Best way to get better on road handling

Hi everyone! I am new here and excited to meet you all!

im looking at the 4runner as my first new car after giving my used pathfinder from high-school to my sister. I love body on frame suvs and the 4runner just looks amazing. I'm here to get some opinions on how to get the 4runner to have better on road handling. I love to ruggedness of the 4runner and I will go very light offloading but nothing extreme. I will spend most of my time on road so I'm interested in how to make that time more comfortable.

Some ideas I have are:

SR5 Premium with aftermarket shocks/lift? to get the best on road performance. I'm not a gear head and I have no clue how this stuff works except the very basics. Hopefully over time I can learn xD. Price is not an issue. What is a good reliable product you guys recommend?

ORP with KDSS
I hear conflicting info on the kdss suspension. It makes it better on road and off road? How does that work? For those who have kdss how does it compare with stock, aftermarket lift/shocks and xreas?

Finally a limited with Xreas
This is marketed as a on road trim of the 4runner. But how does xreas compare to the other options above? Is it worth the extra $$$?
(It's also ugly. If I go with this route, I'm going to try to change the fascia to the normal look. But that is a topic for another day)

I'm excited to learn more about the 4runner and be part of this forum!

 

A big part of what makes a 4Runner so comfortable off road (not extreme stuff but light trail use) is the soft-ish suspension. That can translate to a comfortable ride on bad roads, but it also means you get more sway, nose dive under hard braking and generally more busyness as speeds increase. Better shocks, even budget ones combined with stock springs firm up the ride a bit. Switching to higher spring rate coils gives a more solid feel but is often a more jarring ride on rough pavement. Tires with a higher load rating can also help, but again anything you change from stock may improve things in one area but have effects in comfort in another area. The shocks, springs and tire changes I have done to my SR5P have worked for me, but it's not for everyone- I like things as simple as possible. That said, most people enjoy the KDSS over the type of terrain you are talking about, it just makes it a touch more difficult to makes changes to suspension, skid plates and the like. An O/R with KDSS will be more expensive, but will probably hold it's value better in the long run. I agree with you on the Limited- not my choice but people who drive in snowy areas frequently like the AWD over the 4WD systems. Tons of reading to be had on this website, so enjoy the rabbit hole!

 

I have an Eibach Stage 2 lift (2/1) with 285/70 in C load @ 36 psi, with some weight added (RCI skid plates, Sherpa Crestone roof rack, Caliraised molle panels). I’ve finally got it dialled in to be a smooth ride on my 2022 ORP w/KDSS. Nice, predictable road handling, enjoyable.

I will say, when I first got the truck and having 265/70 Toyo AT3s with regular tire load rating, the drive was Cadillac floating smooth. I started to really enjoy it. If I planned on only groomed trail offroading, I would’ve left it with that set up. Some will say the braking dips quite a bit, but I never experienced that unless panic braking. You do get a bit more side roll, but it’s not a car and driving it appropriately it isn’t a big deal. This isn’t a vehicle to take and rush because you’re late for work in stock form, that’s for sure. It has slowed me down in my driving, and I enjoy it.

 

First off, for light off-roading, no lift is necessary. If you want to level it somewhat, a small lift in the front only is a good option.

KDSS reduces sway, but does not affect nosedive. It's a nice option for those who want a little more articulation than the standard suspension, reduced sway, and don't plan major suspension modification.

XREAS should add stability in all conditions, but if you don't like the look of the limited, and don't want/ need the features, I don't think that I would go this route.

I definitely would not try to improve ride quality by going to a heavier load tire. They may have a firmer sidewall, but will ride rougher than SL tires, and also reduce fuel economy due to the extra weight. However, if you off-road in areas with jagged rocks, LT tires might be preferred for puncture resistance.

Almost any decent aftermarket suspension is going to help with the mushy ride. Some are better than others. Good luck with your decision!

 

Welcome!

 

When the crappy XReas failed on my wife’s limited, I put on the Eibach lift. Front is a little stiffer, but it is so much more controlled than the XREAS was. TRD pro I drove felt like an old wooden ship going around corners. So much sway.

 

The #1 thing to improve on road handling is lowering your center of gravity. I didn't want to do that so I got a ORP with KDSS.

 

Don't buy a 4Runner.
Seriously 4Runner can get firmer suspension/ride but it will never be very good at on road handling. Part of why I like 4runner is the cushy suspension. Its not the fastest SUVs, and its better to go slow and enjoy a comfortable ride. On highway its an absolute dream (for me!) as there is rarely any need for cornering. If you live in twisty roads around you, you *may* get annoyed because you will feel the body roll much more.

If you are good with that, buy whatever trim you like. there are so many existing threads where this same issue has been discussed. Generally :
1. KDSS is considered best stock suspension. It will restrict you with how much lift you can get however, if you want to upgrade suspension.
2. Limited -- if you can live with the chrome has most creature comforts.
3. SR5P and ORP will give you most bang for buck. ORP will give more off road goodies.

 

I did the SR5 route and have no regrets. I was able to customize it the way i wanted to do it - Eibach Pro Series 2, Sherpa roof rack etc. Now it feels like it is the way I want it. However, I bought when there was very limited supply so I didnt have a lot of options. However, I still have no regrets on the path i chose.

 

Out of the box the Limited will ride better on the road but can be better with smaller wheels.

In reality the Lexus product will be better on the road.

 

Let the tires down a little, that helps the ride off road.

If your doing a little off roading don’t waste money upgrading suspension. Especially if it doesn’t need replacing.

Forums are very good at spending your money. Just live with the discomfort off road, because it’ll be better on road where you spend most time.

