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2019 TRD Pro vs Off Road (from perspective of on-road performance)

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by toyo_97, Dec 15, 2018.

  1. Dec 15, 2018 at 12:25 PM
    #1
    toyo_97

    toyo_97 [OP] New Member

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    Hi all, first post on the forum. I am trying to understand if the changes to the 2019 TRD Pro (i.e. Fox suspension) would make the Pro a better on-road performer than the TRD Off Road with KDSS. It seems that many people think KDSS is the best OEM option to maximize on-road performance, but most of those threads pre-date the Fox change effective in the 2019 model year.

    Background on my situation and use case:

    --Mostly LA-area city driving with regular weekend trips to a remote cabin that requires 60 minutes on unmaintained mountain dirt roads at elevation (w/major ruts, rocks, and snow)
    --I realize the TRD Pro functionality and looks can be largely replicated with aftermarket changes to a TRD OR, but I like the unique TRD Pro blue color and I am not someone who does much in terms of car modifications

    Basically I like the look of the Pro, and I am open to paying for it, but I'm wondering if I will be facing a tradeoff in terms of how the vehicle performs during on-road driving.

    Many thanks.
     
    Strandskov likes this.
  2. Dec 15, 2018 at 3:05 PM
    #2
    Narbeh

    Narbeh New Member

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    The pro is a waste of money in my opinion. I just bought a 19 trd Off road premium with kdss. Save yourself 10-15k and get the off road version and build to your liking. Unless you want voodoo blue.
     
  3. Dec 15, 2018 at 4:55 PM
    #3
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Love my pro and the look of it. Got a compliment today from a stranger who liked it. The on road manners are just fine and you have everything you need to do serious off roading. Plus its sexy as hell. Win. Win . Win.
     
  4. Dec 15, 2018 at 7:51 PM
    #4
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    I have not ridden in one but I would say it has to ride nice with the upgraded Fox shocks. This is a positive upgrade to the PRO option IMO. Here is a motor trend review of the TRD PRO lineup and they talk a lot about the shocks.

    https://www.motortrend.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2019/2019-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro-first-drive-review/
     
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  5. Dec 17, 2018 at 7:49 AM
    #5
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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    I love the blue on the Pro as well. But it's not worth $10,000-$15,000 to me. Plus, I really wanted KDSS for on-road performance so I went with an Off Road Premium. For what you are describing an Off Road will work just fine. But if you must have blue........
     
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  6. Dec 17, 2018 at 8:22 AM
    #6
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    I went with the Off Road for the KDSS. After owning a 2010 4Runner TE with KDSS, this one had to have it as well. I feel like the KDSS offers the stability and on road manners I prefer over the other models.

    I know that up until 2019 the OR with KDSS was a definite step up in capability over the Pro but I can’t speak on the 2019 Pro’s and the Fox suspension though.

    For those who worry about the long term realizability of the KDSS. My previous 4R went 90k miles with zero issues on the KDSS system and that was with a lift added to it early on. The fact that it’s it’s own system and not dependent upon any other system or electronics, it can be removed if there is a catastrophic failure of the system or costly repair needed. Obviously that would affect ride and handling but at that point I think most people will be going another route (suspension upgrade, non KDSS sway bar which would include new spindles)
     
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  7. Dec 18, 2018 at 6:19 PM
    #7
    Crusifix

    Crusifix New Member

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    3.5 lift all around. King in the front OME in the rear.. Other stuff..ya know, 4runner stuff...
    Avoiding KDSS is why I went with the Pro over the TE back in 2015. That and the Inferno color.
     
  8. Dec 18, 2018 at 7:15 PM
    #8
    Daohaus

    Daohaus New Member

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    There are something features that are only available on the pro like auto headlights the fox suspension and bits here and there.

    I have an Offroad Premium with KDSS and I love it. I spent $1050 on Bilstein 6112/5160 and love it. The up charge on these Pros in socal is ridiculous, beyond ridiculous
     
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  9. Dec 18, 2018 at 7:17 PM
    #9
    Crusifix

    Crusifix New Member

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    I can't believe how the prices have taken off. I paid $43,250 OTD for my 2015, and it was one of the first Infernos stateside.
     
  10. Dec 18, 2018 at 7:20 PM
    #10
    Daohaus

    Daohaus New Member

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    There was a post on it recently and the dealer market adjustment was $20k!!!!
     
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  11. Dec 19, 2018 at 6:22 AM
    #11
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    I have a TE without KDSS. But it seems there were some areas of the country where it was hard to find a TE without it.
     
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  12. Dec 19, 2018 at 6:33 AM
    #12
    jgcaps

    jgcaps Lovin the Colorado Life.!

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    I have an '18 ORP with KDSS and love the way it handles on and off road... but I do also have an Icon stage 2 lift which probably helps a little :)
     
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  13. Dec 19, 2018 at 7:30 AM
    #13
    grayflare

    grayflare New Member

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    Cant believe no one has said this yet, go take a test drive in a Pro and another one with KDSS and make your own determination on which you like better and if the difference in ride is worth the difference in price. Simple.
     
  14. Dec 19, 2018 at 7:39 AM
    #14
    Crusifix

    Crusifix New Member

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    3.5 lift all around. King in the front OME in the rear.. Other stuff..ya know, 4runner stuff...

    Right. At the time of my purchase, every TE I came across had KDSS. I guess dealerships liked to click boxes. And also at the time, because everyone that I came across had it, I assumed that it had become standard on the 2015 model TE's.
     
