Toyota raised the Woodland Edition's suspension for an extra half inch of ground clearance over other Grand Highlander models, then wrapped the wheels in all-terrain tires built to handle gravel, mud, and light trails.

It's a modest increase. Toyota isn't pitching this three-row SUV as a rock crawler, and the half-inch gain won't turn it into something like the Sequoia Trailhunter, which now arrives as a full Trailhunter package on the 2027 Sequoia. The point is sure-footedness on a dirt road to a campsite, not serious off-roading.

Seating stays true to the model's three-row mission. The Woodland Edition holds seven people and uses second-row captain's chairs instead of a bench. That layout trades a touch of middle-row capacity for easier access to the third row.

The Cooler, The Mats And Other Practical Gear

Toyota loaded the Woodland Edition with equipment meant for actual outdoor use rather than badges and black trim. A removable second-row cooler holds six 12-ounce cans, and it pulls out of the console for use at a campsite or tailgate.

All-weather floor mats handle muddy boots and wet gear without the upkeep cloth carpet demands. It's a small but useful addition for anyone loading bikes, kayaks, or camping gear regularly.

The cargo area gets its own upgrade with a tray with pop-up dividers that keeps groceries, tools, or loose gear from sliding around. With the rear seats folded flat, the broader Grand Highlander lineup offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of total cargo space, among the largest figures in its segment.

None of this equipment changes the SUV's basic mission. It's still a people-and-stuff hauler, just one that Toyota has quietly outfitted for weekend trips rather than only school runs and commutes.