My Dilema: which model?

[Blitzkrieg]

you're just getting hit with the CO tax, it's not that bad everywhere else

I'll bite.

Did a search for TE/KDSS in Raleigh. Couldn't find any at the first major dealer I found:

New Toyota Cars, Crossovers, SUVs In Raleigh, NC | Leith Toyota

In fact they only have one Trail and its not KDSS.

You search and prove me wrong.

 

[e60ral]

Tell them to look in network, I bought my Trail from Apex Toyota even though it was listed in Wilmington. They might not have it on the lot, but they will find it for you and the prices are just a little more than SR5 here

I think Leith was pricing me a trail that was actually in Charleston, but that might have been Fred Anderson. There was only 1 local, but at least 6 in network. Didn't have to pay a premium, just had to wait a day for them to deliver it.

Edit: Just checked, Hendrick (where I bought mine) has 2 trails with KDSS in stock

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[991-GT3MJK]

Go Pro or Go Home!!

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[OC4X4]

I had a 2006 Sport that I traded in 3 years ago because I really wanted the new Avalon for some reason. I drove SUVs for the prior 17 years, and that has caught up with me. I hate being down low, so I'm coming back to the 4Runner. The problem is, which model to get?

My '06 had the X-REAS suspension, and I drove it pretty hard, because I could. I know that only the Limited has that suspension now, so I'm wondering which way to go. I hate all the chrome on the Limited, so I'm leaning towards an SR5 Premium.

I drove a base SR5 today, having already driven the Limited a few months ago, and I'm not sure about the suspension. I'm a 98% pavement guy, though I wouldn't mind exploring off-road a little (nothing crazy).

For on-road handling, will I be OK with SR5 premium, or should I be considering a Trail Premium with KDSS? I'd go for the TRD Pro, but when I asked my sales guy, he told me sticker price on that one (pretty sure I can get the others at invoice price).

I was in your situation three weeks ago. I test drove a white SR5 Premium and almost pulled the trigger. Glad I waited, because I then saw and drove a Trail Premium with KDSS. I went with the TEP W/ KDSS.

TEP W/KDSS (In my opinion)
- Better interior finishes (All black synthetic leather w/ red stitching, different finishes on the panels) SR5 has a grey inlet in the seats.
-Hood Scoop
-Different Wheels
-KDSS
-Crawl Control

I've had mine for about a week and I feel I made the right choice. Well worth the wait and hunt for one.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

I was in your situation three weeks ago. I test drove a white SR5 Premium and almost pulled the trigger. Glad I waited, because I then saw and drove a Trail Premium with KDSS. I went with the TEP W/ KDSS.

TEP W/KDSS (In my opinion)
- Better interior finishes (All black synthetic leather w/ red stitching, different finishes on the panels) SR5 has a grey inlet in the seats.
-Hood Scoop
-Different Wheels
-KDSS
-Crawl Control

I've had mine for about a week and I feel I made the right choice. Well worth the wait and hunt for one.

But what color? This is important.

 

[OC4X4]

But what color? This is important.

Ha! Super White! Had to search all over California for it. Buyer backed out and swooped in for the steal!

 

[Gecko]

If you enjoy your Avalon but just want to be higher, Highlander makes the most sense for you, hands down. Especially if you spend most of your time on road.

Not sure what your timeline is like, but the 2017 Highlander will be out in a few months with a new 295HP V6, 8 speed automatic, better MPG and a whole new technology suite.

I think that's your best bet.

 

[Pester1]

test drive a KDSS and non-KDSS back to back, the handling is very different and you won't need an extended test drive to notice the difference.

IMO the KDSS is the clear winner, but maybe your handling opinions are different from mine

Can you tell me more about this? I drove both from the dealer but on pavement only. My sense was that the KDSS was smoother on the road.

However were your comments related to offroad or both?

Thanks.....

 

[e60ral]

well the test drive comment was on road, but offroad it will have better articulation

 

[The Waco Kid]

well the test drive comment was on road, but offroad it will have better articulation

I'm not sure that's 100% accurate. From what I've read, KDSS equipped 4runners will have better articulation than others when paired with similar sway bars (apples to apples), but when compared directly to an SR5 or non KDSS trail (apples to oranges), the amount of articulation in an offroad scenario is negligible... and in lifted applications it's a hindrance on down travel... which is why if you ever plan to do a LT set up, it's better not to get KDSS.

