4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium vs. TRD Pro

[Spudgey]

FWIW - There's no difference in ground clearance. It's an illusion.

Glad you found a 4runner that was right for you!

According to measurements from other members of this forum that isn't correct. The front skid plate sits lower to accommodate for the larger KDSS bar. With that lower skid plate you do end up losing some ground clearance. While the truck does in fact sit at the same height you end up losing that inch due to the truck hanging a bit lower in the front.

Also thanks! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Well... I could, an auto adjusting thermostat for the A/c would be nice but it's a minor nitpick layball:

 

[Jetboy]

According to measurements from other members of this forum that isn't correct. The front skid plate sits lower to accommodate for the larger KDSS bar. With that lower skid plate you do end up losing some ground clearance. While the truck does in fact sit at the same height you end up losing that inch due to the truck hanging a bit lower in the front.

Also thanks! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Well... I could, an auto adjusting thermostat for the A/c would be nice but it's a minor nitpick layball:

The other members are wrong. It doesn't take much to park two side by side and compare. It just looks that way from the side. KDSS sits higher than the lower control arm mounts and the skid is level on the bottom - and the same height as the non-kdss skid. It just extends coverage forward further. The easiest side by side is the TRD Pro skid - it also fits over KDSS.

I would love a thermostat for the HVAC and auto headlights. The headlights are my biggest WTF issue. If it's standard on a Yaris - it should at least be an option on a $40k vehicle.

 

[Spudgey]

The other members are wrong. It doesn't take much to park two side by side and compare.

Cool beans Hoss.

Have a good one.

Edit: Thanks for adding that extra info. Next time I get a chance I'll have to measure them for myself just out of sheer curiosity.

Sorry to derail the thread a bit! Carry on!

 

[TRDSchin]

Not sure if TRD ORP v TRD Pro thread or KDSS thread..

 

[Jetboy]

Not sure if TRD ORP v TRD Pro thread or KDSS thread..

It's kinda the same thing. TRD ORP has KDSS as an option. TRD Pro has bilstein 6112/5160 shocks and appearance package. If you want KDSS you have to buy a TRD OR. If you want the appearance package you can either buy the TRD Pro or the TRD OR and buy the appearance parts to make it a Pro.

 

[bflitter]

Barcelona Red is tough to find

I am in the market for a new SUV. I've been chronicling my search - figuring it could help others http://bit.ly/2tGm6Lp. I was looking at the TRD Pro in Cement. It's like a finding a unicorn.

However, what I discovered was the Barcelona red is even harder to find. The Off-Road Premium 4x4 V6 is easier to find.

I'm interested in the discussion because truly does the PRO perform much better off road?

 

[Jetboy]

I am in the market for a new SUV. I've been chronicling my search - figuring it could help others http://bit.ly/2tGm6Lp. I was looking at the TRD Pro in Cement. It's like a finding a unicorn.

However, what I discovered was the Barcelona red is even harder to find. The Off-Road Premium 4x4 V6 is easier to find.

I'm interested in the discussion because truly does the PRO perform much better off road?

If you buy a TRD OR and put upgraded shocks on it - it will perform the same. The only difference in suspension between a TRD Pro and a TRD OR (without KDSS) is the rear shocks and front coilovers. These are the shocks aftermarket. https://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-Spr...rd_wg=3Tp2s&psc=1&refRID=KXYTK9MTQ1ZK52WPEQWY

 

[kags1969]

In Texas we are part of the Gulf Coast Region. It is one of the few remaining private distributors used by Toyota. Relationship between Toyota and Distributor goes way way back.

Anyway all this to say Gulf Coast Region doesn't order KDSS. Impossible to find unless you go to Colorado or one of the other regions. I got a Trail without KDSS and have been fine without it.

Gulf States Region sorry... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_States_Toyota_Distributors

 

[Landy]

My take on KDSS -

Pros
-Ride and stability on/off road

Cons
-If you want to mod the suspension you can do a 3" lift but you can't later on do long travel (easily)
-Additional failure point. While the failure percentages may be low, (especially in areas without vehicle rust issues like TX) is it a risk you want to take? Especially if you plan on owning it until the wheels fall off. It will almost certainly have an issue at some point. Finding someone who knows the system well, especially the added dynamics of a lift w/ KDSS makes it an even smaller percentage of folks who know how to work on the system well.

I chose Trail Premium (now TRD OffRoad Premium) non KDSS.

Best of luck with your search and decision making!

 

[HNTMUP]

Back to the OP's original questions: I went with the TRD OP for two reasons: sunroof (btw: my 02 T4R with 280k has never leaked and it's not kept in a garage - ever); and, why pay for a bunch of tech that I'll never use. I'm not into rock climbing, traveling through MOAB or mudding, and I don't need lift. I hunt and fish out of it pretty much all year. After 280k in MI, IN and OH I have never been stuck or felt that I didn't have enough suspension, clearance or power to get in/out where I needed to go. (an old timer once told me the only difference between 2wd and 4wd is how far off the road you are when you get stuck). Coming from the vehicles you have been driving any of the T4R's will be plenty of vehicle to do what you want to do and when/if you want to modify you'll have a solid platform to build upon but the Premium versions have creature comforts you are probably used to.

Regarding KDSS, it's another thing that can break. People have driven millions of miles without it.

 

[SirBarton]

I have a Trail with KDSS. There are probably some posts from back when I bought it when I was super happy I got KDSS.

Now maybe I'm used to it, but I happened to drive a friend's new non-KDSS TRD OR the other day and it didn't really ride that different on the road. I swear I could tell more on road difference when I test drove the Trails with and without and chose the one with KDSS.

