In 2019 i purchased 4Runner TRD Pro, then immediately switched to a TRD Off Road, so can say that YES the KDSS is 110% better, on and off road.. Especially if you plan on taking on technical trails, but also daily driving it, or using it for trips... There ar tons of mods for the TRD OR, specifically meant to work with the KDSS.. My 4Runner TRD Off Road is my forever rig!... There isn't a 4x4 i'd rather have more!..... Lots of overlanding and rock crawling, and it never breaks!
@@StarWarNerdI know these are 2022 prices, but in 2023 a TRD ORP is only like 4K less than a TRD Pro. The KDSS may be nice, but I’d rather spend the little extra and get Fox suspension, remote start, JBL sound system, dual climate control, and a few other things that the TRD OR/ORP doesn’t have. Don’t think the KDSS is worth sacrificing all of that.
@@dbunch904 if you can get it for only 4K more than pro is worth it , but when I was car searching it was almost 10-15k difference between pro and orp in california. I purchased the ORP for 52 out the door , pretty much all the dealer I went to the pro was 68k+ .
@@dbunch904I just purchased a 2022 TRD off-road preowned 28k miles for $37k , I was looking at a 2021 TRD pro for $53k with similar miles , I wouldn’t have bought one of these new since I didn’t want a high payment , so even preowned I still saved over $15k , I’m not sure if brand new it’s a $4k difference, but like I said I wouldn’t buy it new.
I haven’t driven a 4Runner with KDSS, but I have driven them without it. If the KDSS reduces that body roll on tight curves, I think it would be worth buying.
I rented a 4runner without kdss for a week long trip and later I bought one with kdss. My kdss 4runner turns a lot flatter on the corners, and it doesn't nose dive when braking like the non-kdss one did.
My wife has a limited Highlander and I have the 4Runner SR5, where we live we get snow, we use the 4Runner 90% of the time. She loves my 4runner, it does everything well and has never let us down, went to Vermont for some winter activities, winter weather was tough the weekend we went, 4Runner got us through with no issues. When it’s time for another true SUV, I’m getting another 4Runner not even looking at another vehicle.
4 runner all day long! Longest lasting vehicle on the road no 1 million mile highlanders out there… only SUV that beats the 4 runner is the Lexus GX460 and that’s only because it’s equally as reliable and drives about 300X better than a 4 runner
@@thepatternforms859 the majority of people keep their vehicles 5-6 years and drive 15k miles a year. So sure a 4runner might last forever, but that doesnt really matter unless you either drive an absolute ton or keep your vehicles 10+ years
@@82dupont i mean that’s cool, but Im sure an AWD highlander with a good set of tires could do the exact same. I’m not denying that the 4runner is a cool capable and durable vehicle… it is…but unless youre doing serious off roading that a highlander cant handle, there’s no real point in living with something that gets such poor fuel economy. Maybe 2-3 years ago when gas was $2 a gallon, but now… I’m not a fan of throwing money away on things like gas
I was looking into buying TRD off road and was wondering if I should purchase the extended warranty. Can you put on a level kit with out voiding the warranty?
There is a great video by Tinkerer's Adventure on KDSS vs Sway bar for the IFS, seems that it is certainly worth having and more useful then most think.
Yeah, I feel that the advantage is less body roll in the road and more compliance/articulation when you need it off-road. Scott Brady of Overland Journal lists KDSS as one of the top advances in 4wd’s in recent years so that’s pretty big praise.
Ben, I think you didn't do your homework on the KDSS system. When it's operating correctly, you won't notice a big difference on the road. It allows a disconnect to the sway bar when you are in severe articulation situations off-road, so more of the tire patch is touching the ground.
That’s entirely incorrect. The KDSS system has a much stiffer sway bar, so it is significantly different on road. It can use a stiffer sway bar because it disconnects for more articulation. A non-KDSS has to comprise on a less stiff sway bar to do both on and off-road.
