Highway driving question

[runner fan]

New to the forum.

Looking to buy new Runner.

I do 20k miles a year for my job on highway. Also do off road as well.
Wondering if I can get some feedback as to whether the TRD Pro or Trail Premium would be best for my highway time?
Thanks

 

[sf jakey]

Trail Premium

 

[e60ral]

Trail Premium w/KDSS

 

[Gulfstreamblue]

I have a similar drive for my work. I went with a Trail Premium with KDSS. I wanted the sunroof, KDSS, and vehicle that looked less conspicuous than the PRO. With KDSS, you get the bigger swaybar that definitely helps keep the 4runner planted on corners and high speed emergency turns that may be needed on the highway. It feels less floaty in my comparison of a SR5 vs Trail Premium KDSS. I did not drive the PRO.

KDSS causes added steps and considerations for lift kits. So if you are thinking about lifting your 4Runner, it can be done with KDSS, but not as easy as non-KDSS. I am not planning on lifting my truck.

 

[runner fan]

Thanks all for the feedback

Thanks for feedback!
Is it possible to get the TRD Pro front end on the Trail Premium?

 

[Engineer]

Thanks for feedback!
Is it possible to get the TRD Pro front end on the Trail Premium?

Not directly from Toyota but you can buy the parts to convert online and its a very doable DIY. I think parts have come down but IIRC its around 5-700 for the Grill/"TOYOTA" garnish and then I think the lower black valence is around $150. I just plasti-dipped my lower valence for $7 and it has held up great. There are several threads on this forum about doing the conversion if you want to look into it more.

 

[st8rocks]

Thanks for feedback!
Is it possible to get the TRD Pro front end on the Trail Premium?

Yep for around $600

 

[runner fan]

Thanks, great information.

 

[Elite130]

I had the same question and I decided to go with the Trail Premium with KDSS. From all of the reviews, I feel this was a better decision for me and all the driving I do 25k+ miles per year. Good luck with your decision!

 

[mybabydaddy]

Like most have said, prob TEP w/ KDSS. I had similar situation... Came from 2011 Limited with XReas... Drive 25K avg per year, mostly on-road. TEP has well planted on-road manners IMO (for a SUV). Lifted mine very slightly (with zero issues) and added wheel-spacers... now it doesn’t even tilt in corners. Of course, I’m probably wearing out my bearings and other components more quickly, but that’s a whole other story. :Cry:

 

[runner fan]

Thanks for the feedback mybabydaddy

Looks like at 25k miles a year I will go with the trail premium with KDSS

 

[jbjones85]

I don't drive nearly as much as you do anymore (15k/year average) but the trail + KDSS is probably the best option for on road (as well as off road) handling. I test drove a trail (non KDSS), trail + kdss, and limited and the trail + kdss had the best ride (in my opinion) on the road.

Since then I have lifted it, spacers, larger tires, ext and it still handles just as well.

 

[ST1FLER]

I'll be the devils advocate and say limited and swap the front end for a Pro and wheels to aftermarket

 

[mgreen6616]

Thanks for the feedback mybabydaddy

Looks like at 25k miles a year I will go with the trail premium with KDSS

That is what I just did for the same reasons.

 

[Engineer]

I'll be the devils advocate and say limited and swap the front end for a Pro and wheels to aftermarket

That's not going to look like a red headed step child with the lower side skirts and rear bumper. I am sure those will tie in nicely with the TRP Front end :heh:

 

[ST1FLER]

That's not going to look like a red headed step child with the lower side skirts and rear bumper. I am sure those will tie in nicely with the TRP Front end :heh:

:hiding:

 

[USKTog]

I had the same question and I decided to go with the Trail Premium with KDSS. From all of the reviews, I feel this was a better decision for me and all the driving I do 25k+ miles per year. Good luck with your decision!

When I bought my 2014 TEP w/KDSS, I bought it mainly because I spend A LOT of time driving (current mileage: 58,865) for photography business.

Wanted a part-time 4WD 4Runner (i.e., selectable 2WD/4WD) and the ability to go semi-crazy with things down the road, if I chose to do so. Yes, the KDSS will make it a bit more difficult.

Will tell you that I am extremely happy with my 4Runner. It handles very well, has performed flawlessly in the 4WD situations I have put it in so far (4-hi & 4-lo), has performed pretty well in the snow and I am still averaging ~21.5 mpg.

 

[ic0517]

Red TEP. Schwwwiiinnnggg!

 

[Jetboy]

One tip: If you're spending lots of time on the highway; stick with stock tire size. 285s will put a pretty big dent in your mpg. I have a TEP w/KDSS and also do a fair amount of highway time. I put 285 toyo at2's on and I haven't been super happy with the highway ride or the mpg difference. I'm probably going to buy some pure street tires in either stock size or 255/70/17 and sell the ATs and buy some regular offroad tires like full MTs for a 2nd set of wheels. Trying to do everything with one set of tires seems to work pretty well for most of us, but it's not ideal when you do a lot of highway time. Sometimes that extra comfort without the noise and vibration of AT tires on long highway drives is worth the extra cost of a second set of wheels/tires.

Of course everything is a compromise of some sort. I went from northern Utah to Phoenix this weekend for a race and hit some trail in Moab on the way. I can't really think of any vehicle that would be better for that kinda trip doing 1500 highway miles and about 100 offroad miles. I would never do it in my offroader. Nor could I do the same trip in our crossover SUV.