2022 KDSS vs 2023 NON-KDSS

I was in the same situation. It was a 21 or 22. I went with the 21 with KDSS. Would not have it another way

 

When I got my 2020 4Runner, I specifically sought out KDSS. I happen to love the improvement KDSS gives over body roll. I was pulling our 5x8 tiny camper on a trip. While on an interstate. a driver did not see me and came into my lane, as we were doing 50 to 60 mph. I had to make a quick evasive maneuver and KDSS made the situation very manageable. I would not have wanted to make that move in a non-KDSS 4R. I am not certain I would have had adequate control, given I also had the camper attached. The driver certainly was apologetic, but thankfully I was able to make such a sudden left / right maneuver. Needless to say, I am willing to give up a bit of lift to have better stability in situations.

 

The truck rides great without kdss and is plenty capable without it. That being the case for me, I’d rather not have to worry about any kdss repairs down the road. But that’s just me. So to me it would make sense to get the 2023 and have an extra year of value there.

 

I specifically ordered KDSS BECAUSE I am not planning to mod the suspension. It was important to me and I waited a long time for it. Also, it is like a 2K dollar option, so if the price is so close, what is the extra 2K in features on the 23? I don't know about you but I'd rather have KDSS than TRD wheels or something like that, if that is where the money is. And yes, the '23 likely has a heated steering wheel. Big whoop!

 

the kdss posts about how much it costs for repairs are quite scary indeed.
and a lot of people that had kdss fail chose to completely remove kdss and put aftermarket suspension rather than fix and keep kdss.
This is definitely something to take into account, mainly on a vehicle as reliable as the 4R

 

I wonder how much if that is anecdotal vs first hand experience. I know XRAES has serious longevity issues, and is often omitted after it fails in the first 50k, but I am fairly certain the KDSS systems are trued, true, reliable technology. The only weakness seems to be rust and rot of the lines near the actuator. 2 bolts remive the skid and allow easy cleaning and fluid filming if this area, so I think if you consider making it an annual maintenance item, you can pretty much eliminate the concerns.

 

You're refrencing XREAS in the Limited - KDSS is a swaybar disconnect and has a very low failure rate.

 

XREAS has definitely been known to fail quite often. KDSS not as much but when it does it has appeared to be costly estimates given by dealers for repairs (not necsarrily talking about the 10k on the link below)
I've read it several times on various social platforms
for example: However I can't speak from first hand experience on failures as I've never personally had KDSS or known someone who's got a failure on it (I have a friend who has it on his ORP and it's definitely a plus on asphalt, didn't like it much on dirt roads)

Personally, I think that it's nice to have for someone that uses their 4R as a daily driver/commuter but that's about it. The difference in articulation at slow speed off roading is not big enough for me and overall the benefits are not important enough in my case to justify the risk of failure down the road.

PS: I should add, I plan on keeping my 4R forever (I'll never sell it). If OP plans on keeping it for less than 100k, kdss is unlikely to fail during that time and resale value might be higher if equipped with kdss. Risk of failure of KDSS is still lower than owning a jeep, ford, land rover, etc...

 

Two weeks ago I had to bring my wife to a medical specialist in the Bay Area(200 miles) and went over the the Sierra’s Carson Pass(RT88). We ran into multiple road work zones and fell behind travel schedule and getting appointments with this specialist are extremely difficult to get.
I found out how well KDSS worked. I rounded up the corners of the front tires fairly well on the mountain road pushing the 4R pretty hard in the curves with confidence. I would not get a 4Runner without it.
We made the appointment with few minutes spare.

 

I live past some pretty curvy rural roads. KDSS is damn fun to have. No sports car, but this thing can handle it’s own at speed.

 

Yep. The KDSS system is great on the street. And offroad it handles moguls well. It weakness is washboard roads. There’s not enough difference in the side-to-side articulation to unlock the system, and the ride is harsh. If you get the DrKDSS dongle and switch it lets you turn off the system entirely for just such situations.

 

Have had 3 5th gens and my favorite to drive is the one with KDSS. If you are going to lift it you may want to go without KDSS.

 

I just had the dealer with the 2023 4Runner to check and see if the vehicle had the heated steering wheel feature. He said it did not. Either way, I am really leaning towards the 2022 with KDSS. Having never owned one with it, I just hope that I am making the right decision.

 

KDSS has been available in the Land Cruiser since 2004. This is what swayed me.

 

What are the color choices ???

If I could do it over, I would go Army Green

 

MGM(2923 Non-KDSS) and MBM (2022 KDSS).

 

Lexus GX also has KDSS. The main thing is to keep the accumulators clean. These are under the driver side door. I fluid film mine or surface shield them. Zero issues. RSG has a kdss shield if you want extra protection.

 

Magnetic Grey Metallic or Nautical Blue Metallic….

Hmmmmm, Grey!

 

I see what you did there.

I'm glad I ended up with MGM. But, I think Nautical Blue looks better on a stock 4Runner.

 

Yes, good point!

 

Midnight Black Metallic, not Nautical Blue Metallic, and Magnetic Grey Metallic. Sorry.

 

It might not show in the vehicle specs, but it's very unlikely that it doesnt have heated steering wheel.
I think no one has reported not having it in the 2023MY for limited, pro, ORP, SR5P.

if that's important for you and you still want KDSS, why not a 2023 ORP w/KDSS? The price shouldnt be too different

 

Well, the 2022 KDSS has sold. I guess it is waiting for another KDSS equipped 4Runner, or buying one of the others without.

 

This is an opportunity for you...get a 2023 with KDSS AND a heated steering wheel. Win/win!

 

My only dilemma, and probably the reason that I missed out on the 2022 4Runner, is trying to decide if I want to get rid of my 2022 F150 and go back to an suv. I loved my 4Runner, but missed having a truck bed even though it was infrequently used. I guess being an upland hunter and throwing stinky dogs in the cabin with me is the only thing holding me back on the 4Runner.

 

Wait a minute. You dragged us through two pages of yet another KDSS debate, and now your saying you might not want a 4Runner after all? Sheesh!

Seriously though, I know know about stinky dog smell. And what I know about it is that it endures! I made peace with that a long time ago. But if it’s an issue for you (or the spouse) it is a valid concern. Stick with a pickup.

 

Sorry about that. LOL!

 

Saw that coming, KDSS debate… that’s why I just tell them pick the color they like…. Hahaha

 

I have a good deal available on a TRD Off Road Premium. They are willing to come $1500 off MSRP. The only thing is that it is Lime Rush. Has anyone seen one in that trim with the silver wheels and valance? Does it look okay, or is there a reason that they are offering $1500 off? The only reason that I am asking is because it is about two hours and forty-five minutes away. I do not want to waste the time to go there if I am not going to like it. Just trying to get some opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

The valances can always be painted or plasti-dipped.

And, you might as well get aftermarket wheels whenever you get rid of the garbage OEM tires.

See, problem solved.