Electric Cars

Toyota is expanding its Grand Highlander lineup with the introduction of the 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid Woodland Edition. This new variant, revealed on October 1st, is tailored for families who enjoy outdoor adventures, offering enhanced off-road capabilities and practical features for camping and trail exploration. The Woodland Edition will slot into the existing hybrid range and is expected to arrive at dealerships later this year.

Toyota Grand Highlander Woodland Edition: Adventure-Ready Features and Practicality

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Woodland Edition is a three-row SUV designed to tackle diverse terrains. Toyota has equipped this model with standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and a half-inch suspension lift, providing increased ground clearance for unpaved roads and light trails. While it maintains a focus on family utility, these additions make it more suitable for adventurous excursions.

Under the hood, the Woodland Edition exclusively utilizes the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, generating a combined output of 245 horsepower. This is a deliberate choice by Toyota, prioritizing usability and an adventurous spirit over raw power, differentiating it from the more potent 362-horsepower Hybrid Max. However, this focus on off-road readiness means its towing capacity remains at 3,500 pounds, similar to other hybrid trims, which is less than the 5,000-pound capacity of gas and Hybrid Max models. Potential buyers planning to tow heavy campers or boats should consider this difference.

Inside, the Woodland Edition offers seating for seven, featuring second-row captain's chairs. This configuration improves access to the third row, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit. Toyota has also included several practical amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. A removable cooler in the second row can hold six 12-ounce cans, making it convenient for picnics or camping trips. All-weather floor mats are standard, offering durability and easy cleaning for muddy boots and wet gear. Additionally, the cargo area is equipped with a tray and pop-up dividers, preventing groceries, tools, or other loose items from shifting during transit. With the rear seats folded down, the Grand Highlander boasts an impressive 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, positioning it as a segment leader.

Toyota manufactures the Grand Highlander at its facility in Princeton, Indiana, contributing to the brand's growing portfolio of domestically produced hybrid vehicles. The Woodland Edition represents a strategic move by Toyota to offer factory-built outdoor-focused trims, following similar successful initiatives with models like the Tundra Trailhunter, catering to a broader range of adventurous consumers.

The introduction of the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Woodland Edition highlights a growing trend in the automotive industry: the fusion of practicality with adventure-ready features. For families, this model strikes an appealing balance, offering the spaciousness and comfort of a three-row SUV while providing the confidence to venture off the beaten path. It's a clear signal that manufacturers are recognizing the desire for vehicles that can seamlessly transition from daily commutes to weekend escapades, fostering a lifestyle that values both utility and exploration. This blend of features, particularly the thoughtful inclusions like the removable cooler and robust floor mats, demonstrates an understanding of real-world needs for outdoor-loving families, making the Woodland Edition a compelling option for those seeking a versatile and capable vehicle.

Hyundai's latest iteration of the Tucson, the 2027 model, emerges with a striking, completely reimagined design and an extensive list of enhancements. This new compact SUV is notably larger than its predecessor, offering an elevated sense of luxury within its cabin. A significant addition to the lineup is the XRT Pro, an off-road variant tailored for adventure enthusiasts. The vehicle integrates a host of standard and optional features, making it a formidable contender in the highly competitive compact crossover market. Its expanded dimensions not only contribute to a more commanding road presence but also translate into generous interior volume, particularly benefiting rear-seat occupants and cargo capacity.

Under the hood, the 2027 Tucson introduces a revamped powertrain selection. The standard offering is a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, replacing the previous naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit, and while its horsepower is slightly reduced, it promises efficiency. The hybrid model receives a considerable upgrade, now boasting 233 horsepower and improved fuel economy, with a front-wheel-drive version achieving an impressive 42 mpg combined. Inside, the Tucson features a modern cockpit centered around a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen, with an even larger 17-inch display available, powered by Hyundai's intuitive Pleos Connect infotainment system. Thoughtful design choices, such as physical controls for essential functions and innovative comfort features like massaging front seats and dual wireless charging pads, underscore Hyundai's commitment to user experience. The introduction of the XRT Pro trim signifies a heightened focus on rugged capability, equipped with enhanced ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates, appealing to those seeking more adventurous excursions.

Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

The 2027 Hyundai Tucson marks a significant evolution in its powertrain offerings, moving away from the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine of earlier models. The new base engine is a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, delivering 184 horsepower. While this represents a minor decrease of 3 horsepower compared to its predecessor, it is engineered for improved fuel efficiency. The flagship hybrid variant remains a compelling upgrade, combining the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors to achieve a robust 233 horsepower. This enhanced hybrid system not only offers greater power but also boasts impressive fuel economy, with the front-wheel-drive configuration achieving an estimated 42 mpg combined, a notable 4 mpg improvement over the previous all-wheel-drive-only hybrid.

Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options are available across the powertrain lineup, providing flexibility for diverse driving preferences and conditions. The hybrid model further distinguishes itself with an increased towing capacity, now rated at 3000 pounds, enhancing its utility. Although the plug-in hybrid option will not be offered in the U.S. market, Hyundai has indicated future plans to potentially integrate its innovative range-extender powertrains into the Tucson, signaling a continued commitment to advanced propulsion technologies. This strategic shift in engine choices underscores Hyundai's dedication to optimizing performance, fuel efficiency, and towing capabilities, ensuring the 2027 Tucson remains competitive and appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers seeking a modern, capable compact SUV.

Luxurious Interior and Off-Road Capability

The interior of the 2027 Hyundai Tucson has been meticulously redesigned to offer a blend of luxury, technology, and practicality. At its core, a standard 12.9-inch central touchscreen display provides seamless access to the vehicle's functions, with an even larger, optional 17-inch screen available for an immersive user experience. These displays are powered by Hyundai's advanced Pleos Connect infotainment software, which includes an intelligent AI assistant capable of responding to a wider range of voice commands than before. Instead of a conventional instrument cluster, a sleek digital display screen positioned near the windshield presents vital driving information, contributing to a modern and uncluttered dashboard aesthetic.

Hyundai has thoughtfully preserved essential physical controls, resisting the industry trend towards full touchscreen integration. Below the main display, tactile volume and tuning knobs, along with climate-control switches, ensure convenient and intuitive adjustments. For enhanced comfort, Hyundai's innovative Ergo Motion massaging front seats are newly available, a premium feature rarely found in this segment. The Limited trim further elevates the experience with high-quality materials and refined touchpoints throughout the cabin. The column-mounted gearshift ingeniously maximizes space in the center console, which now includes dual wireless smartphone charging pads, exemplifying the Tucson's focus on passenger convenience and modern connectivity. Additionally, the new XRT Pro trim extends the Tucson's versatility, building upon the previous rugged XRT version with enhanced ground clearance and all-terrain tires, a distinctive front fascia, carbon-fiber trim, and robust skid plates for superior underbody protection, catering to those who venture beyond paved roads. Standard SE, SEL, and Limited trims complete the diverse lineup, with pricing details anticipated soon before its early next year arrival in U.S. dealerships.