How do I know it has KDSS?

[llDemonll]

For anyone not shopping in person, use this:

Vehicle Specification | Toyota Owners

Just plug the VIN into there and it'll tell you if the car has KDSS or not.

 

[unsub1]

Dealers rarely know anything about what they sell unless they are actually into it, high end brand or a specialty dealer.

I have bought many cars in my lifetime from all kinds of dealerships and have never run into this level of ineptitude. But I know what you’re saying.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

I have bought many cars in my lifetime from all kinds of dealerships and have never run into this level of ineptitude. But I know what you’re saying.

When I bought my Tacoma, the sales guys didn't know what 4wd was. :rofl:

 

[unsub1]

When I bought my Tacoma, the sales guys didn't know what 4wd was. :rofl:

WOW! That kinda takes the cake.

 

[kelkins]

Well if you are in Alabama, it won't have it unless you special ordered it. For some stupid reason, Toyota doesn't sell them in the "Gulf" states. Texas to Florida.

Alabama isn’t part of the gulf states group, Alabama is SET (south east toyota) Almost every ORP has KDSS around here. When I bought my 2018, pretty much every TRD model had the KDSS option.

The salesman had no effing clue what KDSS was though, and did not know how to ID the KDSS system by looking at it.

He was also adamant about me not lifting the vehicle, because the KDSS system would “pop off”. His words, no kidding.

 

[Signal]

Well I think there is a boot.

 

[STX4Runner]

^^^That does not have KDSS. The boot you're seeing is the CV joint boot.

 

[mteolus]

Boot on KDSS is vertical.

 

[csw2001]

Someone mentioned it before but it seems worth mentioning again, check for the dash light. Turn the truck electricals on but do not start so all the warning lights show. The KDSS warning light is on the right side.

No light, no KDSS.

 

[_Zort_]

Best answer on this (aging) thread!

For anyone not shopping in person, use this:

Vehicle Specification | Toyota Owners

Just plug the VIN into there and it'll tell you if the car has KDSS or not.

Thank you, sir! Feel (a little) bad that I called the guy at the Camelback Toyota Parts counter, because he probably just used this online site as well. Great resource. Thanks again.

 

[SICKwidIT]

Old thread, but a damn good one. Thanks for the what is and the what not.

 

[Sky]

when i bought my tacoma, the sales guys didn't know what 4wd was. :rofl:

4 wide doors?

 

[T4R_Canuck]

punch in the VIN here: Vehicle Specification | Toyota Owners

THIS! Thank you! This is exactly what I've been looking for to verify options on a used Trail edition i'm looking at.

 

[BlueRunner428]

I just bought a brand-new 2023 TRD ORP. The dealer said it does not have KDSS but it also absolutely does NOT have a squishy suspension. This suspension feels firm and planted and it drives more like a big car, far more so than my previous S10 platform 1998 GMC Jimmy, which is smaller but very much feels like a truck. I feel no major leaning when turning (this 4Runner corners far better than the Jimmy) and no major nose dipping when braking. But as said, the dealer said it doesn't have KDSS and the VIN inputter thing people have mentioned above doesn't list KDSS for it. And unfortunately (for this), it has a push button start, so I can't just turn on the electricals to see the KDSS light if it has it. I could swear it has KDSS from how car-like it feels while driving and from what I have read of the non-KDSS, where everyone talks about how "squishy" and "boat-like" it is and how it has "terrible" body lean and nose diving when turning and braking.

I have read about what to physically look for underneath, but am still lost, so will post up some pictures tomorrow.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

I just bought a brand-new 2023 TRD ORP. The dealer said it does not have KDSS but it also absolutely does NOT have a squishy suspension. This suspension feels firm and planted and it drives more like a big car, far more so than my previous S10 platform 1998 GMC Jimmy, which is smaller but very much feels like a truck. I feel no major leaning when turning (this 4Runner corners far better than the Jimmy) and no major nose dipping when braking. But as said, the dealer said it doesn't have KDSS and the VIN inputter thing people have mentioned above doesn't list KDSS for it. And unfortunately (for this), it has a push button start, so I can't just turn on the electricals to see the KDSS light if it has it. I could swear it has KDSS from how car-like it feels while driving and from what I have read of the non-KDSS, where everyone talks about how "squishy" and "boat-like" it is and how it has "terrible" body lean and nose diving when turning and braking.

I have read about what to physically look for underneath, but am still lost, so will post up some pictures tomorrow.

The cluster will still self test itself so you will see the light. Also you can push and hold the start button and other modes. I'm not exactly sure how but the manual should say how.