Very informative. I have this same vehicle to include color on order. Ben, have a friend carefully listen to this and other videos of yours. If they are honest, they should have a note of constructive criticism, you need to slow down some of your speech patters. Your words are not audible. This may be so ingrained that this comment is futile. However, your content is great. Slow down dude.
Dont have kdss on mine and driven both for the feel but notice the KDSS is way too stiff when going over potholes/bumps that feels like a like car. Sure turns better but I didn’t buy the 4runner to drive like a sports car.
Amen. That’s what I’m saying. My ORP does not have kdss and it laughs at bumps, potholes, train tracks, etc. Who cares about a little body roll. I actually prefer the ride being a little softer.
Drives straight down the road, hasn’t taking a corner ‘yeah can’t really feel anything special about this KDSS’ lmao, no shit! Literally no clue what it is. It’s a sway bar system, not a totally different suspension system.
I will add that, contrary to popular belief, KDSS drastically reduces nose dive after braking. The TRD Pro and stock suspensions continue bouncing even after the car is stopped. I understand it is because the suspensions are tuned for off road capabilities, but for $1,700 everyone should opt for KDSS because it drastically improves pavement performance. It even increases wheel articulation for off roading.
Great video review! Outside of the leather seats, what comes with the "premium" version? Seems like the TRD off-road (w/o premium) + KDSS (per comments below) might make a more affordable option. And in my case, I think I'd add the moonroof.
its the type of tire lube they use when they put on the tires leaves the residue looks like its damaged but itll wash away we use to use the same stuff at my shop
Before anybody considers the KDSS system, consider this? Why does the TRD PRO series not include the KDSS as an option? If it's functional and makes the Off Road vehicle better, why is it not standard with the PRO then?
Because there are not for the same usage. TRD Pro is for fast trails as in Baja Racing for the weekenders. KDSS is for slow traveling/crawling, travel adventures in hard to reach places. Two very different uses. PRO doesn’t mean better. Take KDSS and put some Old Man Emu BP-51 which adds very little lift 1-2” and now you can tune the suspension for both uses with no problem. Add a switch and now you can have KDSS unlock above 15 MPH if you know what you are doing.
@John Dough “hence the name TRD off road!”please dude. As an owner of a ‘22 TRD off road, I can say you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. 360 degree camera has a specific function towards off roading. It is not meant to be used as a luxury feature.
@@skoolynugenator1802 agreed. I have it except for the dual zone temperature and the extra USB ports. Not complaining. I have a video up, but plan to make a more extensive video of the ‘22 TRD off road. Probably the best bang for your buck.
Get the KDSS setup. I have a 2019 GX460 with KDSS it feels like a car. I also have a 2000 4runner with over 322K miles, bought it brand new and still drive it everyday. I love that vehicle. I had a 2004 GX470 that I sold to my brother to get the 460. I would only buy 4Runners or GXs, practically indestructible vehicles.
Toyota needs some competitors so they stop being lazy. Several years ago, I wanted a 4Runner but opted for the Grand Cherokee because you couldn't get hardly any of the luxury options on the TRD Pro at the time. No sun roof. No ACC. No Keyless. The 4Runner needs more power too...
Totally agree. If I was in the market 3 years ago, exact same thought process. They finally got it right this year (this model on this particular video aside from KDSS, is pretty basic). I just bought a ‘22 TRD Off road with all the features, sunroof, keyless, 360 degree camera, leather/heated seats, blind spot monitoring/rcta, etc. Why Toyota waited this long to add blind spot monitoring…smh.
