Looking at upgrading my 2015 2wd limited to a newer 17/18 TRD pro or brand new Off road premium w/KDSS. My question to you seasoned guys is the suspension worth it? From my understanding, the suspension is the main difference correct? Am I missing anything?
Some light off-roading, but will mainly need the 4wd for camping/hunting trips.

Thanks in advance.

KDSS if you ask me. Doesn't sound like you will be doing crazy stuff.

KDSS is a personal thing, some like it and others (myself) aren't a fan. I'd go for the newer vehicle with less miles if the money is the same. You can make the TRD OR look like a Pro if that matters to you. I own a Pro and while I like it, the only advantage it has over the TRD OR/Trail is a better resale value, but you pay for that up front, so six of one.....

Test drive a non-kdss and kdss. i can guarantee that you will go for the kdss.

Curious on why you are not a fan.

I haven't heard much *****ing if any about it. Besides it limiting the lift.

I personally would buy the Off Road Premium with KDSS and add Bilstein 6112 shocks (or better) after the fact.

The 6112 shocks are pretty awesome, for most people, a very respectable middle ground between regular suspension and the typical 2.5 RR performance shock. I like them a lot.

Plus changing shocks on these trucks is pretty trivial, you can do it any point in time. KDSS, not so much.

Height limitations in regards to lifts and long term maintenance/failure. Read up on the system long term and its failures. Before the bandwagon jumps in and starts talking crap, yes I have owned a vehicle with it in a 200 series, we now have a new 200 (LX570) with AHC which we prefer.

Is it better on the road than a model without KDSS, well duh, but it isn't mind blowing like some here will have you believe. Your money best spent would undoubtedly be a SR5 with a quality lift and an aftermarket rear locker.

No bandgwagon just a simple question.

OP didn't sound like he was doing crazy stuff so I assumed he wouldn't need anything more than a 3".

I wouldn't say mind blowing but still better than a 4R without it. SR5 wasn't part of his original question so never brought it up.

I guess if I was going to ask a follow-up question… does that statement apply to on-road or off-road performance?

I am curious if KDSS works better than the standard mechanical sway bar on-road?

If it only adds to off-road compliance, and there is an option to just use a mechanical quick disconnect like many have in previous generations, you can pretty much have the best of both worlds at that point.

I recently considered both models then purchased a new 2019 TRD Off Road with KDSS. I’ve already added RCI skid plates, RSG rock sliders, Victory 4x4 roof rack, rear window storage panel, Clazzio leather seat covers and Wildpeak AT3W all terrain tires.

I plan to add a winch bumper and winch and upgrade the suspension with a small lift (Dobinsons springs and shocks). With all of that added crap I’ll still be under the sticker price for a TRD PRO.

Dealers in my area refused to negotiate on TRD Pro prices, so the price difference between OR and Pro was substantial. The single used T4R Pro I found was ridiculously priced as well. Between the price difference and KDSS, the TRD OR was a no-brainer for me.

Off-Road Premium with KDSS. You'll be fine and save money in the process. You can always add most of the TRD plastic bits if you like and still save a bunch of money for your other mods.

unless you need some special paint (that you probably will F up anyhow if your offroad) get the offroad.
i love my offroad and money was not an object to me. i just could not justify the cost difference

Thanks for everyones replies. Ill definitely take your suggestions and look into a test drive of both.

Way better on road.

I'll be honest and in the year I've had mine I haven't had a chance to take it off road yet.

LOL KDSS rides like its on rails around corners... for a lifted, light armored, 5500(+extras)lbs body on frame truck. We have a few pitched 3 lane marked 45 freeway turns, I have tested (no one else around of course) summer night, same lane, no line crosses @80... wouldn't go much faster but it stays planted, no squeal. I can only compare to my 3rd gen same corner same size tires, no lift, 70 and just starting to squeal.