Future T4R Owner - Help?

Hello from Alabama! I have enjoyed and appreciated all of the commentary here which has helped me in my decision to finally get a T4R! I am a lifelong Silverado/Tahoe owner, but got a Tacoma last year ahead of son turning 16 and he inheriting it. Well, I enjoyed driving it so much I am ready for more! The SUV suits me better, so here I am…

Looking for a late model 2020-22 T4R as I plan to keep a long time. Not currently into off road driving but like to hike and to keep options open with the North AL/GA mountains so close! So, with 95% on road highway driving an SR5P 4WD is ideal set up for me. That said, I love the AG color which means I would have to go TRD ORP or Venture — and if I do, the KDSS seems ideal based on all of the positive comments. Problem is where in the heck I find one! Even to test drive! I have searched all the sites even for non-AG colors and either they don’t exist or dealers are leaving off (unknowingly?) the KDSS spec in descriptions.

1. Is there another source for locating used T4Rs other than typical car sites?I would be looking for remote purchase and delivery to Alabama - or worst case fly to it and drive it home.

2. For those of you that have driven both, I know the general opinion on KDSS benefits so not asking for that to be rehashed here. But I am trying to gauge how much better not having one to test drive. Theoretically, lets say the KDSS is an 8/10 in terms of driving/ride experience - comparatively what out of 10 is the SR5? Opinion-based but I value those opinions. I have driven the SR5.

Again, I cannot find one locally to test drive to save my life. I even looked for Lexus GX - theres one maybe an hour from me.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to joining the T4R world soon!

 

Welcome.

You will have different experiences when driving 4Runners on road.
On a flat straight road, they will all pretty much feel the same.
Driving through curvy canyon roads, the KDSS will feel the best followed by the XREAS, available on the Limited and Sport. On bumpy roads, the Pro model will absorb the best. XREAS absorbs bumps really well, but the larger wheel on the Limited and Sport models negate this.

For your particular situation, I would definitely look for a SR5P or TRD Off-road if you want a wider color selection.

 

That is wild no 4Runners listed in your area? or hard to find them? this is a typical listing from today in Utah.

https://cars.ksl.com/search/make/Toyota/model/4Runner

 

thanks for link. No. No luck finding any used late model with KDSS on typical car sites. I have recently located one in rust belt so pondering it. It must be so good no one wants to part with it.

 

if it is newer model a year or two in the Rust belt will not seriously hurt it however would definitely do a careful good cleaning of entire underside and Touch up paint work on it.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

You can easily tell if they include underside pictures if KDSS is on there or not. It has an extra control arm, and I only requested more information from people/dealers that always had underside AND underhood pictures. If I saw any rust on underhood hardware, I kept moving. Underside, it is a little more understandable.

These are within 100 miles of Huntsville.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=666877806&allListingType=all-cars&driveGroup=AWD4WD&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&modelCodeList=4RUN&city=Mooresville&state=AL&zip=35649&extColorsSimple=GREEN&searchRadius=100&isNewSearch=false&marketExtension=include&showAccelerateBanner=false&sortBy=distanceASC&numRecords=25&referrer=/cars-for-sale/all-cars/awd-4wd/toyota/4runner/mooresville-al-35649?extColorsSimple=GREEN&searchRadius=100&isNewSearch=false&marketExtension=include&showAccelerateBanner=false&sortBy=distanceASC&numRecords=25&clickType=listing


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=672422233&zip=35649&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=35649&extColorsSimple=GREEN&sortBy=distanceASC&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=include&modelCodeList=4RUN&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&searchRadius=100&driveGroup=AWD4WD&isNewSearch=false&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=4RUN&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&searchRadius=100&makeCode1=TOYOTA&modelCode1=4RUN&clickType=supplemental


200 miles:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=672522819&allListingType=all-cars&driveGroup=AWD4WD&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&modelCodeList=4RUN&city=Mooresville&state=AL&zip=35649&extColorsSimple=GREEN&searchRadius=200&marketExtension=include&isNewSearch=false&showAccelerateBanner=false&sortBy=distanceASC&numRecords=25&requestId=2281868035&referrer=/cars-for-sale/all-cars/awd-4wd/toyota/4runner/mooresville-al-35649?extColorsSimple=GREEN&searchRadius=200&marketExtension=include&isNewSearch=false&showAccelerateBanner=false&sortBy=distanceASC&numRecords=25&requestId=2281868035&clickType=listing

 

I would propose that a good part of your search problem is a lack of dealer knowledge of what the different T4R model and suspension options actually are. Most dealers - and particularly salespeople - don't know and / or don't care. This leads to them not listing the specific suspension option(s) or the specific model - which would clue you in as to which suspension it has.