@@skoolynugenator1802 grand cherokees had electrical issues with until about 2016 but the later years of the generation until when the new one came out have been very reliable. The 3.6 v6 has proven to be reliable. Gc gets a bad wrap I feel like
I don’t think people understand the appeal of 4Runners. There’s literally a cult following with these trucks. They are probably the longest lasting, most reliable trucks available anymore. You could easily put half a million miles or more on these with proper maintenance. They hold their value better than anything. And if you wanna get off the beaten path, they’ll keep pace with a Jeep. Only difference is it will get you there and back. People complaining about the lack of bells and whistles, you can get all of that too. Edit: KDSS is not only intended for off-roading as basically an automatic sway bar disconnect, but it’s supposed to help significantly with body roll going around corners on the road. I just ordered an off-road premium with KDSS so I’ll do a video when I get it…which will be 8-12 months according to the dealership.
I had a 2006 4 runner with 250k miles on it. I just recently got a grand Cherokee which I love. I see both sides to it, but I couldn’t justify spending 50k with that little change. You may as well just get like a 2012 and save a little money, but I just wanted something newer for a change. I love both vehicles and there’s certainly appeal to both
@@skoolynugenator1802 yeah one of the big turn offs for me was the fuel economy and the 5 speed transmission too. The 8 speed in the gc shifts a lot smoother and I’m a car guy so that stuff matters to me also, but yeah I’m not arguing against 4Runners, they are awesome and I’m sure I’ll have another one at some point
@@mattbrown942 oh yeah the five speed is ancient and the the engine isn’t efficient but they are bullet proof. And actually the mileage is not a con for me because I’m coming from an F-150 with the 5.0 and that gets like 15. Definitely pros and cons. Just like every vehicle, 4Runners aren’t for everyone.
@John Dough if you’re referring to me, I’ve made it very clear that I’m not a 4Runner hater. I understand what they are built for and I literally had one for 6 years before my gc lol
I purchased a non kdss 23 since I’m going to lift anyway. I also have one with kdss on my 16 Trail Ed. Kdss is nice on the road but if your going to modify go without. If the kdss system takes a crap it’s $4k to replace it.
@John Dough I own a ‘22 TRD off road. You’re not understanding a TRD off road is not restricted to not having “luxury.” It has all of that. You can check my video. Sun roof, pleather seats, 360 cameras can be a TRD off road feature as well.
You should watch Dan Edmunds very good review and explanation of KDSS to understand what it does. Then go drive this 4Runner on and off road in a way that actually uses KDSS to see the difference. Dan’s video: th-cam.com/video/m3BnLLwbScA/w-d-xo.html
In 2019 i purchased 4Runner TRD Pro, then immediately switched to a TRD Off Road, so can say that YES the KDSS is 110% better, on and off road.. Especially if you plan on taking on technical trails, but also daily driving it, or using it for trips... There ar tons of mods for the TRD OR, specifically meant to work with the KDSS.. My 4Runner TRD Off Road is my forever rig!... There isn't a 4x4 i'd rather have more!..... Lots of overlanding and rock crawling, and it never breaks!
You can get all that or Half he price by getting off road, pro if you just have the money to blow
Which has smoother ride? TRD Pro or TRD Off Road? So TRD Off Road with KDSS handles better on off road too?
@@StarWarNerdI know these are 2022 prices, but in 2023 a TRD ORP is only like 4K less than a TRD Pro. The KDSS may be nice, but I’d rather spend the little extra and get Fox suspension, remote start, JBL sound system, dual climate control, and a few other things that the TRD OR/ORP doesn’t have. Don’t think the KDSS is worth sacrificing all of that.
@@dbunch904 if you can get it for only 4K more than pro is worth it , but when I was car searching it was almost 10-15k difference between pro and orp in california. I purchased the ORP for 52 out the door , pretty much all the dealer I went to the pro was 68k+ .
@@dbunch904I just purchased a 2022 TRD off-road preowned 28k miles for $37k , I was looking at a 2021 TRD pro for $53k with similar miles , I wouldn’t have bought one of these new since I didn’t want a high payment , so even preowned I still saved over $15k , I’m not sure if brand new it’s a $4k difference, but like I said I wouldn’t buy it new.
