most comfortable 4Runner trim (suspension on road)?

[CatskillsRunner]

Dude, at a certain point you should just go test drive the other 4Runners, because your questions are completely subjective. The only way to know which 4Runner you'll like is by driving the ones that interest you.

 

[Wizzard]

Thank you very much for your input!

Compared to the SR5 would you say the Trail with KDSS is harsh or rough over bumps? Or just a little firmer? Because I love the smoothness of the SR5 but just not some of the body motions and roll. And I can deal with more firmness to get the better handling, but as long as it is still smooth over bumps.

I have never driven the SR5 so I just referred on what I have read based on SR5 vs TRDP vs KDSS test drives. I wouldn't say the KDSS is smooth over bumps at all, we drove over a couple different types at speed (the narrow steep ones and the wide ones like they put near schools) of speed bumps and the KDSS felt firm, but that is what it was designed to do in those conditions. Everything is a trade-off, TRDP is a smoother ride that absorbs bumps more comfortably but has slightly more roll and dive. From what I read it order of firmness it goes KDSS>TRDP>SR5.

Like said just look for a KDSS in your area and drive it, ask the sales person to take you on bumpy side streets and speed bumps, not just the freeway. Test driving is half the fun

 

[PNTRDPROO]

Dude, at a certain point you should just go test drive the other 4Runners

That is my plan. Wizzard chimed into the thread and gave his opinion about the ride with KDSS and I picked his brain a little. No harm in that. There are currently no KDSS equipped models in my immediate area.

I have never driven the SR5 so I just referred on what I have read based on SR5 vs TRDP vs KDSS test drives. I wouldn't say the KDSS is smooth over bumps at all, we drove over a couple different types at speed (the narrow steep ones and the wide ones like they put near schools) of speed bumps and the KDSS felt firm, but that is what it was designed to do in those conditions. Everything is a trade-off, TRDP is a smoother ride that absorbs bumps more comfortably but has slightly more roll and dive. From what I read it order of firmness it goes KDSS>TRDP>SR5.

Like said just look for a KDSS in your area and drive it, ask the sales person to take you on bumpy side streets and speed bumps, not just the freeway. Test driving is half the fun

Thanks. I will have to analyze the difference between the SR5 and Trail Premium when one becomes available near me and report back.

Id love to test drive a TRDP too but I doubt I will be able to anytime soon.

 

[4roffroad]

1engineer - how does your current ride compare with the TE with KDSS you had?
I am in the market and have test driven the limited, but there are no Trails in the area with KDSS, it seems like certain areas of the country get them and other areas do not.
I am assuming I could order one, if that is the direction I end up going. I am going to test drive a regular TE next. Any more thoughts on these versions since you have had them all? My three concerns are the following: Which handles better on twisty back roads, which will work better in snow and lastly how does it handle bumps and pot holes. Thanks for your input in advance.

 

[1engineer]

1engineer - how does your current ride compare with the TE with KDSS you had?
I am in the market and have test driven the limited, but there are no Trails in the area with KDSS, it seems like certain areas of the country get them and other areas do not.
I am assuming I could order one, if that is the direction I end up going. I am going to test drive a regular TE next. Any more thoughts on these versions since you have had them all? My three concerns are the following: Which handles better on twisty back roads, which will work better in snow and lastly how does it handle bumps and pot holes. Thanks for your input in advance.

I put 70k on my first SR5. I put 66K on my TE with KDSS. I test drove them all again this go round including the LE which I thought I would be getting.

The suspension has changed a bit from the 2010 SR5 to the 2015. A bit firmer and less lateral roll. Truth is I can still take the same corners at the same speed as I did in my TE. Actually I like the ride more now. The LE would have been my choice but then I drove the Land Cruiser and suddenly there was not much difference between the SR5 and the LE lol.

Look, KDSS is nice but simplicity is too. I had both and went back to regular suspension. For me off road is still the same. I don't push the limit so KDSS never really helped me by giving the truck another bit of wheel engagement to the ground.

My advice and what I told this OP with the "questions" is do what I did. Test drive test drive test drive.
Asking subjective questions on an internet forum is no substitution.

 

[Shawk00]

I put 70k on my first SR5. I put 66K on my TE with KDSS. I test drove them all again this go round including the LE which I thought I would be getting.

The suspension has changed a bit from the 2010 SR5 to the 2015. A bit firmer and less lateral roll. Truth is I can still take the same corners at the same speed as I did in my TE. Actually I like the ride more now. The LE would have been my choice but then I drove the Land Cruiser and suddenly there was not much difference between the SR5 and the LE lol.

Look, KDSS is nice but simplicity is too. I had both and went back to regular suspension. For me off road is still the same. I don't push the limit so KDSS never really helped me by giving the truck another bit of wheel engagement to the ground.

My advice and what I told this OP with the "questions" is do what I did. Test drive test drive test drive.
Asking subjective questions on an internet forum is no substitution.

Absolutely... I think to many times we convince ourselves that if we pay more for something there's no question it's better or we will like it more. Like 1engineer... I went in expecting to buy a KDSS 4Runner when trading my '11 Limited... and had I not liked the KDSS, I figured I might just swap for another Limited. But guys, these non-KDSS 4Runners (at least my '15) run down the road great. I say if you can't find each one to drive, then at a least start with the base... give it a shot, and if you don't like it then move up. I'm glad I tried the non-KDSS and I was immediately sold on the ride. For me there was no reason to pay up for something when I really liked the non-KDSS version that costs less. This comes from a guy that has owned at least 50+ vehicles and almost always paid up for goodies.

 

[4roffroad]

Absolutely... I think to many times we convince ourselves that if we pay more for something there's no question it's better or we will like it more. Like 1engineer... I went in expecting to buy a KDSS 4Runner when trading my '11 Limited... and had I not liked the KDSS, I figured I might just swap for another Limited. But guys, these non-KDSS 4Runners (at least my '15) run down the road great. I say if you can't find each one to drive, then at a least start with the base... give it a shot, and if you don't like it then move up. I'm glad I tried the non-KDSS and I was immediately sold on the ride. For me there was no reason to pay up for something when I really liked the non-KDSS version that costs less. This comes from a guy that has owned at least 50+ vehicles and almost always paid up for goodies.

I agree with your input and 1engineer. I have driven the 2015 LE already and liked it, I will now drive the TE without KDSS (since I can not find that in my area any way) and see how it compares. My guess is that will make it clear which direction I will go. thanks for your help.

 

[8086bruce]

The best and most comfortable 4Runner will be the one you buy!