If you repeatedly find yourself being held back by stock components, then look into upgrading

 

I’d suggest the same as above. Except I’d say the stock SR5/Off-Road trims are not gonna be uncomfortable at all with “light” off-roading. As long as you maintain a reasonable pace, the stock suspension is as soft, and comfy as anything else off road.

Rgarding on road performance, the sr5/OR trims are closer to the road dynamics and comfort of a 90s Lincoln Town Car. No joke. It will be very comfortable, but also a bit floppy with strong maneuvering. The XREAS system on the limiteds or Sport will be a bit tighter on the road I would imagine, especially if they have the anti-sway capabilities of the KDSS option.

 

We have both an ORP with KDSS and an SR5 without. The difference is significant. The ORP’s handling is downright spritely compared to the SR5.

 

Seeing feedback like this is what has convinced me I want to go with ORP with KDSS. It’s just a pain finding one in my immediate area (can find virtually every other trim at my local Toyota). There was one about 20 miles from me that was sold before I could see it this past Saturday.

 

Gulf States Toyota controls what enters Texas and the rest of the Gulf Coast. They won't even let us have KDSS.

 

Agreed, except the OP is looking to improve on road handling.

 

If you want a nice highway cruiser the 4 runner is not it, had one been there done that. Had to constantly work to keep it in its lane especially on a windy day I looked drunk. Would have kept it but I also had the unsolvable shimmy issue.

 

Could go with bigger rims and have more options for performance tires? But again a lower center of gravity will provide the beigest difference.

In the end if you want handling a 4Runner is not the option to go with no matter what you do to it.

I had a super handling Mazda 3 GT with Super sport tires and went with ORP with KDSS and the right expectations. I am very happy with its handling for a SUV/Truck.

 

If on road handling is the priority, do not lift, not not get AT tires. Passenger tires will get better mpg, ride smoother and handle on road conditions great. Any lift will degrade handling by raising center of gravity. A base SR5 in 2wd will dust any lifted, armored, knobby tired Overlanding TRD Pro in a slalom run.

 

@James19 Welcome!

 

The 4runner isnt made for good handling. Its an off roader designed to be also driven on regular roads.
Now, if you replaced, shocks, springs, bushings, tires ( to a good street tire in Limited sized wheels) and put stiffer sway bars ( if anyone ever made any I have no idea). Then you could tune it to drive much better..
There are tricks to make sway bars stiffer, besides stiffer bushings, but I digress.

 

Bilstein 5100s eliminated much of the nose dive with my ORP. That plus the michelin AT tires made a decent improvement. But it is still a hybrid use off road vehicle. Can’t have it all.

 

We all have our little nits to pick with the 4Runner. We whine about heated steering wheels and automatic headlights and nanny electronics, or that our off-road vehicle comes with street tires from the manufacturer. The list is endless - and such complaints are perfectly normal. But lately there have been threads like this one that seem to ask the question “Why can’t a 4Runner be like a whole other type of vehicle?” There was a recent post by a guy who was worried about rollovers. These types of complaints are not so normal.

Am I crazy to think that the reason people buy the 4Runner is for its capabilities in dirt and snow? A 4Runner is not a sports car. It doesn’t pretend to be a sports car. Stop wishing it was a sports car and just get one of those. High profile vehicles have more of a tendency to roll over and always have. If that causes you to worry, get a nice crossover.
/rant

ETA: As I re-read that, it sounds a little harsh. Please reword it in your head so that it sounds less so.

 

+1

 

Some of us are considering the merits of having KDSS. While I don’t expect an SUV to handle like a sports car, I DO want to prevent my wife from rolling it. She’s flipped my previous FJ Cruiser and she’s also totaled a 4Runner. If KDSS helps even slightly with my wife’s driving, then I’m all ears and eyes to absorb the feedback.

 

I know its a controversial topic, so please not another debate on it as there are plenty of threads out there. But a mild wheel spacer definitely made mine feel more “stable” in turns. Or wider offset wheels if finances allow.

 

Interesting question, I was willing to give up some on road performance to improve the off road capabilities.

Based on my experience, all the stock trim levels are pretty soft and comfortable for street use, out the door.

As much as Toyota Marketing plays up to the “rugged off roader” mystique, it’s really 95% mall crawler out there.

I can see adding a SC, low profile tires, stiffer/lowered suspension. Shedding some weight and what ever else. Then you’ll have spent as much as the goofs ( ) that build the truck for off road!

The good part is that if you can imagine it, have the will and resources, you could build it.

Enjoy your 4Runner, they make a great hobby!

Cheers
Mike

 

I tried rewording it my head, but it also came off a little harsh. Hmm, you might have a point.

The 4runner has been unchanged for so long, that I think we’re starting to see a new generation of buyers that honestly don’t know what to make of such a body on frame relic.

Personally, I don’t think the stock form is atrocious on the road, for what it is. But I know what it is. In fact, I was totally surprised at how comfortable it is on the road. And it’s still comfortable after all of my deathtrap modifications like my lift, bumper/winch, and taller tires.

 

This is my view as well. I’ve owned a couple 4Runners, a couple FJ Cruisers as well as some other SUVs in the mix. I pretty much know what to expect out of a new 5th Gen 4Runner. I’m just dwelling on the KDSS research because it could help my wife to stop being Crash Bandicoot.

By the way, wifey isn’t listed as an insured driver on my ‘78 FJ40 on purpose.

 

There are off road vehicles that can do the same and more that 4runner does, and yet are very capable street cars. Price point be damned, but there are off road vehicle like the MB G wagon, which used you can find once in awhile below 50. Very capable off roader and awesome power and handling.
Reliable too. But I digress. A 4runner can be had for much cheaper and still retain super reliability.. Pros and Cons to both.
Somebody can make this handle nice and be just as capable off road. The problem is, market wont support it.