KDSS as a safety feature (2020 ORP)

I'm deciding between a 2020 ORP with KDSS for 42.5K (before taxes/fees) and a 2020 ORP without KDSS for 38K.

One of KDSS' on-road benefits seem to include that it reduces body roll, but. I'm still trying to judge whether it's worth an extra $1750. We also plan on lifting the car 2-3" and I've heard KDSS prevents that.

However, if KDSS offers an on-road safety benefit -- mainly that it could keep the car more stable in the event of sudden turns on the freeway, maintaining control and preventing rollovers -- this could outweigh the "marginal" small overlap IIHS crash test rating. Thoughts?

 

If my math is right, KDSS certainly isnt worth $4500.

 

Sorry, should have provided more context there. The cheaper price is out of state (I'm in CA).

 

There are no issues lifting on the kdss, you’ll neee new UCA I think. I’m new to this, but learning fast. I think the xreas was more difficult to lift ?

 

Some people report that the ORPs with KDSS are very difficult to find now. If you have access to one you may want to decide quickly.

 

No issues with smaller lift, up to 3" or so. Higher lifts can be done with other modifications if I'm not mistaken.

I tested the KDSS by swerving around during the test drive. It does feel surprisingly stable when you have to make a sudden maneuver. I was, and still am impressed with the way this brick handles, even lifted on 33's. I don't know if it truly makes it "safer," but it was worth it to me. The added off-road stability was another bonus.

The down side is that it limits you choices for skid plates. Be sure that anything related to suspension you buy is compatible as well. Many products have options for with and without KDSS.

 

Well no complaints being someone that acutally lives here. Anyways, its 7.25% tax sales tax rate and DMV license fees etc comes out to about $1,000 dollars. Then you need to also get it smogged and verified by CHP before it can be registered. Its a simple process just takes time.

 

You'll pay sales tax for your home state. So even if they out-of-state dealer isn't collecting it, CA will demand it when you go to register.

Nobody escapes the tax man.

 

Also, The DMV will take your check within a week of mailing it for taxes and use fees. But a month after mailing my Vin Verification form and they still havnt finished my registration process.

 

I guess it depends on how you want to lift, but many won't touch XREAS with a spacer lift for the risk of breaking the system. If you're lifting with new components then it's a wash anyway.

 

You should probably test drive both before you decide to buy one sight unseen.

 

when purchasing my 4Runner, i test drove both with and without KDSS. I preferred it with KDSS because 99% of my driving is on-road. I drive a lot on SOCAL freeways

 

There’s quite a difference at high highway speed with and without KDSS. They claim it gives more articulation for off road but I’ve never noticed that in my usage. However, cornering, high speed maneuvers, and rock solid stability is improved. I wouldn’t buy a non KDSS 4 Runner if I had a choice. But I could live with a non KDSS one if that’s all there was.