 

[D Farms]

Ive seen both kdss lifted and non kdss lifted offroad. the articulation with the kdss is great, it bottoms out the compressed side while allowing the droop side to droop fully. The non kdss had about 2" of difference between the left and right wheel when it was lifting a front tire.

If you plan to do an lt kit, you dont use a sway bar anyways right? not sure why you would, it would be a waste of the extra suspension travel.

 

[The Waco Kid]

Ive seen both kdss lifted and non kdss lifted offroad. the articulation with the kdss is great, it bottoms out the compressed side while allowing the droop side to droop fully. The non kdss had about 2" of difference between the left and right wheel when it was lifting a front tire.

Well, maybe I'm just remembering wrong. Oh well.

If you plan to do an lt kit, you dont use a sway bar anyways right? not sure why you would, it would be a waste of the extra suspension travel.

Maybe my comparison wasn't as good as I thought..but either way the system is useless in that scenario.

 

[e60ral]

I'm not sure that's 100% accurate. From what I've read, KDSS equipped 4runners will have better articulation than others when paired with similar sway bars (apples to apples), but when compared directly to an SR5 or non KDSS trail (apples to oranges), the amount of articulation in an offroad scenario is negligible... and in lifted applications it's a hindrance on down travel... which is why if you ever plan to do a LT set up, it's better not to get KDSS.

the actual travel limits should be the same across all models, but the KDSS will allow for greater articulation. i'm maybe not explaining that clearly, basically it doesn't technically have more travel (at least i don't think so) but it has more effective articulation
(LT systems don't use the sway bar, right? so its not that a vehicle with KDSS would be worse, it would just be a waste of money and more stuff to remove0

 

[The Waco Kid]

the actual travel limits should be the same across all models, but the KDSS will allow for greater articulation. i'm maybe not explaining that clearly, basically it doesn't technically have more travel (at least i don't think so) but it has more effective articulation
(LT systems don't use the sway bar, right? so its not that a vehicle with KDSS would be worse, it would just be a waste of money and more stuff to remove0

Man I wouldn't know, I'm just a simple country bumpkin. haha
I thought I understood it, and maybe my understanding was just a bit off.
(I see what you're saying now, I think)

I need to go study up some more on general suspension parts and their purpose before spouting off again.


Any who... nothing to see here folks.... move along.:focus:

 

[Paul06Sport]

Well, I drove the TRD PRO tonight, and I think I found a winner. Now I just need to find it in magnetic gray. The website said they had a Trail Premium with KDSS, but I couldn't drive it because it was sold. I definitely liked the TRD over the SR5. I know that the highlander would fit my lifestyle a little better, but I'm all in on the 4Runner.

 

[Cymon]

Well, I drove the TRD PRO tonight, and I think I found a winner. Now I just need to find it in magnetic gray. The website said they had a Trail Premium with KDSS, but I couldn't drive it because it was sold. I definitely liked the TRD over the SR5. I know that the highlander would fit my lifestyle a little better, but I'm all in on the 4Runner.

Just FYI there was one posted at a Toyota Dealership in Ocala, FL today (on the FL 4runners page). I think they're asking $48K for it if I remember correctly. Good luck in your search.

 

[Deuskid]

Well, I drove the TRD PRO tonight, and I think I found a winner. Now I just need to find it in magnetic gray. The website said they had a Trail Premium with KDSS, but I couldn't drive it because it was sold. I definitely liked the TRD over the SR5. I know that the highlander would fit my lifestyle a little better, but I'm all in on the 4Runner.

What sold you on the TRD PRO over the SR5?

I'm having the same internal debate with myself right now.

Good luck w/ your purchase.

 

[Knight-Errant]

Subaru Outback :hiding:

Edit: I'll add the when I was car shopping the Outback was a close #2. Enough clearance for fire roads, low roof height for easy loading of bikes/kayaks, nice interior, comfy seats, quiet ride, comfy ride, great AWD system, x-mode if you need more traction, lots of cargo room, slightly better fuel economy (I get 19 combined in the 4runner, and real world outback reports are about 23 combined).

Frankly the outback is a great choice if you see your vehicle as a piece of equipment to help you do outdoor activities (as opposed to a vehicle that is the activity; Overlanding=4runner).

 

[mtvp]

I'm not sure all the TE /Pro fanboys read your post. If 98% of your driving is on the road and 2% off road. Then fire trails don't require the TE. Why spend your money for type of truck that you'll never use? Go with the Limited.

 

[antwone]

vote for TP, I like the "outdoor looking" on the front hood, and bigger angle for approaching and departure.:high5: