Help deciding SR5 premium vs TRD off-road premium

Hi. I'm seeking for y'all wisdom.

I'm trying to get my first 4runner and I went over the features i'd like to get which are pretty basic since i'm not planning to do any crazy offroading, only trying not to get stuck at the beach or easy off-road trails.

I narrowed my options to the TRD Off-road premium with KDSS.

apparently the KDSS is extremely helpful for city driving, so I based my decision on that since the SR5 premium doesn't come with KDSS.

 

Hell, I have seen a lot of 2wheel drive vehicles (mainly small cross overs or Subaru's) handle beaches and light off roading with ease.

If your SloRunner is going to be a pavement princess, consider the 2wheel drive model. Now, this will sound like sacrilege to many on this forum; don't buy something if you aren't going to use it on a regular basis.

 

I'd just go for a SR5P, that's more than enough for what you need.

 

Here's a comment I posted sometime back on Youtube for a similar topic.



KDSS is very nice option to control body roll with soft stock suspension on turns. Take you time and search on the forum on different peoples taste and other pros and cons. For example my wife prefer 4WD selector on SR5 and hates 4WD selector on TRD models. There will be many more people discuss here. Check them out. Then drive both and see which is to your taste.

 

It's mainly going to be for daily driving , but I don't want to be limited on off-road capabilities in the future, planning to keep the car for a long time and hopefully get into some mild off-roading in the future

 

My avatar is my 2019 SR5Premium. Does everything I want and need living at the eastern base of the Cascades and on the edge of the Channeled Scablands. Desert heat in the summer in the Mojave, snow at Flagstaff and blizzards along the Cascades and Sierras on trips to SoCal. It's late this ear but usually 4-5 months of snow here!

 

Try test driving models with and without KDSS. I have not experienced KDSS so I haven't been spoiled!

 

I like the look of the TRD off road, I like the features and I'm leaning towards that one, however; i'm getting a hard time finding one available in Texas with KDSS. Is the KDSS worth the wait and hustle?

 

I believe KDSS is regional and not common in Texas. Personally I prefer to not have it so I don't have to worry about the maintenance on it but I've also never driven one equipped with it either.

 

SR5 will do fine. Just buy a compressor for when you air down.

 

KDSS is very worth it in my opinion. If one doesn't live where the roads are salted in the winter, or doesn't plan on major lift modifications, the downsides to KDSS are minimal. Keeping the accumulator box behind the small skid plate clean is about it. Naysayers will try to talk you out of it, but if you want it, I'd recommend it all day long.

 

I am also new to the Toyota family. I think the SR5 is a very capable vehicle. I came to the conclusion that me personally wanted to have something and not need it than need something and not have it. I like less knobs and buttons to go bad. The older style 4 wheel drive linkage of the TRD models i wanted. When shopping around this last year I sat in a TRD Pro and the 40th Anniversary model. The 40th anniversary is based off the SR5 platform. The TRD Pro I test drove was Solar Octane. At first glance I thought this was the winner. After some long internal debate I thought do I really want to be staring at that bright orange every day for the next 5 years. The answer was no. I like to look at the solar octane from a distance but would hate to own an orange car. The 40th anniversary I thought was beautiful to look at as well. I loved the black and metal flake and the pin stripes reminding me of the A-Team Van. So how could I get a similar styling with the same off road goodies as the TRD Pro... The TRD Off Road premium hit all those wants. I ordered my Black TRD ORP with the Bronze rims from the 40th anniversary. I have a long list of items I plan to do with this vehicle. I have read varying opinions SR5 / ORP or Pro and many come to the conclusion having the rear lockers crawl controls A Track etc was a win win. Some pro owners end up spending more in the long run because they might eventually want a taller suspension and change out their fox shocks. Another win for the ORP you get all the goodies of the Pro aside from the suspension. I don't mind at all picking my own off road suspension and customizing my own rig. 8 weeks into ownership and no regrets so far. I only wished it had better towing capabilities for a mid size SUV. I would love to have seen a tow rating closer to 8k pounds like an old school VW Toureg. I have 3 kids and dogs.

 

Don’t have KDSS, don’t feel it’s necessary to be honest.

This isn’t a luxury vehicle, it’s not a sports car.

