I know this has been asked before, and I have read all the threads and dont think my question is clearly answered. As I see it the 2018 TRD Pro does not have KDSS but does have other suspension features, but what does that mean? I dont care about the moonroof, pretty badging or superficial bling, and will worry about price separately. Which is better off road, the TRD Pro without KDSS or the Offroad with KDSS. Any specific details on differences in ground clearance and wheel travel would be nice, I cant find that anywhere. Many thanks.

MBM

Here we go again....

If I were you I'd buy both and do a direct compare. Only way to really know. If you can document with video, post here and let us know. Thanks.

“It all depends what you want and how you will use it.” From my personal experience and what I’ve read on here, (no disrespect) the Pro is only worth the money if you’re going to run stock and/or get the unique color for that year (one color per year is TRD Pro specific). Too many people buy them and then rip out the suspension and wheels and they are left with an overpriced bunch of accessories that we can buy from the dealership. I knew I was going to lift my ‘17 so I did not have interest in KDSS or a Pro. I would love a Pro specific color, but not in the budget for me just for the paint job. Most people do love their KDSS. I for one have never driven one and I refuse to, because I knew I wanted to lift and I’m sure I would sadly love the KDSS. I am probably wrong here, but I think that if you’re properly lifting and using quality springs, you won’t notice the benefits of KDSS as much. In my simple mind, seems like money wasted; hence my TRD Off Road without KDSS and lifted by ICON.


I’m far from an expert, just sharing opinions based on research. Best of luck.


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I test drove both with and without kdss and think the kdss is awesome and was reminded how awesome doing some switch backs the other day. Will only be lifting 3 inches or less so I don't need to worry about ripping out kdss.

Sorry to say this topic has been covered... quite in depth... many times. Use Google, type in "5th gen 4runner KDSS vs no KDSS" or something along those lines... you should get several hits at least.

Short answer - only you know if you need/want it or not. I like mine, but I'm a pavement princess most of the time. If you're serious about hitting the dirt with some major upgrades to suspension, then I wouldn't spend the money on it. Dig a little more on Google... you'll find what you're looking for.


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Ditto what this guy said. I like my KDSS, I'm mainly onroad and it's awesome, if I do lift it'll only be 3". Just get the KDSS, you'll be happy you did.

Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming. So many other threads on this and none really answer the answer on which is better off road. Talked to 3 different sales guys that couldn't explain KDSS vs. TRD Pro. Also incidentally where I live in Toronto area no dealers stock either. They are all special order and so no opportunity to test drive - they expect me to simply pay and order - so I am in your hands. My principal need is to be both a daily drive that can also go up and down an ATV trail to a hunt camp, hauling way too much gear then I really wont use.

I did the TRD Off Road without KDSS. When I drove both back to back I didn’t find it as worthwhile. When I upgraded the suspension to heavier duty shocks and springs, it felt as good as the KDSS if not better. Feels wayyyy more planned now. If I planned to leave stock I would’ve gone Pro or KDSS.

This has been covered before on the forum so a search can get you more detail.

In a nutshell, you should test drive an off-road with and without KDSS to see what you prefer or can tolerate. I can't stand the on-road handling without KDSS, I can deal with the on-road manners with. I test drove both before buying.

In terms of TRD Pro, I agree with the earlier comment that it only makes sense vs. a TRD Off-Road Premium if you are going to run stock. Otherwise, you will throw away the suspension if you do a major suspension lift (not a spacer lift), which is the main benefit of the TRD Pro over the Off-Road, IMHO.

The Pro does have some minor other improvements/differences - TRD Pro wheels, better off-road tires, autodimming dash, auto headlights, better front skid plate, and different grill. You can get the different grill later, but it is $800 or so. Wheels are about a $1,000, tires are about $1200 or so. You can fairly easily make the dash autodim too, there are threads on this. You can also get the skid, but if you have KDSS you'll have to cut the skid plate to fit around the KDSS sway bar. Auto-headlights are doable but look like a pain.

I think that's about it

You won't get a clear cut answer as to which is "better" off-road so you will probably continue to be answerless. There is no answer to this question because it's personal preference and really boils down to how YOU operate the vehicle off-road. But hey, keep hoping; and this topic has been discussed many times before and it usually ends with written arguments and someone's feelings getting hurt.

Oops, I missed the fact that you can't test drive. If you are mostly on-road, I'd get the ORP with KDSS and at the minimum swap to a proper A/T tire like a BFG TA/KO2 or Duratracs, or Open Country C/T or similar. Both vehicles are extremely capable off road and can be modified to be even more so.

As others have said, the answers are all here in this forum, I found them before I decided to buy my Trail Premium and turn it into a TRD.

That being said, KDSS has a bit less ground clearance in the area around the lower shock mount, but is otherwise the same (diff height, etc.). KDSS affords some additional articulation of the suspension under low-speed conditions, though I can't recall exactly how much (I do recall it being surprising how much it was). Some report KDSS to be harsh in washboard, but KDSS rules on-road (odd to me that Toyota markets it only as an off-road advantage).

Without knowing the exact kind of roads you'll be frequenting, it's impossible to say what you 'need'. If you're not planning on doing any fancy lifts, KDSS isn't a problem, though finding someone to work on it in Canada would likely prove difficult (not that your'e likely to need it).

If I were you, I'd get the Pro or non-KDSS Off Road.

It is my considered opinion (after viewing many videos),the main difference in the suspensions sited is that the KDSS is a form of hydraulic ride leveling system - you know, make your ride less violent while off-roading. The suspension on the 2018 TRD PRO 4Runner, I just bought one, is fitted with Bilstien nitrogen charged shocks. It is my understanding that the shocks on the PRO are designed to handle serious off road obstacles without failing due to overheating.

Ride leveling system? No.... It has nothing to do with ride level. It's a sway bar system that affects body roll due to body "sway" on road and also helps with low speed off road axle articulation. Ride level is not a factor.