I haven’t driven a 4Runner with KDSS, but I have driven them without it. If the KDSS reduces that body roll on tight curves, I think it would be worth buying.
I have had both a Pro, and now a TRD Off Road with KDSS, and can say the KDSS is excellent and a must have.
If you plan on modding your vehicle, no. It’s a waste. If you plan on keep it stock, it’s a nice addition.
??? You modify it because the car does not always meet your needs from the factory. If you don't have the money to mod just say so.
@@malcolmn.5222 what? Lmao. You just repeated what I said 😂
I rented a 4runner without kdss for a week long trip and later I bought one with kdss. My kdss 4runner turns a lot flatter on the corners, and it doesn't nose dive when braking like the non-kdss one did.
It also flexes better on trails!
You would have definitely noticed the KDSS if you did a U-Turn.
The floaty drive is exactly why we love it
You basically said nothing about the KDSS.
Right ??
If you drive them back to back, you will definitely notice a difference in handling
Cool truck. Hard to justify this over a highlander unless youre doing serious off roading. 17 vs 27 mpg in this day in age is hugely significant
4Runner will last longer and it’s a truck. Body on frame unlike the unibody of the Highlander.
My wife has a limited Highlander and I have the 4Runner SR5, where we live we get snow, we use the 4Runner 90% of the time. She loves my 4runner, it does everything well and has never let us down, went to Vermont for some winter activities, winter weather was tough the weekend we went, 4Runner got us through with no issues.
When it’s time for another true SUV, I’m getting another 4Runner not even looking at another vehicle.
4 runner all day long! Longest lasting vehicle on the road no 1 million mile highlanders out there… only SUV that beats the 4 runner is the Lexus GX460 and that’s only because it’s equally as reliable and drives about 300X better than a 4 runner
@@thepatternforms859 the majority of people keep their vehicles 5-6 years and drive 15k miles a year. So sure a 4runner might last forever, but that doesnt really matter unless you either drive an absolute ton or keep your vehicles 10+ years
@@82dupont i mean that’s cool, but Im sure an AWD highlander with a good set of tires could do the exact same.
I’m not denying that the 4runner is a cool capable and durable vehicle… it is…but unless youre doing serious off roading that a highlander cant handle, there’s no real point in living with something that gets such poor fuel economy. Maybe 2-3 years ago when gas was $2 a gallon, but now… I’m not a fan of throwing money away on things like gas
I was looking into buying TRD off road and was wondering if I should purchase the extended warranty. Can you put on a level kit with out voiding the warranty?
There is a great video by Tinkerer's Adventure on KDSS vs Sway bar for the IFS, seems that it is certainly worth having and more useful then most think.
Yeah, I feel that the advantage is less body roll in the road and more compliance/articulation when you need it off-road. Scott Brady of Overland Journal lists KDSS as one of the top advances in 4wd’s in recent years so that’s pretty big praise.
Ben, I think you didn't do your homework on the KDSS system. When it's operating correctly, you won't notice a big difference on the road. It allows a disconnect to the sway bar when you are in severe articulation situations off-road, so more of the tire patch is touching the ground.
That’s entirely incorrect. The KDSS system has a much stiffer sway bar, so it is significantly different on road. It can use a stiffer sway bar because it disconnects for more articulation. A non-KDSS has to comprise on a less stiff sway bar to do both on and off-road.
Cool review. I should be picking mine up later this month
Very informative. I have this same vehicle to include color on order. Ben, have a friend carefully listen to this and other videos of yours. If they are honest, they should have a note of constructive criticism, you need to slow down some of your speech patters. Your words are not audible. This may be so ingrained that this comment is futile. However, your content is great. Slow down dude.
Dont have kdss on mine and driven both for the feel but notice the KDSS is way too stiff when going over potholes/bumps that feels like a like car. Sure turns better but I didn’t buy the 4runner to drive like a sports car.
Amen. That’s what I’m saying. My ORP does not have kdss and it laughs at bumps, potholes, train tracks, etc. Who cares about a little body roll. I actually prefer the ride being a little softer.
