2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Suspension Walkaround: Why I Bought The KDSS Stabilizer Bar System
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
- The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most popular and capable body-on-frame SUVs on the market. It comes in four trim levels: SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. We’re going to be looking at the TRD Off-Road, the model I chose for reasons that will be explained as we take a close look at the suspension of my personal 4Runner -- which is a 2018 model with an identical suspension -- in this video.
The 4Runner is not quite a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, mainly because it has a more traditional enclosed body and independent front suspension instead of a solid axle. One thing they both share is a stabilizer bar disconnect system that improves off-road articulation.
The two systems are quite different. The Wrangler Rubicon comes with a push button-activated system that only works at low speeds. When active, it basically decouples the front stabilizer bar near its midpoint. The Toyota 4Runner uses the KDSS system, which stands for Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. This is a passive system that needs no driver intervention. KDSS disables both the front and rear stabilizer bars at the same time, too, and the reasons why will be explained in this video.
KDSS is an option on the 4Runner, and only if you buy a TRD Off-Road. It is not available on the TRD Pro, which seems odd because it absolutely improves off-road suspension articulation. KDSS is not only available on the 4Runner. It’s standard on the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus GX 460, and it was optional on the discontinued Lexus GX 470. The Toyota Land Cruiser’s system is designed differently, so this video won’t apply except in terms of the basic concept of operation. But it absolutely applies to the Lexus GX, because those SUVs are basically V8-powered Lexus versions of the 4Runner.
I have not put the 4Runner on my ramp yet, because I am bringing a 4Runner TRD Pro in soon for a back-to-back comparison. You’ll want to check back later for that video.
Why am I doing this? I geek out over suspension stuff. I'm a former suspension development engineer that worked for years on truck and SUV suspension development projects for two automakers at their remote desert proving grounds. Later on, I somehow stumbled into auto journalism, and for several years I created a popular photo feature called a Suspension Walkaround for Inside Line, a now-defunct offshoot of Edmunds.com (no relation). Today I have resumed writing these features under the name Suspension Deep Dive for Autoblog. Between the two outlets, over 100 of them have been published. Along the way I managed to grow a good-sized fan base, and one question I often heard was, “When are you going to make video versions?”
I never seemed to have the time, the equipment, or the confidence to get in front of the camera, but I got over that by hosting at least 80 professionally-produced videos over three years on the Edmunds You Tube channel. If you like it, please tell your friends, click subscribe, share links, give it a like and check out the other videos on my channel, which is simply called Dan Edmunds. You can also type in the channel’s alias: SuspensionTuna. And I take requests. I can't promise that I can get my hands on any car or truck, but the odds are good. And the more views I get, the more horsepower I'll have when requesting cars to examine. 
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Applause! There’s far too little info on KDSS and, therefore, far too little awareness/understand. Thank you, and well done.
The Toyota RUclips channel released a more detailed description video on the KDSS :)
Applause indeed. When I got my Trail edition there was next to nothing on KDSS. Thanks.
If Dan taught any of my subjects in high school, I would have been a 'straight A' student. WELL DONE!!!
I have a '18 TRD Off-Road with KDSS that failed at less than 47k kms. Lightly wheeled, 95% daily driven. For most people with KDSS, its great and never an issue. But for the odd person that has it fail on them they'll see a more than $5300 repair bill (checked with multiple toyota dealerships that dont normally have to work on them) for a $4000 factory option. It was difficult to justify the spend on this repair and I opted to tear it all out for a non kdss sway bar setup. Wish i never had it equipped. To each their own though.
Best explanation of KDSS in RUclips!!!
The Land Cruiser also has KDSS. Reason why it does so well on your ramp.
Excellent Video!!!
Yes, the Land Cruiser has KDSS, but its stabilizer bars look utterly different. A completely different approach to KDSS, but the same concept.
@@DanEdmunds the GX460 has kdss, but the LX570 doesn’t? Would gx460 and a 4Runner off-road be comparable on the RTI leaderboard?
Excellent explanation of KDSS, thank you!
@@briangullickson9013 Great explanation ,I was debating in buying the off-road and Pro and you convinced me for the off-road
To many people get fooled buy the esthetics of what marketing offers us and we forget the concept of Build for Purpose. The off-road version gives us the possibility of upgrading the springs and shocks while having KDSS, what a bonus.