Just how dumb are salespeople? I was killing some time at a local Ford dealership a few years ago when a salesman came out to try to sell me something. After a few minutes of conversation, I was able to convince him that he wasn't going to sell me anything. Then he said, "You seem to know a lot about trucks, can you tell me why the front differential is offset to one side? I hear it's because it improves traction." Yea, that's why they do it. Words fail me.

 

I had the same trouble test driving - nothing close by.

Two options - rent one from a dealer - there's a Toyota website and generally a Toyota repair/ collision repair facility might have one you can rent.

CarMax might have one on the lot - worth searching.

Both of these options are easy to do from your phone.

The 4runner isn't as soft or quiet as a Tahoe, which is larger and takes speed bumps better.

It's a louder, rougher ride. It's worth driving a sequoia to see if that's something you prefer. Personally, I like the way a sequoia rides a lot better - more of a quiet tank - but it didn't have the combo of features I wanted when I bought the 4runner. The other option to consider is a gx460 Lexus. Better buy when you're getting a used vehicle because they depreciate a hair faster than 4runners and are great.

 

Thanks TrailGuy - I should clarify I have struggled to find a KDSS model with lower mileage. I started in AG color searches and less than 30k miles, but expanded to all options recently simply to find a KDSS model near me I could take for a test drive. Either they are not prevalent in my area (likely) or dealers simply aren't listing it as another poster suggested. I'm actually scheduled for some work travel out west over the next few weeks so I'm searching those locations for any nearby ORP KDSS models just to test drive.

That said, if not for my desire to have the "Premium" trim offerings of the SR5 or ORP, I'd already be in a AG Trail Edition. For now, still prefer the Softtex, heated seats and moonroof options since I plan to roll in this for the next 10+ years I felt need to "treat myself", but the AG Trail is very tempting - really like the look of that rig and it isn't far from me! And that AG Limited is probably the best looking one I've seen, but prefer the look of the SR/TRDs.

I know these things are super dependable and long-lasting, but I get a tad concerned seeing a 2022 model with almost 40k miles on it already. When did this person sleep? Even if I wanted it, my wife (aka the boss), who is a CFO in real life would never go for it! LOL!

 

Thanks Well69 - I hadn't considered renting - I'll have to look into it. The wife had a 2006(?) Sequoia. Tank and guzzler - but I really like the new ones. I just don't want to spend that kind of money on it which is why I bailed on the luxury SUV search as well. Since I've been driving the Tacoma this past year, I came to conclusion it suits my needs and I don't mind the ride/bumps that much and enjoyed the feel of the road. It is more like the cars I grew up driving where I drive the vehicle as opposed to it almost driving me (like my wife's Mercedes). I'd also risk getting speedy tickets in those luxuries.

My wife and I do like the CarMax simplicity as there's two stores within an hour of me where any ride can be shipped to for reasonable amount of money (with no commitment, too). FWIW, I have yet to see any mention of the word "Kinetic" on any model on the CarMax site (nationwide). I spoke to the local CarMax rep and he was very helpful in finding out the model I was interested in did not have the KDSS - he contacted that store to do a walk-around and all. I plan on reaching out to him again to see if he can help locate me a model. Ultimately, I may just bail on the AG aspirations and go with the SR5P since I know how it rides and enjoyed it. Fortunately, not in a huge rush though my 16 year old is getting tired of sharing. Thanks again.

 

I too went from a Tacoma (a 2014 TRD Sport) that we loved to a 2021 SR5 Premium. I have to say that the T4R is better than the Tacoma in every way except for the lack of a pickup bed. As for other higher trim levels having "better" suspensions or options, we've very happy with the SR5 Premium. I'd call it nicely loaded, but not overly so. To me, that means a more reliable vehicle in the long run.

 

I guess the good news is that if I never test drive a KDSS model, I'll never know what I'm missing! If anything... lol!