Drives straight down the road, hasn’t taking a corner ‘yeah can’t really feel anything special about this KDSS’ lmao, no shit! Literally no clue what it is. It’s a sway bar system, not a totally different suspension system.
Exactly; body roll and sway bar, not🤣 AIR SHOCKS.
I will add that, contrary to popular belief, KDSS drastically reduces nose dive after braking. The TRD Pro and stock suspensions continue bouncing even after the car is stopped. I understand it is because the suspensions are tuned for off road capabilities, but for $1,700 everyone should opt for KDSS because it drastically improves pavement performance. It even increases wheel articulation for off roading.
Great video review! Outside of the leather seats, what comes with the "premium" version? Seems like the TRD off-road (w/o premium) + KDSS (per comments below) might make a more affordable option. And in my case, I think I'd add the moonroof.
1:30 whoever did the wheel job, really damaged that front right rim
its the type of tire lube they use when they put on the tires leaves the residue looks like its damaged but itll wash away we use to use the same stuff at my shop
Before anybody considers the KDSS system, consider this? Why does the TRD PRO series not include the KDSS as an option? If it's functional and makes the Off Road vehicle better, why is it not standard with the PRO then?
Because there are not for the same usage. TRD Pro is for fast trails as in Baja Racing for the weekenders. KDSS is for slow traveling/crawling, travel adventures in hard to reach places. Two very different uses.
PRO doesn’t mean better. Take KDSS and put some Old Man Emu BP-51 which adds very little lift 1-2” and now you can tune the suspension for both uses with no problem. Add a switch and now you can have KDSS unlock above 15 MPH if you know what you are doing.
@@OldelCpt Thank You for enlightening me, sir.
KDSS. No moonroof. Folks what you're lookin at right here is a Unicorn
Watching this while filming 🕷
Dude what’s your deal with the speed talking? Are you nervous or just in a hurry to get the video over?
The front right rim looks scratched ????
If it has cloth I don’t think it’s the premium. Unless they changed something.
I messed up, I mentioned that later in the video
Also no 360 degree camera, no sun roof. This is pretty basic.
@John Dough “hence the name TRD off road!”please dude. As an owner of a ‘22 TRD off road, I can say you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. 360 degree camera has a specific function towards off roading. It is not meant to be used as a luxury feature.
@@infpsych you can get all of that with it.
@@skoolynugenator1802 agreed. I have it except for the dual zone temperature and the extra USB ports. Not complaining. I have a video up, but plan to make a more extensive video of the ‘22 TRD off road. Probably the best bang for your buck.
I am considering a 2022 4 Runner . But this really didnt help much on yes or no for KDSS.
Get the KDSS setup. I have a 2019 GX460 with KDSS it feels like a car. I also have a 2000 4runner with over 322K miles, bought it brand new and still drive it everyday. I love that vehicle. I had a 2004 GX470 that I sold to my brother to get the 460. I would only buy 4Runners or GXs, practically indestructible vehicles.
Toyota needs some competitors so they stop being lazy. Several years ago, I wanted a 4Runner but opted for the Grand Cherokee because you couldn't get hardly any of the luxury options on the TRD Pro at the time. No sun roof. No ACC. No Keyless. The 4Runner needs more power too...
I went from a 4Runner to a GC, love mine grand Cherokee so much
Well the 4Runner is way more reliable than anything Jeep will ever be. And hold its value way more.
Totally agree. If I was in the market 3 years ago, exact same thought process. They finally got it right this year (this model on this particular video aside from KDSS, is pretty basic). I just bought a ‘22 TRD Off road with all the features, sunroof, keyless, 360 degree camera, leather/heated seats, blind spot monitoring/rcta, etc. Why Toyota waited this long to add blind spot monitoring…smh.
