We are looking for a 2015 Trail Premium and we can't seem to find one in the area with KDSS.

We did find one in Kentucky but it doesn't have the KDSS (need to call and confirm). Is the Trail Premium suspension the same as a SR5 if it doesn't have KDSS?

My wife drove a SR5 and didn't like the way it drove. She said it rolled too much and felt too "floaty". I'm wondering if we should start looking for a non-KDSS Trail Premium and just upgrade the stock shocks to some 5100's.

Thoughts or opinions? Keep looking for the KDSS Trail Premium and not settle or go with one without it and upgrade the shocks?

go without and upgrade the suspension.... because even if you say you arent.... you will.


but yes they feel identical

If that's the case, is there a significant difference in on-road feel between a Trail Premium with KDSS vs a Trail Premium without KDSS and 5100's?

This will actually be my wife's 4Runner so as far as suspension goes, it won't be upgraded for at least a year or so. First mods will be more cosmetic (wheels, tires, steps, etc).

If this REALLY IS the wife's 4R, you'd be much better off getting her test drives in the various models. If you decide based on this forum, and it's wrong - well ....... guess how that will go.

If she's an astute-enough driver to dislike the non-KDSS ride, I would not bet on Billies making her happy ..... and ...... guess how that will go.

The "non-KDSS with Billies, vs KDSS" debate has gone on since 2010, with opinions every which way.

It is unanimous tho, that a KDSS TE drives much more "planted" than the SR5 or TE without it.

I put Billies on my otherwise-stock-suspension SR5, and while improved, I still do not like the soft springs. I drove a new 2013 TE/KDSS and IMO it was somewhat firmer and better controlled than mine.

Is the LE out of the picture?

Curious what she's been driving.

You may have to go out of your sales region to find what you want.

I've never driven one with KDSS. But to answer one of your questions, I feel the SR5 and TE (non-KDSS) ride/drive the same.

This.... and I don't know if the ride has changed over the years but I really like the way our 2015 Trail Premium rides & handles (coming from a 2011 Limited).

I had the same concerns about the ride on my '14 Trail Premium. Had a set of (4) 5100's installed and it made a huge difference. Greatly reduced nose dive and much improved cornering and ride. I'm pretty picky about handling and I couldn't be happier with the setup now!

I'm in KY and love my TEP w/ KDSS. Drove to DC to buy it. Worth the trouble (and cheaper, too!)

I live in Oklahoma. There was no KDSS equipped 4runner to be found. I flew to Colorado Springs and bought one and drove it home.

While I am coming from a 3/4 ton diesel 4x4, I am honestly pleasantly surprised at how stable, planted, and almost (dare I say it) sports-car like the handling is of the KDSS. It is super flat on the road at speed. Very confidence-inspiring.

I suggest you at LEAST test drive one with KDSS. Even if that means taking a road trip.

She's coming from an Audi A4.

We might have found one with KDSS in Kentucky that we might go up and drive. It's the wrong color but at least we can see how it feels. I have a feeling she is going to want the KDSS since she did not like how the SR5 handled.

No BOF SUV is going to drive like an Audi or any other car, especially a sporty car. I had a KDSS 4Runner and now I have an SR5. Neither handles nor corners like a car. There are many CUV's out there that handle well. KDSS is not going to magically turn the 4Runner into car like handling or even a decent CUV handling. Try a Highlander. Body on frame, high center of gravity and a solid rear axle can only corner so well.

My "other car" is a BMW 5 Series. My 4Runner is a 2014 Trail with KDSS. To try and compare the handling between my 4Runner and my B'mer is just crazy. HOWEVER......I will say that my 4Runner with KDSS handles better than any other SUV I've ever owned (and I've owned a few...). I have also driven a 2012 4Runner without KDSS, and there's definitely a noticeable difference between the KDSS and non-KDSS feel (especially when cornering). Your wife is obviously used to performance vehicle handling, and likely drives a bit more aggressively when cornering. She'll definitely feel a big performance gap between the Audi and the non-KDSS feel. It will be a bit less with a KDSS equipped 4Runner, but there'll still be a gap. If you're absolutely NOT planning on modding the 4Runner, than I'd probably hold out for a KDSS equipped model. If, however, you are willing to mod the suspension, then KDSS is probably a waste of money, as you can accomplish the same feel and performance with relatively common mods (and probably for less money). The biggest downside is that you have to do the work, and it won't be covered under warranty.