 

Can't help you with a comparison but wanted to share my experience. Came from a Tacoma lease and knew I wanted a 4 runner next....bought this time, not lease. I researched kdss a ton and decided I definitely wanted it. I live in Oregon and read it would ride better with mountain roads and their curves. Toyota doesn't do orders....you tell the dealer what you want and they provision it for you. When Toyota builds what you provisioned and it matches it gets rerouted to you. Took me about 3 months to get it. I wasn't able to test drive any 4 runner before I provisioned because of supply here. So, I took a chance. Took delivery this past week and everything you read about kdss is true. Extremely happy with it. Drives so much better then my Tacoma....more plush if that makes sense. Not plush compared to a Lexus....but the Tacoma. If you are looking for a late model have you thought about buying new? Hope you get to test drive one for comparison.

 

Thanks Nwsd. I enjoy a good mountain drive, but my regular drives don't include those curvy mountain roads down on the plains of Alabama/Georgia. I have some mild country roads to commute twice a week (40 min each way), 90 min interstate to/from airport every other week or so, and then around town. Given all the feedback on KDSS, price and lack of pre-owned options, I've just about resorted that the SR5P is going to be plenty good for me especially vs. the 2020 Tacoma. However, I'm headed out west this week for work and just got confirmation of an ORP with KDSS on a lot not far away. I will at least get an idea of whether it is worth the extra $4-5K in sticker price to hold out on one. So, I may get the opp to test drive the KDSS, but the wife and I have also started transfer process of a '21 SR5P with only 13k miles via Carmax. Of course, not in the AG color.

 

Welcome!

 

I drove SR5 for 11 years, now I'm driving TRD Offroad with KDSS since last year. I noticed that KDSS have less lean especially when you turn so with KDSS you can take turn at faster speed.I didn't notice much difference offroad, but theoretically KDSS should have better articulation. Also I got a feeling that my new truck has just a tine little bit harsher ride, maybe it's because it rearatively new though. Rumors are that KDSS might rust and need a big repair in 6-8 years. So to sum it up I was totally fine with my SR5 without KDSS and I wouldn't probably specifically look for KDSS. In my opinion there's not that much benefits unless you used to turn without much slowing down and really hate side lean on turns.

 

UPDATE: Officially in the 4R club! I ended up going with a '21 SR5P 4WD in Nauty Blue. Thanks for all the input given. In the end, I passed on test driving the TRD ORP with KDSS as well as holding out for Army Green. Based on the feedback I felt the SR5P gave me everything I needed/wanted at a much better $ value - especially coming from a lifetime of Chevrolets and a year of a Tacoma. And after a 45 min drive home last night from dealership and my 45 min drive into work this morning I'm extremely pleased with the ride of this SR5P. The ride has been buttery smooth (again, former truck guy). I am also getting around 21 MPG so far which rocks (mostly hwy and backroads). The body roll hasn't really bothered me all that much. I'd say the nose dive is more noticeable to me, but still not bad all things considered (it's a 4RUNNER!). And my son may be more excited than me because now he can start mods on his Taco!

Here she is - Looking forward to some mods. Considering starting with Weathertech mats, black emblems, Toyota grille, speakers and maybe some light tinting. And later on either gun metal/gray TRD or Method wheels later on. TBD.

 

Nice!!! Love the color, but I'm a bit biased. Are you thinking of going with the Kicker speaker upgrade from Trail Grid Pro? I've heard nothing but positive reviews on them.

 

Congrats and welcome. Also wanted to mention that inflating tires at 36psi reduces nose dive a little.

 

Yes I have seen some nice setups in this color so happy with it. I've seen those Kicker and read similar reviews - debating on all of the speakers being worth it or do a few at a time then later deciding on if additional speakers or amp, etc worthwhile. Only briefly looked at Crutchfield options at this point. I originally scoured every midsize and luxury SUV available before determining the 4R suits me better along with it being a super reliable build - so I'm reminding my better half how much money I saved us in hopes of gaining mod funds faster! Wishful thinking probably...

 

Welcome. I love that color. If I didn't live with intense sun at elevation and desert heat that would have been my color choice, but white or silver for me with my conditions.

 

Congrats! I was pretty surprised at how smooth the suspension was when I first drove my 4runner. It felt like a comfortable old school crown vic or lincoln town car…in a good way haha.

If you ever decide to get rid of your nose dive, there are some really good suspension options out there for not much money if you can install yourself. Went with a Dobinson IMS system myself because I wanted to lift. It really changed the character of the ride…not that I disliked how it rode before.

That tacoma should be fun for your son!

 

Same, coming from my previous '14 Tacoma to my new 4Runner, this thing feels like a Cadillac!

 

Congrats. Really glad it worked out for you. Mine is only a couple weeks old and I've already done a few things. It's addicting.