Looking forward for your next video, and I in the process of replacing my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2009 for a Forerunner.
Take care
Last Friday I test drove a TRD Off-Road with the KDSS and was amazed how well it handled on the road. It's on my short list for sure.
I love my new red one
kdss is amazing 👏
KDSS is for on road.
That's why it's not on the pro
It also only activates on turns
This Toyota and its suspension is so well thought out . Nice car dude.
I had the same 4runner in 2016 same colour. In Canada you have to get kdss and “leather” enjoy one of the best built vehicles made today for a reasonable price
We can get the TRD Off-Road in standard and Premium. KDSS is an option on both levels. The latter has the leather and the sunroof, etc. I am not a sunroof fan, and I can do without leather, so I went with the cheaper one. I agree that these things are bulletproof. Back when I worked for Toyota in the 90s I led a winter evaluation trip when the 3rd gen was a prototype. Went from Hibbing, Minnesota up and around Lake Superior through places like Hearst and Kapuskasing and ended up in Toronto. -40-50C most of the way.
Good stuff.
I recently just passed 185k miles on my kdss 4Runner... I think It’s almost broken in.
did you do any off roading?
I'm at 175k on my GX460. KDSS just got removed though 😂😂😂
Dan, your channel belongs to the best automotive content youtube has to offer. It would be nice to see another bloke talking breaks the way you talk suspension. And combustion engines, body, steering, transmissions etc... Thank you from Germany.
Excellent explanation. Good close up video break down showing each component and its functionality. WAY too many people don't know or understand what KDSS means. From the non-owners to the owners. I guarantee I did my homework and LOVE the KDSS as much as you. In fact, that was the biggest selling point for me in choosing the TRD Off-Road over the Pro. So many brag about the Pro, but it is actually slightly hindered in capabilities. To bad most buyers will never truly comprehend just how great this system is. Even though I knew what it meant, I purposely test drove the SR5, TRD Off-Road and the Pro to feel the differences 1st hand. To me, it is night and day differences. Body roll sucks in an SUV! So KDSS was for me. FYI, in case you did not know, you can put a lift of 2.5 inch on the front and 1 inch on the rear of the vehicle before maxing out and having to remove the system. And the ride is just as excellent as stock.
Would the lift affect the KDSS system in any way or hinder its effectiveness?
The Off Road with KDSS handles the road much better than a Pro?
Only difference is the fox shocks
KDSS makes cornering in a Land Cruiser Prado feel like a sports car - flat and composed
Thanks, I always wondered if a lift is possible with the KDSS equipped
KDSS is a huge difference for me. Went in for a pro and left with the off-road. Great video!!
How you liking your 4runner off road 3 years later?
This is exactly the type of video I needed / wanted for the purpose of curiosity. Very well spoken. Detailed. Thank you.
I probably would have sprung for the KDSS if I had seen this first. Nobody was able to explain it to me. This makes it so clear!
The name Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is totally useless in describing what it is and what it does. Lots of sales pros at dealers don't know how to explain it.
I am going from a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock Edition to a 2021 4Runner with KDSS. I appreciate your attention to detail! I will be using the 4Runner as my daily driver and the KDSS just made sense to me. I go serious off road about a week and half every year while elk hunting up in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.
After you add the all terrains, you'll think to yourself " this is the best car ever."
We drove our nephew's 2019 SR5 Premium a year or so ago, and was disappointed our 1999 4Runner handled so much better. I was surprised to the point I thought about looking at other vehicles entirely. Then I heard about the KDSS system and looked at a TRD Off Road Premium, which we ended up buying. It's still a bit soft and bouncy with noticeable nose dive when braking, but so much more stable and flat in corners. Very happy with it!
Dan!!! What an awesome detailed and understandable review of the KDSS system on your 4Runner TRD OFF-ROAD. I'm in the market for a TRD OFF-ROAD I went and tested one, took it thru a paved road with many imperfection and found the ride superb due to very little roll. Then I tested an SR5 and discovered that the ride on paved road is very "Rolly" and uncomfortable. You have helped me make an important decision to go with the TRD OFF-ROAD and for that - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Our Lexus GX460 has KDSS and it cannot be understated... it makes it off road like a landcruiser, then when you get on road it handles like you'd never imagine for a truck of it's size... it's an absolute must have!!! love it!