I might lift my trail a few inches, but I'm never going Long Travel or anything extreme. Who knows if I'll even put a lift on it, so far it's gone on all the trails I have wanted to explore and it's completely stock with AT tires.

Either way, the TRD Pro seems like a waste of money over the OR (KDSS or NON). I'd save the extra bucks for upgrades to the OR.

 

[skydiver]

I am in the market for a new SUV. I've been chronicling my search - figuring it could help others http://bit.ly/2tGm6Lp. I was looking at the TRD Pro in Cement. It's like a finding a unicorn.

However, what I discovered was the Barcelona red is even harder to find. The Off-Road Premium 4x4 V6 is easier to find.

I'm interested in the discussion because truly does the PRO perform much better off road?

I know Houston area has one coming in that's not spoken for. Not sure when it arrives, but as you already know, they go quick. Dealing with the sales folks has been an asswhip. And unfortunately at this time of year, you can't even put in a new order for a rig.

So I've been talking to a Jeep dealer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk looks kinda neat and it has more power on the road. Pretty tempting:

 

[Trixx]

I know Houston area has one coming in that's not spoken for. Not sure when it arrives, but as you already know, they go quick. Dealing with the sales folks has been an asswhip. And unfortunately at this time of year, you can't even put in a new order for a rig.

So I've been talking to a Jeep dealer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk looks kinda neat and it has more power on the road. Pretty tempting:

You must be very, very set on red to consider a Jeep (non-wrangler)

 

[GeneralClortho]

I know Houston area has one coming in that's not spoken for. Not sure when it arrives, but as you already know, they go quick. Dealing with the sales folks has been an asswhip. And unfortunately at this time of year, you can't even put in a new order for a rig.

So I've been talking to a Jeep dealer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk looks kinda neat and it has more power on the road. Pretty tempting:

I am a 50% Jeep, 50% Toyota guy. With 4x4's, I have had 5 Jeeps and 4 Toyotas going back to the '70's so a somewhat even bias on my part between the two.

The WK2 is nicer, rides better, more power, more technology and IFS. The T4R will outlast the WK2 two fold due to build quality and have twice the resale value in 5 years. Jeeps are nicer but don't hold up over time well like a Toyota.

That, and one ride with the Trailhawk's air suspension on the offroad 2 mode and you will want to get out of it...it is total crap the higher you raise it.

To the OP (sorry for the derail):

I would rather have the Pro because it is a nice, full package that unless you get really serious, will perform and go anywhere most folks would dare to take it. However, it is hard to find and the cost is a problem with them selling over MSRP, of which I would never pay. Personally I would not modify a Pro much if at all and I modify everything (I have not owned a 4wd that didn't get a lift kit).

A TRD Premium will do everything a Pro would do (except for resale value) and you could modify it as you need when you need it. It is the smarter choice unless you can get a good deal on a Pro but that does not appear to be possible these days.

I will be picking up a new TR4 this spring and for the heck of it, will shoot for a Pro first knowing it isn't going to happen. Then, I will return to reality and pick up a TRD and my tools.

 

[CoMtn4Runner]

If you plan on keeping the suspension stock or only planning on a spacer kit, go TRD Pro. Doesn't make sense to pay the extra $$$ just to rip out the suspension IMO.

In reality, the two are extremely capable off-road from the factory. You may find the KDSS provides a better on road experience while the extra clearance on the TRD pro offers potentially more capability off-road. Either way, I would be extremely surprised to find that one far surpasses the other when driven off-road or on road. It mainly comes down to preference and what your plans are with the vehicle, which is different for each person.

 

[starview]

He is in Texas, can't get KDSS unless he drives outside of the gulf states region.

 

[Jetboy]

I know Houston area has one coming in that's not spoken for. Not sure when it arrives, but as you already know, they go quick. Dealing with the sales folks has been an asswhip. And unfortunately at this time of year, you can't even put in a new order for a rig.

So I've been talking to a Jeep dealer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk looks kinda neat and it has more power on the road. Pretty tempting:

If a GC is an alternative, a 4runner might not be the best option for you. You'll pay a lot of money and have a lot of limitations with a 4runner that you sacrifice for no real benefit if you're not using the BOF for its purpose. Have you considered a highlander?

 

[DRO-T4R]

Sunroofs leak - they all do eventually. If you want to get in to a truck that has a wet seat after a rainstorm, get a truck with a sunroof.
Don't let anyone tell you different!

Go with the TRD Pro - simple is better - plus they have a cool grill and red coils on the front shocks!!

Sno Dawg

Hmmm, I've owned 7 vehicles with factory sunroofs, including two 4runners, and have never had a leaky sunroof issue. You're doing something wrong.

 

[HNTMUP]

If a GC is an alternative, a 4runner might not be the best option for you. You'll pay a lot of money and have a lot of limitations with a 4runner that you sacrifice for no real benefit if you're not using the BOF for its purpose. Have you considered a highlander?

Exactly: apples vs oranges. Technical capabilities aside, Jeeps are pedestrian, lots of people drive them; 4Runners are cool, always have been, and are the last real truck offering capability without a lot of modification. I cringe when ever I hear someone refer to them as an "SUV."

 

[Jetboy]

Hmmm, I've owned 7 vehicles with factory sunroofs, including two 4runners, and have never had a leaky sunroof issue. You're doing something wrong.

I've also never had an OEM sunroof leak. AND I've actually installed an aftermarket sunroof - that also didn't leak in a 1971 suburban. (aftermarket sunroofs suck for other reasons, but leaking wasn't a problem) Not all sunroofs are created equal though. If you have a Land Rover/vw/chrysler with a sunroof - it probably is just a matter of time. Hondas and Toyotas seem to be very reliable.