KDSS is NOT ABS or airbags. It does not provide greater on-road safety. It just decreases body roll around corners. Remember, 4runner is a SUV...so, even with KDSS, the thing gonna roll with any corner...with KDSS, the 4runner is slightly flatter around corners.
There are plenty of examples of cars with optional suspension/anti-roll/air suspension stuff that decreases body roll. Camry XSE has sportier suspension to decrease body roll...do you ask Toyota why it didn't put that suspension into the base Camry? Same for BMW. Mercedes.
It is all about meeting a price point and what Toyota thinks its customers for that level equipment will want to buy.
exactly, the KDSS is to the 4runner, that a sports package is to...(insert whatever vehicle you want).
to the rest of the IG crowd:
XREAS for onroad upgrade
KDSS for offroad upgrade (although it upgrades both).
It's just straight marketing on toyota's part. Most people, whom toyota targets (demographics), don't know or care or want KDSS. However, there are those (like me), who want options from the land cruiser goodie bag and will pay for it, and hence, why KDSS is marketed on the trail package. KDSS makes sense on a platform designed to go slow over everthing and everywhere (land cruiser), but still retain its on road handling (land cruiser).
The pro is targeted more to the raptor crowd, and hence, the softer spring rates, and upgraded shocks, but having KDSS on a desert runner, is going to SUCK BALLS in terms of ride comfort going fast offroad. Sure you can do it, but its not going to be as pleasant as a vehicle without KDSS.
SR5 is the more affordable 4runner, targeted to a buyer within a specific price target.
It's just options and trim levels to maximize the 4runner's exposure to the potential buyers out there.
Toyota isn't going to reveal its marketing strategy, so there are no numbers, or graphs, or charts, or case studies, so we can all speculate, but its common sense.
KDSS is the banana's.
Without KDSS--> handles like a boat (I'm exaggerating).
with KDSS--->handles like a BMW x5 (i'm exaggerating).
True story, I had no interest in 4runners until I had a road trip in a landcruiser. It handled gravel roads like a normal SUV, but it stuck to the tarmac like glue in corners (for a 5000lb + vehicle). I told myself that day I want a land cruiser, but of course, I can't afford a land cruiser, so when I saw toyota was offering KDSS in a 4runner, i was sold....
It's one of the few options out there for any vehicle that is worth its asking price. Better than stickers and badges.