It's absolutel trash
I really enjoy learning about the types of suspension in your videos. It would be great if you could speak to what happens when you put larger tires on and what your recommendations would be when doing this. Maybe you could incorporate this information on all vehicles you review that have a lot of aftermarket parts and are often modified.
I own a ‘16 Trail with KDSS. I chose this one over multiple non-KDSS 4Runners that I test drove back to back because the KDSS was the best driving experience.
Wow, what an incredible and detailed explanation of KDSS. Thank you!
Very nice choice!! Wouldn’t trade my 4runner for anything. I love everything about it
Dan, this video is phenomenal. Seriously one of the most informative videos I’ve seen on RUclips for any subject. Thanks for making this.
Really appreciate the time you put into this. Clear, well-paced, complete explanation supported by very well-lit video.
Dan - given the Land Cruiser is likely done for the U.S., could you do a video about your Land Cruiser vs. 4Runner thoughts? Reliability, expected lifespan, assuming both have KDSS, pros/cons. I know you've owned both - would really appreciate your input vs. so much of the hype out there - thx.
That detail on the longer grip length of their “performance nuts” is something I learned from your video. Genius, really. it basically allows the benefit of a spacer to lengthen grip length without an additional part.
Well done. By far the best description of KDSS I have seen.
My analogy would be to tape two bottles together at the openings, and show how you can squeeze air from one to the other, but if you squeeze both at the same time nothing happens. Same thing here - if the drivers front goes up and the drivers rear goes down, one pushes to the other.
I am looking at a 2021 Off Road now that has KDSS. I looked at some youtube videos explaining what it is. My impression is that KDSS is another system that has the potential to go bad on you and it adds about $1200 to $1500 dollars to the price of the vehicle. Also, if it does malfunction, repair is expensive. My concern is how often does KDSS malfunction and will moderate off roading cause it to fail sooner? Your video is most informative and likely the best one on youtube. Thank you.
Really thorough and informative. This is the best explanation on youtube, It should be the first suggestion when you search 4runnner kdss
Just ordered exact same truck as his 3 days ago after watching this video over and over again.
Enjoyed learning how KDSS works and most cost effective trim option to buy it along with differential lock. Would like to see the KDSS in operation and how it improves handling.
Best KDSS video - subscribed. Please do a video on upgrading the shocks.
You should run this up your ramp
I didn’t know about KDSS when I bought my GX460, I just was amazed by how it seemed to have amazing stability on highway while being flexible at slow speed. The more I learned about my GX460, the more I came to love it.
look at all that steel and over engineering, KISS design, no wonder why the 4runner is so $$$$ and lost soo long without issues, GREAT Video Thank You, real engineering info video
A simple yet brilliant explanation of KDSS. Very smart.
Holy smokes, such a great breakdown of KDSS! I've read about how great it is, but never understood why. Dan obviously knows his stuff since he was able to explain on a level most people can understand.
Great job! Listening to a man who obviously knows his subject forwards and backwards is very rewarding. Thank you sir 😊
Great explanation of the KDSS system! I’m torn between this or a GX460
I wish this video had been out in Aug when a bought my T4RORP and I would have waited for one with KDSS. Great explanation with bike- made perfect sense. Better than the Toyota videos.
Sorry I wasn't quicker. But you've still got the rest of the ORP traction aides ... not to mention enough money in your pocket for some wheel/tire or shock upgrades. KDSS isn't free.
@@DanEdmunds totally agree. Keep up the great content.
So much confusion on KDSS. Thanks for the detailed explanation.
Great video! Can’t wait to see the direction you go with the suspension and tires and the why. Would love a hint!
Hey Dan! It’s been a year since this video and 6 months since your last one. I’d love to see the difference in this one and the Turd Pro! Any chance you’re going to be making these again? Your videos are fascinating and unique. Don’t leave us hanging!
…waiting on that comparison Dan
I just added a 2021 TRD off road 4Runner to my garage on the 15th and love it! I knew it was something special, but your explanation of how its suspension is designed leaves no margin for guessing! Well done!
New subscriber here 👍🏻
Probably one of the best informative videos about suspension anywhere on RUclips. Great video, Sir!!
