Hey, Just traded in my 16 SR5 for a 19 TRD off-road premium with KDSS, the ride seems more comfortable, is that just in my head because it’s a brand new car??

It will handle differently given the KDSS system. Many say it can reduce body roll on road. I would think in straight line driving you wouldn’t notice a difference on pot holes and cracks. Tire pressure, age of shocks, etc will make a difference so depends on other details.

Sounds like a good upgrade decision for you!

No, it is not just in your head, I felt the same going from brand new non KDSS 2016 Trail Premium to used 2013 Trail with KDSS… to make it short: 4runner with KDSS has better on road manners, it is smother, planted and more controllable…. all that make the drive more comfortable, enjoy it!

I believe KDSS has nothing to do with ride comfort.

Edited from, "KDSS has nothing to do with ride comfort" since trolls were triggered with my original post. One even flung meaningless E credentials and calls every else a troll.

I have KDSS feels like I am driving a Mercedes Benz or Infiniti

^Wrong, noob. Different shock and spring rates and the kdss hydraulics act as a left-right 5th shock to a small extent.

Sways are stiffer too so less roll after intial softness is used up, but less jiggle too.

Then, more flex offroad.

The only weakness is 13+ mph while going offroad where KDSS is in on-road mode, and washboards can make the ride harsher. But I think the theory there is you should be aired down enough offroad to make that prob go away.

So KDSS is superior in every way. Just wish the front skid didnt hang down a bit. Gotta lift the truck to look like a decent 4x4 lol.

I suspect the 6th gen will either not have KDSS (in favor of some fancy suspension electronics) or no KDSS at all due to pending recession and people having less money. But if they do keep KDSS they'll prob figure out how to mount it higher to improve stock ground clearance.

Do you have proof of the different shocks and spring rates? The part catalog only shows 2 parts, sport or non sport. There's no separate option for KDSS vehicles. There is a noob option though so I suspect that's only equipped on your Runner.

"no KDSS at all due to pending recession"

There's always a recession coming. The question is... will it be in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, etc.

Meanwhile, I have not regretted buying KDSS for one second. I love it.

the sway bar rates are different. but yea stock shocks and springs are identically sh1tty lol


sway bars change ride quality. Ride quality is subjective. So into the rabbit hole we go

Per se, KDSS has indeed nothing to do with comfort proper and everything to do with handling. The springs are not a different rate, just the front are equal length instead of D being slightly longer.

But it is also true that KDSS is part of a bigger system, which is why it feels better on a Lexus than on a stock 4R and that tires play a big part. So, yes, KDSS basically forces lower pressures offroad which in turn forces LT tires.

In addition, lots of people perceive of handling improvements as comfort improvements, so there is that also.

Speaking of terrain on stock suspension, in CO, KDSS would be fantastic as trails tend to be short and slower speed with articulation a big bonus. In AZ, KDSS would be a draw back as you need higher speeds and longer distances.
In Southern UT, KDSS would be great around Moab but non-KDSS better elsewhere.

I have no idea how aftermarket suspensions and KDSS play together.

So you think the only thing that affects your ride is shocks and springs? Remove your sway bars and then rejoin the conversation.

I could but nah. If you look at the post, the guy stated that they are different.

From personal experience ( had a 2014 SR5 Premium with bridgestones and a 2017 Trail Edition Premium with KDSS and bridgestones). Over the same routes and roads I always felt that the SR5 leaned a lot more in corners and was a lot smother ride than the TEP with KDSS. Possibly do to the sway bar being larger on the KDSS equipt TEP.

"The part catalog only shows 2 parts, sport or non sport. There's no separate option for KDSS vehicles."

Here's the link to the McGeorge parts page for my 2016 Trail. Fwiw, I bought it at McGeorge.

Struts & Components for 2016 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota Parts

You may be correct about many things, but the sport, non-sport thing is listed for 2wd. ;)

I chose TRD Offroad Premium on the Camelback Toyota website.