Toyota lifted the 2027 Toyota RAV4 Woodland by one full inch and added a NACS charging port to every RAV4 plug-in hybrid. Those two changes define the model year, and both land on a sixth-generation SUV that already sells in volume. The Woodland now sits at 9.1 inches (231 mm) of ground clearance and carries a 321-horsepower plug-in system with standard all-wheel drive. Toyota announced the updates on November 5, 2026, with hybrids reaching dealers later this year and PHEVs following in early 2027.
What Changed for the 2027 RAV4
Toyota kept the platform, the body, and both powertrains for the 2027 Toyota RAV4. It changed the hardware that matters most to Woodland and plug-in buyers:
- Woodland suspension: new springs, shocks, and jounce bumpers raise clearance from 8.1 inches (206 mm) to 9.1 inches (231 mm).
- NACS port: every PHEV grade gets a North American Charging Standard port on the driver's side, with Level 3 DC fast charging.
- 11-kW onboard charger: standard on all PHEV grades for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.
- Multi-Terrain Select: AWD models get Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand modes, which replace the old Trail mode. Snow mode moves to the drive mode selector beside Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom.
- Small additions: a backup camera washer on all grades, redesigned Woodland all-weather floor and cargo mats, and a Remote Connect trial that grows from one year to five.
Woodland Suspension: What the Extra Inch Does
Each part of the new package does a separate job. Springs set ride height, and shocks control damping for the taller, heavier body. Jounce bumpers act as progressive rubber stops at the end of suspension travel, so the axle cushions against the body instead of slamming into it on a hard compression.
From an expert perspective, the clearance gain matters most at the belly of the vehicle. A taller body lifts the lowest point of the underbody away from rock crests and rut ridges, which improves breakover geometry. Toyota did not publish approach angle, departure angle, or breakover figures with this announcement, so treat any quoted number as unofficial until a build sheet confirms it.
Looking at the data, the Woodland now stands apart from every other RAV4 grade:
- Woodland: 9.1 inches (231 mm)
- All other grades except GR SPORT: 8.1 inches (206 mm)
- GR SPORT: 7.5 inches (191 mm), with a 65.4-inch (1,661 mm) overall height
In addition, the Woodland carries standard electronic on-demand AWD, all-terrain tires, 18-inch matte metallic gray wheels, raised roof rails with cross bars, a tow hitch receiver, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, a Panoramic View Monitor with Multi-Terrain Monitor, and a 120V/1500W cargo-area outlet. Toyota lists the hitch receiver but did not publish a towing rating in the announcement.
NACS Port and Charging: What Drivers Get
The new port sits on the driver's side and lets owners plug into Tesla Superchargers without a separate adapter. Early reports put a 10 to 80 percent DC fast charging session at about 30 minutes under ideal conditions on the Woodland and XSE. Toyota's announcement did not list a peak charging rate in kilowatts or a battery capacity, so those numbers remain open.
Toyota moved the port to the driver's side on every PHEV grade, so owners learn one plug location across the lineup. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, the Toyota app also lets Woodland owners check charging status, start or stop a session, and locate nearby chargers.
At home, the 11-kW onboard charger sets the ceiling for AC charging speed. At 240 volts, 11 kW equals roughly 46 amps, which typically calls for a 60-amp circuit once continuous-load rules apply. Ask a licensed electrician to confirm sizing before you buy a wall unit.
2027 RAV4 PHEV Grades Compared
| Grade | Starting price (USD) | EV range | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Ground clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $42,100 | 52 miles | 42 / 39 / 41 | 8.1 in (206 mm) |
| XSE | $47,800 | 50 miles | 40 / 37 / 39 | 8.1 in (206 mm) |
| Woodland | $46,055 | 46 miles | 38 / 35 / 37 | 9.1 in (231 mm) |
| GR SPORT | $49,100 | 45 miles | 39 / 34 / 37 | 7.5 in (191 mm) |
Prices exclude the $1,595 destination fee. Every grade has standard AWD and 321 total system horsepower.
Looking at the data, the Woodland gives up 6 miles of electric range against the SE, an 11.5 percent drop. All-terrain tires add rolling resistance and a taller body adds frontal drag, and both cost range, although Toyota did not attribute the gap. The Woodland costs $3,955 more than the SE and $1,745 less than the XSE. With destination, it lands at $47,650.
Woodland Hybrid vs. Woodland Plug-In Hybrid
| Spec | Woodland HEV | Woodland PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid system | Fifth generation | Sixth generation |
| Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder | 2.5-liter four-cylinder |
| Total system output | 229 hp (AWD) | 321 hp |
| City / Hwy / Combined MPG | 40 / 35 / 38 | 38 / 35 / 37 |
| EV range | None | 46 miles |
| Charging | None | NACS port, 11-kW onboard AC |
| Dealer arrival | Later in 2026 | Early 2027 |
By comparison, the plug-in adds 92 horsepower, a 40 percent increase, for a 1 mpg penalty in combined fuel economy. Both systems pair the same 2.5-liter engine, so the gap traces to the electric motors and the high-capacity traction battery. The extra output comes with extra mass, so expect the plug-in to pull harder on grades and when towing with the Woodland's hitch receiver.
Toyota backs the hybrid hardware with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid-related components. The hybrid battery carries 10 years/150,000 miles and transfers across owners. Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 comes standard on every grade, and the Woodland adds Traffic Jam Assist (with an active Drive Connect trial or subscription), Lane Change Assist, and a Panoramic View Monitor.
Pro-Tip: Is the Woodland PHEV Worth the Step Up?
Start with your daily mileage. If your round trip stays under 46 miles and you can charge at home, the Woodland PHEV covers that routine on electricity and keeps the gas engine for longer runs. Install a 60-amp circuit to use the full 11 kW. If you cannot charge at home, the hybrid Woodland returns 38 mpg combined, needs no plug, and reaches dealers months earlier.
Bottom Line
The 2027 RAV4 Woodland PHEV pairs a real clearance gain with the charging port most buyers asked for. Pricing starts at $46,055 before destination, EV range sits at 46 miles, and the plug-in hybrid system delivers 321 horsepower through standard AWD. Confirm approach, departure, and towing figures with your dealer before you commit, because Toyota left them out of the announcement.
