The 2027 Grand Highlander Gets a Redesigned Face and Updated Interior

Toyota's mid-cycle refresh for the 2027 Grand Highlander brings a sharper front end, revised interior materials, and updated infotainment technology. The three-row SUV, which debuted in 2024, will keep its core platform and engine lineup but will look noticeably different from the current model. The refresh is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in late 2026, following Toyota's typical pattern of updating vehicles halfway through their generation.

The exterior changes focus on the front fascia and lighting. The grille receives a new design that aligns with Toyota's current design language, and the headlights and taillights are restyled with updated LED patterns. The hood and front bumper are also new, giving the Grand Highlander a more aggressive stance. The sides and rear remain largely unchanged, so the overall silhouette stays familiar to current owners.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2027 Grand Highlander refresh updates the front end styling, interior trim, and infotainment system while keeping the same platform and engine options.
  • The three-row layout, cargo space, and seating capacity remain unchanged from the current generation.
  • Toyota's hybrid powertrain option will continue to be available, with possible efficiency improvements.
  • Pricing is expected to increase modestly compared to the 2026 model year, reflecting the new features and updated technology.
  • The refresh arrives in late 2026, so current owners can expect to see 2027 models on dealer lots by November or December 2026.

Interior Updates and Technology Changes

Inside, the Grand Highlander receives a new dashboard layout with a larger touchscreen standard across all trim levels. The current 8-inch screen in base models will be replaced with at least a 10.5-inch display, and higher trims will get an 12.3-inch unit. The steering wheel is redesigned, and the center console features revised storage and cupholders.

Material quality improves across the board. Soft-touch plastics replace harder materials on the dashboard and door panels, and higher trims gain more genuine leather and wood-grain accents. The instrument cluster becomes fully digital on most trims, moving away from the current analog gauges with a small digital screen. Climate control buttons are repositioned for easier access, and the overall cabin layout feels more modern without major structural changes.

Toyota's infotainment system gets the latest version of its software, with faster processing and improved voice recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration becomes wireless standard on all trims, whereas the current model requires a cable on some versions. The system also adds over-the-air update capability, allowing Toyota to push software improvements directly to vehicles without a dealership visit.

Engine and Performance Specifications

The 2027 Grand Highlander keeps the same two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and a hybrid system. The gasoline V6 produces 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, unchanged from the current generation. The eight-speed automatic transmission remains standard on both powertrains.

The hybrid system, which pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors, continues to deliver better fuel economy than the gasoline-only option. Toyota has not announced specific efficiency improvements for 2027, but minor tuning to the hybrid system's battery management is expected. Both engines maintain the same towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, and all-wheel drive remains available on both powertrains.

Suspension geometry stays the same, so the ride quality and handling characteristics remain consistent with the current model. Brake systems are upgraded with improved stopping power and modulation, though the overall design remains similar to the current generation.

Safety Features and Driver information Systems

The 2027 refresh brings Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, the latest version of the automaker's suite of driver information features. This includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-keeping information, automatic emergency braking, and road sign information. The system's cameras and radar are repositioned slightly to improve detection range and accuracy.

A new feature for 2027 is blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, which becomes standard on all trims rather than optional. The parking camera gains a wider field of view and clearer resolution. Rear seat reminders, which alert drivers to check the back seats before exiting, become standard across the lineup.

The airbag system is unchanged in count but benefits from improved sensor calibration. All models continue to offer ten airbags as standard, and the structural design of the cabin remains the same, so crash test ratings are expected to remain consistent with the current generation.

Trim Levels and Pricing Expectations

The 2027 Grand Highlander will continue with four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The LE remains the entry point, with the XLE adding more comfort features, the Limited bringing premium materials and technology, and the Platinum serving as the top-tier option. Toyota has not announced specific pricing, but mid-cycle refreshes typically see increases of $500 to $1,500 across the lineup.

The hybrid option will remain available on all trims, with a price premium of approximately $1,500 to $2,000 over the gasoline version, consistent with current pricing. All-wheel drive pricing is expected to stay in line with the current model's structure, adding roughly $1,400 to the base price of any trim.

Dealer inventory for 2027 models will begin arriving in late 2026, with most dealerships receiving their allocations by November. Early adopters may see limited color and option availability until production ramps up in early 2027.

What Stays the Same From the Current Generation

The overall dimensions of the 2027 Grand Highlander remain unchanged. Length, width, height, and wheelbase are identical to the current model, so it fits in the same parking spaces and garages. The three-row seating layout is preserved, with the same capacity for up to eight passengers depending on the configuration chosen.

Cargo space behind the third row stays at 16.3 cubic feet, and with the third row folded, the space expands to 48.4 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded, total cargo volume reaches 84.3 cubic feet. These measurements are important for buyers who rely on the Grand Highlander's hauling capacity for family trips or regular cargo needs.

The fuel tank capacity remains 18.5 gallons, and the spare tire location and type are unchanged. Door handles, window switches, and the overall ergonomic layout of the cabin are familiar to current owners, making the transition to a 2027 model straightforward for those upgrading from earlier years.

Comparison With Competitors' Recent Refreshes

Honda's Pilot received its mid-cycle refresh in 2022, adding a new infotainment system and updated styling. The Pilot's refresh was more extensive than what Toyota is planning for the Grand Highlander, with significant interior redesign. Mazda's CX-9 has not received a major refresh since 2021, so the Grand Highlander's 2027 update positions it as more current than Mazda's offering.

Kia's Sorento and Hyundai's Santa Fe both received refreshes in 2024 and 2025 respectively, making them newer in design than the current Grand Highlander. However, the Grand Highlander's refresh will bring it closer to parity in terms of technology and styling. The Grand Highlander's main advantage remains its hybrid powertrain option, which neither the Sorento nor Santa Fe offers in the three-row segment.

Volkswagen's Atlas, another three-row competitor, has not received a major refresh since 2021. The Grand Highlander's updated infotainment and safety features will give it an edge in the technology department compared to the Atlas, though the Atlas offers more cargo space and a higher towing capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the 2027 Grand Highlander have a different engine?

No. The 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and the hybrid powertrain remain the same as the current generation. Both produce the same horsepower and torque, and both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Minor tuning to the hybrid system's efficiency is possible, but no major changes are announced.

Is the 2027 refresh a major redesign or just cosmetic?

It is a mid-cycle refresh, meaning it updates styling, interior materials, and technology without changing the underlying platform or structure. The front end, interior trim, and infotainment system are new, but the body shape, dimensions, and seating layout remain the same as the current model.

When will 2027 Grand Highlanders arrive at dealerships?

Most dealerships will receive 2027 models starting in November 2026, with inventory building through December 2026 and into early 2027. Early availability may be limited to certain trims and colors until production reaches full capacity.

How much will the 2027 Grand Highlander cost?

Toyota has not announced official pricing. Mid-cycle refreshes typically increase prices by $500 to $1,500 across the lineup. The hybrid option and all-wheel drive pricing are expected to follow the current model's structure, with premiums of roughly $1,500 to $2,000 and $1,400 respectively.

Will the 2027 model have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Wireless integration becomes standard on all trims for 2027, whereas the current model requires a cable on some versions. The updated infotainment system also gains over-the-air update capability, allowing software improvements without a dealership visit.