If you’re looking to deal with tight trails, the ORP’s MTM camera system is really useful. We’re talking about where inches matter in terms of squeezing through, or where you don’t want to need a spotter for situations where you are doing at least a 3 point turn.

 

When KDSS really shines is when it comes to the mountain twisties at speed.

 

Here is a current list that will show you where there are 4Runners for sale with KDSS. (Spoiler, none in TX.)

 

I had 2010 SR5 for 11 years and when time came to buy a new truck I've chosen TRD Off-Road mostly because I didn't want to have 3rd row seat. It takes some space in the trunk and I don't really need to carry that many people. Read locker in TRD Off- Road is a nice bonus, there were few moments when I wish I had it in SR5. Another thing was that I got used to 4x4 lever and Toyota keeps it in TRD Off-road, but SR5 has a knob now. That's a little thing off course but it makes SR5 a bit less attractive to me : ) I still have mixed feelings about KDSS - there is difference in ride of course, but I got used to my SR5 and I can't say that KDSS is a must for me. It allows to take turns on higher speed and makes ride a bit firmer but makes clearance a bit lower. I didn't notice much difference off-road, but I think there should be one. After all you notice off-camber when it's too big : ) If you want to install lift - it's easier without KDSS. Also I read few reports that in 5-8 years KDSS might need so expensive service due to rust, hopefully fluid film undercoating will prevent that problem. Overall I have no regrets having TRD Off-road, If I needed to buy new truck tomorrow I would buy it again, but I'd be perfectly fine with SR5 if it didn't have 3rd row seats.

 

I have done some crazy off-roading! The SR5 has performed like a champ. Given all the situations I've been in, I am not convinced a locker is necessary. A-Trac is f'n magic.

My SR5P doesn't have a 3rd row, or a moonroof.

 

KDSS has been in Toyota lineup since 2004 in the Lexus GS and 2008 in the Land Cruiser, I doubt it is much of a problem.

 

You'll notice there are as many opinions as members on the forum. You'll just have to pick what you want and go for it.

 

KDSS is nice if you can get it, but I couldn't and that wasn't a deal-breaker for me. I love my ORP for everyday use, road trips, and off-roading.

 

FWIW, I went to the Dealer to buy an SR5P but ended up with a TRD ORP.
Reason: They were offering $3k off TRD's, and it was a little cheaper than the SR5P believe it or not.

I still wonder if one day down the road I will regret not getting the Black SR5P with the beautiful peanut butter (tan) interior that I LOVE. I have always loved black exterior and tan interiors. I think I will until I make it to the grave. lol. However, I am LOVING my 23 TRD ORP. Its magnetic grey with the dark grey/black softex interior.

 

My thinking exactly. I have a ‘22 ORP no KDSS. When I told the salesman what I planned on doing with a 4Runner, he told me the SR5P would be just fine. He was right, but I wanted all the options of the ORP. I encourage you to get what you want, enjoy it for a couple of decades and have no regrets.

 

I have KDSS - test drove both and felt like it was worth it.

It does come with the premium price tag and warrants some extra care. You need to drop the KDSS skid and clean occasionally so it doesn't get packed up and corrode, which will cause a failure. Beach driving with the salty air means you should be rinsing the underside of any 4runner regularly to prevent corrosion

 

Forgot to mention but the multi-terrain/CRAWL switches on TRD models replace the sunglasses holder that SR5’s have.

 

have you had any issues with highway driving at all, any regrets on not having KDSS?

 

I'm getting an offer for a TRD ORP out-the-door price $51,500. No KDSS, no packages. I think it's overpriced. but can't find anyone selling MSRP in texas

what are your thoughts?

 

About what a couple DFW dealers were asking for a 4WD SR5 but of course YMMV. MSRP + TX Tax + etc would've gotten to 49k-ish but there was mandatory either accessories or whatever tint/security/etc.

 

All the 4runner prices are crazy now. I bought my '19 TRD ORP for about 42k back in 2019. Just received a letter from the dealership offering 45k for mine (doubt they took into consideration all of the mods I made). Crazy to see the dealership wanting to buy my vehicle back 4 years later for more than I paid for it... from them

 

Bring lube cuz they are sticking it to you.