Looking at 4Runners: KDSS or not?

[funkymonkey1111]

Looking at a 4runner in the near future. This will see some decent off road use in Colorado, but it won't be a rock crawler or mudder. It won't be modded much--perhaps rock sliders and (perhaps, see below) larger tires and spacers with perhaps a modest lift

As with most 4x4's, it'll spend most of its time on the highway.

So, the question is to get a KDSS equipped model or not. I like the Off Road Premium model (with KDSS), but also like the look/stance of the TRD Pro (which does not come with KDSS).

Seems like many people get a non-TRD Pro model (which in Denver have a $10,000 "market surcharge" on them) and then try to mod it up to look like a TRD Pro.

So, the question for those in the know--does the TRD Pro have on-road manners and off-road performance that negates the need for KDSS? Or, stick with the Off Road Premium, enjoy the KDSS, and then mod away?

The emerging rule of thumb on other forums is KDSS if you want to keep the suspension stock as some suspension mods negate the benefits of the KDSS. Wanted to see what anyone here thought or experienced as this group seems to be a little less hot-headed about things.

 

[Lyman]

If it were me I would try to get the KDSS. From what I have seen it's a great help in those off camber situations.

 

[Dave1027]

We got a new 2018 4Runner Off Road Premium with KDSS last October. We have wheeled a little in it but nothing serious. I can tell you the KDSS suspension makes the 4R corner pretty flat for a tall and somewhat top heavy vehicle. It's amazing the road manners the thing has especially considering it's off road capabilities.

 

[NYSteve]

I have a 4th Gen based SUV (GX470) that had KDSS optional.

From the forums (you should check out http://www.toyota-4runner.org) it seems:

- KDSS has not been an issue for people with over 150k miles
- If you plan on modding heavily (beyond 2.5" lift) ditch the KDSS
- If you are mostly highway with some offroad, but not intense, get KDSS

Not sure if you are aware, but TRD Pros do not come with sunroofs. For some it's a make or break thing.

 

[Oey12]

I have a 2017 SR5 WITHOUT KDSS. Sorry but I don’t have any experience with that system but I really have no major complaints with the stock suspension. At times it does feel a little soft but it absolutely sucks up city potholes and lack of paving bumps like a champ. I installed airbags for towing so overall I think highly of the suspension especially when compared to my TRD Sport and TRD Offroad Tacoma’s. I have lifted many Toyota trucks and I have found that taller and stronger springs do make them better Offroad but it will ALWAYS lessen the on road quality. To be exact plushness and small bump sensitivity. The higher end coil overs with give you a better ride but they will have to be rebuilt multiple times to last 100k. A small spacer (1/2 thick) will get you an inch up front and reduce the rack if you would like which would put you near the same stance as the Pro. Honestly you will not go wrong with any 4Runner model for on road driving...Off-roading it will all depend on the trails you ride.

 

[JLTD]

IMO previous posts covered it - non KDSS a little soft on road but takes care of bumps- but have also seen that the stock tires cause some of the mushiness. KDSS not good with lots of mods.

Since Denver has a +10k premium, it mght pay to fly out for your T4R and drive it home.

 

[funkymonkey1111]

Thanks for the replies, all.

I decided to hear it from the horse's mouth. Interestingly, the local Toyota dealer installs lifts on vehicles (which are then warrantied)--they said they do not put any lifts on KDSS equipped vehicles.

I next went to Slee Off Road, which in the world of overlanding and Toyota upgrades is pretty famous. They said that there was no problem to put a lift on a KDSS equipped vehicle, and said that most of the new Toyotas and Lexuses they work on these days are KDSS equipped. The KDSS performance is not impacted by the lift/aftermarket suspension, and they said that the KDSS would contribute to a superior ride on road and off, even after mods. Ultimately, my question was if KDSS would essentially become null or rendered superfluous by an aftermarket setup. They said "no."

Next, I went to RSG Off Road, which is another well known Toyota shop in metro Denver. They echoed Slee's position that a KDSS equipped 4runner with an aftermarket suspension would perform better than the TRD Pro. Neither knocked the TRD Pro in any way--but they both (not surprisingly since they sell aftermarket suspensions) stated that the aftermarket setup would perform better than the TRD Pro overall.

The conundrum still comes down to cost. Both advised a good setup, installed, is between $2000-3000. After that, you'd likely want new tires and wheels, which then becomes at least another $1,500. Stock pricing with no markups and the TRD Off Road premium then becomes more expensive than the TRD Pro. Of course, as I stated, at least one Denver dealer is tagging TRD Pros with a $10,000 market adjustment. Now, how much they actually get is a different question, but I've certainly read on other forums that other markets are doing the same thing, and you certainly can expect to pay the sticker price.

As stated above, I could buy one out of state, fly first class to get it, and put it on an enclosed hauler and still come out $8000 ahead (if I decided on the PRO). When I was at the dealer, of course, the TRD Off Road Premium was the model they had the least of, but it's good to keep getting educated on this purchase

 

[SatinSilver]

Ok, what is KDSS?

 

[JetStar]

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
Ok, what is KDSS?


Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)

https://www.whiterivertoyota.com/blog/how-does-the-toyota-kinetic-dynamic-suspension-system-work/

I bought a new 2018 SR5 Premium in May. I really like it so far. Now many places around here to go off road, so that wasn't a concern for me.
Good Luck!!