Look for bellows above the sway bar. If they are there, you have it.

 

[Forgetful]

I just bought a brand-new 2023 TRD ORP. The dealer said it does not have KDSS but it also absolutely does NOT have a squishy suspension. This suspension feels firm and planted and it drives more like a big car, far more so than my previous S10 platform 1998 GMC Jimmy, which is smaller but very much feels like a truck. I feel no major leaning when turning (this 4Runner corners far better than the Jimmy) and no major nose dipping when braking. But as said, the dealer said it doesn't have KDSS and the VIN inputter thing people have mentioned above doesn't list KDSS for it. And unfortunately (for this), it has a push button start, so I can't just turn on the electricals to see the KDSS light if it has it. I could swear it has KDSS from how car-like it feels while driving and from what I have read of the non-KDSS, where everyone talks about how "squishy" and "boat-like" it is and how it has "terrible" body lean and nose diving when turning and braking.

I have read about what to physically look for underneath, but am still lost, so will post up some pictures tomorrow.

Look for it but also don't be surprised if you don't have it. The kdss cult is strong here and like everything on the Internet can get overblown, non kdss rides great. It's a 5000lb suv, shouldn't be driving it like a Miata anyways.

 

[BlueRunner428]

So I am pretty positive that it does ***NOT*** have it. Inputting the VIN on Toyota's website brings up no mention of it, just turning on the electrical system doesn't show any KDSS light (turns out you turn on the electrical system by just pressing the Start/Stop button without depressing the brake pedal), and I find no evidence of it underneath the vehicle. I took some pictures, but can't get them to upload. Tried uploading from my phone, my computer, a free image hosting site, etc...but nothing is working (ARGH!). Driving me nuts not knowing for sure:frusty: I know with pictures, people who know what they're looking at could immediately say whether it has it or not

This vehicles drives damned fine though if this is one without the KDSS system.

 

[Captain Spalding]

For anyone not shopping in person, use this:

Vehicle Specification | Toyota Owners

Just plug the VIN into there and it'll tell you if the car has KDSS or not.

THIS! Thank you! This is exactly what I've been looking for to verify options on a used Trail edition i'm looking at.

I just followed the link to the Toyota Owners site, input my VIN, and looked up my vehicle’s specs. Oddly the KDSS didn’t show up in the specs. So take the “verification” with a grain of salt.

 

[RobS10]

So I am pretty positive that it does ***NOT*** have it. Inputting the VIN on Toyota's website brings up no mention of it, just turning on the electrical system doesn't show any KDSS light (turns out you turn on the electrical system by just pressing the Start/Stop button without depressing the brake pedal), and I find no evidence of it underneath the vehicle. I took some pictures, but can't get them to upload. Tried uploading from my phone, my computer, a free image hosting site, etc...but nothing is working (ARGH!). Driving me nuts not knowing for sure:frusty: I know with pictures, people who know what they're looking at could immediately say whether it has it or not

This vehicles drives damned fine though if this is one without the KDSS system.

Look at the sway bars...a non-KDSS one will have a simple vertical strut connecting the sway bar to the frame at both ends. A KDSS one will have a super fat sway bar connected to a hydraulic piston covered by an accordion boot on the Driver's side and a simple strut to connect it to the frame and control arm on the Passenger side. Does the one you're looking at have an after market suspension upgrade that could explain why it handles well? I test drove our nephew's 2018 SR5 (non-KDSS) and was very disappointed at how it handled compared to our old '99 SR5. Our new ORP with KDSS handles MUCH better, though it still sufferers from a little nose dive if we hit the brakes suddenly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJloB1jBIMU

 

[Ripper238]

So I am pretty positive that it does ***NOT*** have it. Inputting the VIN on Toyota's website brings up no mention of it, just turning on the electrical system doesn't show any KDSS light (turns out you turn on the electrical system by just pressing the Start/Stop button without depressing the brake pedal), and I find no evidence of it underneath the vehicle. I took some pictures, but can't get them to upload. Tried uploading from my phone, my computer, a free image hosting site, etc...but nothing is working (ARGH!). Driving me nuts not knowing for sure:frusty: I know with pictures, people who know what they're looking at could immediately say whether it has it or not

This vehicles drives damned fine though if this is one without the KDSS system.

You did say ORP (Off Road Pro) so NO, it does not have KDSS. It does however have an upgraded suspension since it is a PRO. Like Fox shocks...

IMO KDSS or Not they both will handle great. KDSS only has a slight advantage in specific scenarios. I love having KDSS, but a Pro suspension also has its advantages over non or KDSS.