Wow. This is amazing. Excited for the next video! You explained more in a few minutes than I could have imagined. Really great job.
This was probably my favorite Toyota 4runner video I’ve seen all day. Superb quality!!!
Very informative. If you ever modify the suspension, new shocks, lift, ect. I would love to see a video from you explaining all about it.
Thank you for the great explanation. I had a friend who owns a Jeep ask me if I disconnected my stabilizer bar on a recent trip to Moab, Ut. He was perplexed by my answer of “yes and no”. Sharing this video helped clarify the ambiguity of my answer.
Glad it helped!
Quality throughout. This is why the 4runner commands the price it does.
Excited for when they finally have a KDSS full disable button. Annoying how when going over 15mph the KDSS system is stiff despite being off road. I find myself trying to stay below 15MPH for this reason.
Look into Dr. KDSS. It's a switch operated electronic disconnect for the KDSS system.
Excellent video, the similarities between KDSS AND X-REAS are interesting
I want to get my hands on a Limited with X-REAS but have not yet had any luck.
@@DanEdmunds Where are you located? I have a 2019 limited I'd be willing to let you evaluate
Before I bought my 4Runner ORP I was searching so much for something that explained Kdss but found nothing. This video just popped up on my RUclips feed and I must say this is the only video you need to A) explain what Kdss Is and B) why the 4Runner ORP is the one to get (no bias here!).
TRD Pro is not more expensive just because of the suspension. There are a ton of options that drive up the price, like rack, wheels, exhaust, and the high end sound system. For what it's worth, TOYOTA puts KDSS on all their Baja 4Runners, not the PRO suspension.
This video explained KDSS so well its brilliant. It make the case why TRD Off-Road with the option of KDSS to some is a better choice than the TRD Pro.
GREAT job on your explanation of KDSS. I love mine!
I just bought the 21 trd off road clothing seats and an actual ignition key NO PUSH START CRAP. Excellent video.
Yeah, the TRD Off-Road Premium w/leather has pushbutton start. I didn't want to spend that much, so I got the regular TRD Off-Road. I do admit that I like the pushbutton system -- its really nice off-road. No jangling keys!
Just got some OEM pro fox shocks that I will be installing in my ORP! good info.
I saw a set of those on a local e-swap site for $750. Take-off Pro stuff is a good and potentially inexpensive way to do an instant upgrade that has been vetted by testing.
@@DanEdmunds Yeah only wanted to level out the ride height and not do crazy lift so I went with that shocks, if Bilstein 6112 isn't out of stock I would have gotten those.
I have the same setup and am very happy with the ride. Eibach also has longer springs that will provide a moderate lift with the bypass zones in mind.
@@jamess4707 I saw it popped up on my Amazon and couldn't stop my self and bought that spring set also! just waiting till it get warmer to install it.
This is the best video on KDSS on youtube period! What your video helped me decide is to NOT go with KDSS. Let me explain. I live up here in Canada where road brine and salt is a big issue for rust. I've seen that many 4runners with components like these end up rusting out and the hydraulic fluid leaking. I know someone who had exactly this happen to them. The replacement cost? $4,000 minimum. With a car like 4Runner, given my driving conditions, I think I will stick with the SR5/TRD Pro options without KDSS as this will avoid costly repairs down the road, especially given how intricate the KDSS system is and how many points of failure due to rust there are. Great video!
I don't deal with road salt, so that kind of thing doesn't figure in my decision-making. I can see how it would, though. Salt and brine do terrible things to underbody components.
I have a 2017 Off Road here in Canada as well, no issues i get it Krowned yearly, under carriage is like new!
It's called preventative maintenance. KDSS or not, you'd be a fool not to undercoat and maintain that annually in your area. If you do, KDSS which has less than a 1% failure rate overall, regardless of geography, is no more susceptible to salt-related degradation than the rest of the vehicle. As such, by opting out, all you're "avoiding" is better ride quality on-road and better articulation off-road, standard. I'd contest you made the wrong choice, not the right one.
Best explanation of KDSS out there and way overdue. So many people get this wrong. Thank you!
By far the best overview of KDSS I've found. nicely done.
Thanks!
awesome teaching! But what happens when you wanna put 35" tires on the 4Runner KDSS on TRD Offroad? Is this why the TRD PRO doesn't come with KDSS, so you can more easily modify with a lift and larger tires?
