2027 Toyota Grand Highlander HybridMotorTrend - MotorTrendLong driving rangeTwo hybrid optionsQuiet cabinVague steeringOdd brake tuningEnticing alternatives from Hyundai and KiaToyota once had the hybrid 3-row SUV segment to itself, but those days are over. Although the 2027 Grand Highlander now has impressive rivals from Hyundai and Kia, the Toyota still has a lot going for it. And for 2027, Toyota jumps into the off-road lifestyle segment to add interest before the Grand Highlander gets a refresh in the coming years.Now that the regular Highlander is becoming a fully electric model for 2028, the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander competes with the hybrid versions of the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. For those open to a slightly smaller package, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento hybrids are also interesting alternatives.What's NewToyota's new Woodland edition is the biggest news for 2027. The 2027 Grand Highlander Woodland can't exactly climb a mountain, but it now looks like it wants to watch a 4Runner TRD Pro do it. That's thanks to the following upgrades:Matte-black 18-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain tiresAnother half-inch of ground clearance compared to the 8.0 inches on other Grand Highlanders (thank you, all-terrain tires and taller springs)A Woodland-branded cooler in the second row that's removable and can fit up to six 12-ounce cansOther changes include LED fog lamps, a tow hitch and mud guards, all-weather floormats, a dividable cargo tray, heated steering wheel, 120V power outlet in the second row, and plenty of Woodland badges inside and out.Elsewhere in the 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid lineup:The 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain is now relegated to the top Platinum trim level (before it was Limited and Platinum).The Platinum Hybrid Max now has black exterior accents instead of the silver ones it wore before.XLE hybrids now include a heated steering wheel and 18-inch dark gray alloys.The Nightshade hybrid from 2026 is gone.What We ThinkLeave it to Toyota to one-up the competition when it comes to hybrids. While Toyota no longer has the hybrid 3-row segment to itself, the brand still offers not one but two distinct hybrids in the 2027 Grand Highlander lineup.That alone is pretty cool, even if the smooth and powerful 362-hp Hybrid Max is only available at one expensive trim level. That speaks to Toyota's focus with the Grand Highlander. At its heart, the SUV is a get-down-to-business 3-row. There's not a ton of design flair but there is practicality, with a ton of cargo space.We can also appreciate the 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid's driving range. The EPA-rated number is 585 miles, which is more than 50 miles beyond the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and about 20 more than the Kia Telluride Hybrid. In the real world, this means you get more done before you have to add "get gas" to the to-do list.It's not all positive, though. The brake-pedal tuning can make smooth stops slightly more difficult, and more steering feel would be appreciated, as well. And while we're at it, a better safety rating from IIHS would be great. There's nothing wrong with the Toyota's ratings, but the Hyundai and Kia simply do better and earn an award for 2026.Where that leaves us is seeing the Grand Highlander as a practical and conventionally styled option in a growing class. There's nothing wrong with that, but if you're looking for a premium experience, we'd either stick with the Platinum model in Hybrid Max form or consider the Hyundai.Top-Ranked CompetitorsHyundai Palisade HybridKia Telluride HybridToyota SiennaHyundai Santa Fe HybridMPGs and RangeWithin the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid lineup, two versions of the standard hybrid are available: FWD and AWD. The FWD model is rated at 37/34 mpg city/highway compared to 36/32. The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is good for 29–33/30–35 mpg and the Kia Telluride Hybrid comes in at 30–34/33–36 mpg.All are good numbers for big 3-row family SUVs but the Toyota's biggest advantage is driving range; it offers far more than the Hyundai in AWD forms. With FWD, each of the three SUVs goes up to just above 600 miles of combined city/highway range, which is a great advantage versus the gas versions of each respective SUV.The 362-hp Hybrid Max comes in at 26/27, which is still higher than non-hybrid 3-row SUVs but lower due to the extra power.