2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland: The Family SUV That Loves Taking the Beaten Path

Families in Laval who spend their weekends at the cottage, camping, or exploring the dirt roads of the Laurentians often look for a vehicle that can do it all. For the 2027 model year, Toyota is expanding the Grand Highlander lineup with the new Woodland grade, offered exclusively as a hybrid. This three-row SUV features a more adventurous character while maintaining the generous space that built its reputation with families.

However, it is important to understand what this version delivers. The Grand Highlander Woodland remains first and foremost a family vehicle, to which Toyota has added practical features to better handle unpaved roads, snowy parking lots, and outdoor excursions. According to Toyota Canada, the first 2027 models are expected to arrive at dealerships by the end of the year.

What the Woodland Trim Adds to the Grand Highlander

Toyota engineered this model based on the Hybrid XLE trim. The most visible changes involve the wheels, tires, and ride height:

• 18-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires

• Ground clearance increased by 12 mm thanks to taller tires and springs

• Roof rails with crossbars, practical for a bike rack or cargo carrier

• Black-finished badges, mirror caps, and exterior trim

The all-terrain tires provide enhanced grip on gravel, mud, and logging roads. The extra 12 mm of ground clearance helps clear ruts or snowbanks left by plows without scraping the underbody. While the increase is modest, the difference is noticeable when navigating campground entrances or poorly plowed cottage driveways.

A Cabin Designed for Active Families

Inside, the Woodland grade seats seven passengers thanks to second-row captain’s chairs. Between these seats, Toyota includes a removable console that doubles as a cooler. It can hold up to six 355 ml cans, making it very handy for a day at the beach or a soccer tournament.

A 120V / 1,500W power outlet located at the rear of the center console can power small appliances or charge a laptop. In the cargo area, upgraded lighting and a storage tray with collapsible dividers help keep gear organized. All-weather floor mats, essential for Quebec winters, complete the package.

The third row remains one of the Grand Highlander's standout strengths. Toyota rates third-row legroom at 851 mm, which is ample for adults. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity expands to 2,761 liters. Even with all seats occupied, the area behind the third row accommodates up to seven carry-on suitcases.

An Efficiency-Focused Hybrid Powertrain

The Woodland edition comes exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor system to generate a combined 245 horsepower. Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive comes standard. Toyota estimates combined city/highway fuel economy at 7.0 L/100 km, an appealing figure for an SUV of this size.

When it comes to towing, this model can pull up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs). That is sufficient for a small camper, a snowmobile trailer, or a light watercraft, depending on total payload. Families planning to tow heavier loads will want to look at the Hybrid MAX Platinum grade, which offers a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).

Understanding Its Limits

Toyota does not equip this version with heavy-duty off-road gear such as low-range transfer cases or skid plates. The modifications are tailored for gravel roads, campground access paths, and snow-covered streets. For rocky or technical trails, dedicated body-on-frame models like the 4Runner or Land Cruiser remain far better suited.

On Highway 15 or Highway 440, the Grand Highlander delivers its trademark quiet, comfortable ride. Toyota includes an acoustic windshield and front side glass as standard equipment, along with sound-dampening insulation throughout the cabin.

Comprehensive Standard Technology

Like the rest of the 2027 lineup, the Woodland trim comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen running the Toyota Multimedia system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is also standard, bringing active safety features such as the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.

A Digital Key is also included, letting you use a smartphone instead of a physical key via an active Remote Connect trial or subscription. Three-zone automatic climate control, complete with dedicated vents for the second and third rows, keeps everyone comfortable from January through July.

The Grand Highlander Woodland in Laval

The 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid Woodland is scheduled to arrive at Vimont Toyota Laval before the end of the year. Our team can guide you through its features, help you compare it against the XLE and Limited trims, and find the right configuration for your family's getaways.

Visit us in Laval to learn more, or sign up to schedule a test drive as soon as the first units arrive.