Wow! Great video and knowledge! Been looking at the 4Runner and now I won’t get one without KDSS!!
Really appreciate the work you put into this explanation, thank you!
My 2021 4runner venture has both the KDSS and locking rear. I was suprised to find the KDSS, it was not listed on the window sticker. Thank you for the nice video to explain the way it works.
Excellent explanation, best I’ve seen so far about KDSS. Love the system. Thank you!
Brilliant explanation of many components. Thank you so much, I learned quite a bit in this nicely edited informative video.
Great explanation of KDSS, the most underrated factory option on the 4Runner. Let's see the comparison video.
Dan, great video! I have a 2021 TRD off road with KDSS and was planning on upgrading my wheels and tires. What did you go with and what size? Thanks and keep the videos coming!
Thanks for the explanation and the feeling that I made a great choice when I bought by 2021 TRD Offroad last weekend!
I was going to see if you would do the flex test with one of these. That's dope you got one. Love my 2019
It will happen soon enough!
Love your channel! Finally a scientific engineer sharing knowledge! Great stuff!
Great video and vehicle! Thanks for taking the time going over KDSS. If I had to guess I thought you'd get the Land cruiser though.
I don't have that kind of cash to spend. I had an 80-series and a 100-series in the 90's, but that was before I moved back to California and acquired a big mortgage.
Can you do a follow-up video on your 4runner, what mods did you make?
I have one with kdss and one without. My wife drives the one with it. It’s absolutely great if your going to keep your truck stock. I drive the new non kdss version.
I'll be adding a roff-top tent soon, and I'm glad I have KDSS because of the extra roof mass I'm about to add.
Kudos!! Your video is nothing short of brilliant because it truly is incredibly informative! Thank you sir!!
We need more of this!
Awesome explanation thank you ....the 4runner is a legend I'm very happy with mine
omg thank you for this video!!! I'm an avid off-roader and was very confused about whether to get KDSS. The system is amazing! decision made...
Man, oh Man. Thank you for that explanation.
Video from a REAL expert, someone who's worked in the field.. as opposed to the typical RUclipsr who only knows what Google tells them.
Thumbs up!
Toyota’s Engineering is genius
Nice job and using the bicycle as a teaching aid was brilliant. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Dan. Well done. Was frantically searching for info on the TRD 4Runner before purchase. Dealers were of no help.
Wow this was a really good and thorough explanation, thanks!
Awesome explanation! I fully understand what my KDSS does now. Thank you
Thanks for taking the time to explain it so well.
Great information! I am planning to buy a TRD Off-Road Premium and I had been wondering about KDSS. I'm going to make sure I add that. Thanks!
very easy to undestand! I'm from VietNam I love car but I haven't had a car yet ^^
Have been staying tuned. Hope all is well. Look forward to the comparison.
I enjoyed the video, very informative. Suggest you get a can of rust reformer and start spraying those parts that are just starting their journey into Toyota rust self destruction.
Great explanation of the KDSS system! It is difficult for someone to articulate how this system works in a clear manner. Thanks Dan!
Dan this video was awesome. Thanks so much for breaking this system down.
You will adore the single stage paint once you scratch it. Peels off like painting latex over oil based.
Great video, you explained it better than any video I saw before.
Fantastic explanation of the KDSS system. I purchased a 2021 TRD Off Road Premium in November and the 4Runners with the KDSS system are hard to find on the East Coast. I’m from New York and had to travel into Pennsylvania to find one. Look forward to your future videos thanks very much.
A very good overview on the 4Runner TRD Off Road suspension.
We are still tuned for more videos
Thanks , I bought my 2020 TRD-OFP with the KDSS. I noticed a difference on the road which made my choice to go with it. Which it will be mainly driven. Until retirement.
Excellent video explaining the KDSS system
Such a knowledgeable video!! This is exactly why I purchased the TRD Off-Road KDSS! I am planning on installing an icon stage 8 suspension kit and a BlackGate KDSS drop kit!! Subscribed!
What an in-depth video! Think I’ll go with the KDSS thanks to you!
Great explanation. Amazing how simple it is really.
Similar in concept to Land Rovers ACE system they had on Discovery 2. Toyota’s is far simpler and no doubt far more reliable.