Electric Cars

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander solidifies its position as a highly sensible choice in the competitive three-row SUV market. While its aesthetic design may not ignite passion, its unparalleled practicality, generous interior volume, and stable driving dynamics make it an exemplary vehicle for family transport. It effectively blends a peppy yet fuel-conscious engine with a comprehensive array of safety technologies and user-friendly connectivity features, presenting a well-rounded package for discerning buyers.

The Pragmatic Appeal of the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander

In the vibrant automotive landscape, the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander emerges not as a style icon, but as a testament to intelligent engineering and purposeful design. Positioned as a mid-size, three-row SUV, it consistently delivers on its promise of spaciousness, comfort, and efficiency, earning a commendable 9.5 out of 10 rating. This model year, the Grand Highlander carries over without any significant alterations, maintaining its established reputation for reliability and utility.

Under the hood, the standard configuration features a robust 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims and standard on the top-tier Platinum model. This powertrain ensures ample acceleration for daily commutes and family excursions, delivering a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 7.0 seconds. The vehicle offers a composed and comfortable ride, characterized by light steering and a quiet cabin experience at steady speeds, effectively absorbing road imperfections. While its performance on winding roads won't thrill enthusiasts, it perfectly suits its role as a versatile family hauler, ideal for errands, cargo transport, and extended road trips.

Inside, the Grand Highlander boasts a meticulously designed cabin. The driver's seat provides exceptional comfort for long journeys, and the dashboard, though rich in features, ensures all controls are within easy reach, complemented by abundant storage solutions. Depending on the trim, buyers can choose between a second-row bench or captain's chairs, accommodating seven or eight passengers with ease. Even the third row offers ample legroom and headroom, comfortably seating adults – a notable advantage over many rivals. In terms of cargo, the Grand Highlander truly shines, offering an impressive 98 cubic feet of space with all rear seats folded, rivaling Toyota's Sienna minivan. With the third row in use, a generous 21 cubic feet remains, capable of holding six carry-on suitcases, expanding to 20 with the third row stowed, and a remarkable 36 with both rear rows folded.

Technologically, the SUV is well-equipped. All non-hybrid models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Toyota’s latest software, a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster and an 11-speaker JBL stereo. Wireless smartphone charging is also available on all but the base model.

Safety is paramount, with every Grand Highlander featuring a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and road-sign recognition. Optional safety enhancements include front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Grand Highlander’s towing capacity of 5000 pounds aligns with leading competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride.

Fuel efficiency is another strong suit, with front-wheel-drive models achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models see a minor reduction of about 1-2 mpg. In real-world tests, an all-wheel-drive XLE model surpassed its EPA highway estimate, delivering an impressive 29 mpg at 75 mph. Toyota further enhances ownership with a standard warranty coverage typical for its class, plus a notable two-year complimentary scheduled maintenance program, setting it apart from many competitors. The pricing for the XLE trim, starting under $50,000, offers excellent value, particularly with its upgraded features like heated, leatherette-trimmed front seats and advanced smartphone integration.

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander demonstrates a masterful blend of practicality and modern amenities. It’s a testament to Toyota’s understanding of what families truly need in an SUV: dependable performance, abundant space, advanced safety, and thoughtful convenience features. Its focus on these core attributes ensures it remains a top choice for those seeking a reliable and accommodating vehicle for all of life’s journeys.

The 2027 Toyota bZ Woodland stands out as an electric SUV designed to offer both spirited performance and practical utility. While its exterior hints at off-road readiness, it delivers primarily on spaciousness and swift acceleration, though its electric range might not lead the class. This comprehensive review delves into its various attributes, including its potent powertrain, interior amenities, and safety technologies, to provide a complete picture of what this vehicle brings to the electric vehicle market.

Toyota's bZ Woodland distinguishes itself from the standard bZ electric SUV with a longer wheelbase, giving it a wagon-like appearance. This extended version not only provides a more rugged aesthetic but also significantly boosts cargo capacity behind the rear seats, enhancing its appeal for families and those needing extra storage. Unlike its standard counterpart, the Woodland model comes equipped with a powerful 375-horsepower electric powertrain that drives all four wheels, ensuring robust traction and acceleration comparable to high-performance sports cars. However, while its speed is impressive, the vehicle's estimated driving range falls short of some direct competitors, offering between 260 and 281 miles on a single charge.

Performance-wise, the bZ Woodland truly shines, mirroring the acceleration of a turbocharged six-cylinder Supra sports car with a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. Its all-wheel-drive system and driver-selectable terrain modes contribute to a versatile driving experience, whether on paved roads or light trails. The suspension offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance, and optional all-terrain tires further enhance its capability for modest off-roading. However, those expecting the extreme ruggedness of a 4Runner or Land Cruiser might find its off-road prowess to be more suited for less demanding adventures. In terms of towing, the bZ Woodland can haul up to 3500 pounds, surpassing several rivals in its segment.

Inside, the bZ Woodland prioritizes comfort and connectivity. The cabin closely resembles the smaller bZ SUV, featuring standard heated front seats and faux-leather upholstery. An optional Premium package elevates the experience with ventilated front seats, dual smartphone charging pads, additional USB-C ports, and a panoramic glass roof. The rear seating area is notably spacious, benefiting from a flat floor that makes it comfortable for three passengers across. Rear seats also include heating and reclining functions, along with a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. The cargo area is generously sized, accommodating various gear with ease, and expanding to 74 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are folded flat.

The vehicle's infotainment system is centered around a large 14.0-inch touchscreen, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and integrated navigation. A standard six-speaker audio system can be upgraded to a premium nine-speaker JBL setup. Safety is also a strong suit, with Toyota equipping all bZ Woodland models with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard. Toyota also offers a competitive warranty package, with complimentary maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and an industry-standard battery warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles.

In summary, the 2027 Toyota bZ Woodland offers a compelling package for consumers looking for a quick and practical electric SUV. Its impressive acceleration and spacious, well-appointed interior make it a strong contender in its class, despite a range that is not best-in-class. The combination of advanced technology, robust safety features, and a comfortable ride ensures a pleasant driving experience.