@John Dough I disagree but you’re entitled to your opinion
@@skoolynugenator1802 grand cherokees had electrical issues with until about 2016 but the later years of the generation until when the new one came out have been very reliable. The 3.6 v6 has proven to be reliable. Gc gets a bad wrap I feel like
Turns are better
But its designed to keep the car stable.
For off-roading this sucks.
You feel everything in the worst way
I don’t think people understand the appeal of 4Runners. There’s literally a cult following with these trucks. They are probably the longest lasting, most reliable trucks available anymore. You could easily put half a million miles or more on these with proper maintenance. They hold their value better than anything. And if you wanna get off the beaten path, they’ll keep pace with a Jeep. Only difference is it will get you there and back. People complaining about the lack of bells and whistles, you can get all of that too.
Edit: KDSS is not only intended for off-roading as basically an automatic sway bar disconnect, but it’s supposed to help significantly with body roll going around corners on the road. I just ordered an off-road premium with KDSS so I’ll do a video when I get it…which will be 8-12 months according to the dealership.
I had a 2006 4 runner with 250k miles on it. I just recently got a grand Cherokee which I love. I see both sides to it, but I couldn’t justify spending 50k with that little change. You may as well just get like a 2012 and save a little money, but I just wanted something newer for a change. I love both vehicles and there’s certainly appeal to both
@@mattbrown942 well the new one has Apple CarPlay, blind spot monitoring, heated mirrors, most of the bells and whistles of modern cars.
@@skoolynugenator1802 yeah one of the big turn offs for me was the fuel economy and the 5 speed transmission too. The 8 speed in the gc shifts a lot smoother and I’m a car guy so that stuff matters to me also, but yeah I’m not arguing against 4Runners, they are awesome and I’m sure I’ll have another one at some point
@@mattbrown942 oh yeah the five speed is ancient and the the engine isn’t efficient but they are bullet proof. And actually the mileage is not a con for me because I’m coming from an F-150 with the 5.0 and that gets like 15. Definitely pros and cons. Just like every vehicle, 4Runners aren’t for everyone.
@John Dough if you’re referring to me, I’ve made it very clear that I’m not a 4Runner hater. I understand what they are built for and I literally had one for 6 years before my gc lol
I purchased a non kdss 23 since I’m going to lift anyway. I also have one with kdss on my 16 Trail Ed. Kdss is nice on the road but if your going to modify go without. If the kdss system takes a crap it’s $4k to replace it.
4 Liter????
No 360 degree camera…has a cloth interior…no sunroof, does it even have a blind spot monitor/rear cross traffic alert at least?
@John Dough I own a ‘22 TRD off road. You’re not understanding a TRD off road is not restricted to not having “luxury.” It has all of that. You can check my video. Sun roof, pleather seats, 360 cameras can be a TRD off road feature as well.
Yeah it's called a skull with two eyeballs and a functional high tech neck.
Do people not know how to drive anymore? Everyone seems to want a car to give them guidance how to drive nowdays 🤦♂️
@@rockymntdan1 get yourself a SR5
If you gotta have blind spot monitoring to drive, PLEASE dont even drive. Had my 2016 now and can see fully well. 🤣
You should watch Dan Edmunds very good review and explanation of KDSS to understand what it does. Then go drive this 4Runner on and off road in a way that actually uses KDSS to see the difference. Dan’s video:
th-cam.com/video/m3BnLLwbScA/w-d-xo.html
That’s the gas spilling out of the exhaust at 7:25
Lol
You can't buy one of these anywhere! Not one dealership in AZ has one
thumbs down for a 10+ minutes that has nothing to do with the title.
My man, please slow down your talking… It is tough to understand you.
That shit had curb rash.😂
Buy the interior you want.....oem suspension is marketing and profit....it is easy to do better for less.....
Have you driven with kdss?
Says clueless driving off a cliff of total ignorance.
🤭WE DON'T SAY BOOT
Nice reviews great truck poor handling
4runner just pee
💪⬛👍