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  15. Dec 21, 2018 at 5:10 PM
    #15
    toyo_97

    toyo_97 [OP] New Member

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    Hi all, thanks for the replies. I have done test drives but not found them to be especially informative. At least here in the LA area, you are basically driving around the block at low city speeds. It's hard to get a deeper and more nuanced understanding of suspension differences across models.
     
    Strandskov likes this.
  16. Dec 21, 2018 at 7:43 PM
    #16
    USCTRDPRO

    USCTRDPRO New Member

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    Hello,

    I live in OC. I have mentioned before I bought mine for really one purpose, to transport me and my surfboard to beaches from SD to LA County line. I doubt I will use 98% of the function of the TRD Pro and I could care a less, its my money and I wanted Voodoo Blue. Now what's in my garage may help you in deciding if this could be a daily in LA for you, I have a couple of old Porsches which are about useless in the bumper to bumper grind we have, I have a Macan GTS with air suspension which is awesome over our crappy roads and a 2018 RS3 which even with magnetic shocks barely deals with it. My TRD Pro flies over bumps and even roads with hardly any fuss. The ride is surprising smooth and quiet. In fact I just spent 3 days with it in Beverly Hills and a couple of other spots before driving home today to Newport in bumper to bumper pre holiday rush and it was vault like quiet and smooth on the 405.

    I would not hesitate to get one. I got mine for exactly 2k over MSRP but it came with tinted windows, the Predator door steps and all the factory accessories, I added it all up and I think there was roughly 335 dollars of fluff in there. I agreed to finance it through Toyota, I bought a 125k mile 9 year warranty ( bumper to bumper) for 3400 dollars with is one time transferable and for 900 dollars got the tire/wheel. windshield and door ding warranty for 6 years no miles. They were happy, I was happy. I emailed about 60 dealers to find this deal and it was 50 miles from home. They are out there is you do the work as I was presented with something close after and my best friend went and bought it.

    Good luck
     
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  17. Dec 23, 2018 at 11:39 AM
    #17
    browndirtcowboy

    browndirtcowboy New Member

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    king 3" lift kit, fuel vectors, 285 toyo mt's, oem audio 500q, morimoto hid headlights, morimoto led fogs,
    The pro is like paying for gawdy badges and lack luster fox shocks. The only benefit is the colors only offered in the pro. Too much to spend for badges and a paint color. That extra 10k youll spend will get you a much more capable rig in the off road version...IMO.
    Ive spent 10k approx on the TRD ORP Wheels and tires, King 3" lift, Lopro bumper zeon platinum winch, Upgraded audio, Roof rack, storage panels, HID lighting heads and fogs. Still under the pro in price. IMO.
    I like to call her the TRD PRO Killer..
    20180714_164115.jpg 20180707_145734.jpg 20180609_154630.jpg 20180708_154808.jpg
    As far as on road performance. You get sun roof not a choice on the pro. KDSS not an option on the pro. Blinkers in the mirrors again none in the pro. On road the KDSS limits body roll substanionally over the non kdss models. Again My opinions only.
     
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2018
  18. Dec 23, 2018 at 12:04 PM
    #18
    USCTRDPRO

    USCTRDPRO New Member

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    I am only replying to you because this forum sends via email replies to anything posted on a thread I participated on.

    I find it amusing and somewhat cute you call TRD Pro badges " gaudy" ( correct spelling btw) while yours not only has TRD on it but is plastered in " look at me and my SUV" stickers. Add the Ford Raptor LED's and I think your soapbox is getting mighty slippery. In one key area your " TRD Pro Killer" will come up very short is in resale.

    I also noticed your TRD complex didn't prevent you from adding yet another TRD badge via the license plate frame. This, of course, is my opinion only ;)
     
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  19. Dec 23, 2018 at 1:09 PM
    #19
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Lol gaudy brorunner
     
  20. Dec 23, 2018 at 1:56 PM
    #20
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    I gotta admit,.. I'd rather buy a off road, and dump the extra in my wants just me... like home boy up there,.. nab a off road, tweak to my liking, add the fox swag, and still have money in the bank left over for hookers and cocaine. I just can't see the up charge on a pro,.. then again, if I had the money, burning, I'd buy a pro, to say I have a pro, lol, and put fox gear on it. I like my off road, and what I paid for it, just the way it is. .....sooooooo

    I'm no help lol

    Edit- and, I dont want a sunroof, and dont really care about kdss... I, myself, rather not have it. Again, just my personal want. No hate at all. Just me ,.. and the boner colors the pro comes in,.. dont do it for me either. Sooooo...
    2nd edit- ya. Pro resale is higher. But ya paid way more. Your also going to resale it, to a dude with money, that dont know the difference. No one that "knows" will pay the upper price just because pro is on it, but, yep,.. there will be those that will buy it for sure, for extra, that dont know. But, I bet my resale value, which your correct , won't be as high as a pro, will be around the same, vs what was paid in the beginning. Just saying.
     
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2018
  21. Dec 23, 2018 at 2:13 PM
    #21
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    Like, if you only wanted a pro, only cuz of the voodoo blue, you could a bought a SR5, for a ass load less, and vinyl wrapped it voodoo blue, or hell any color ya want, and, do that every 2 years for a long long time, before you blow the extra pro coin for the cash,...and had enough left over for another vehicle lol. But again,... hell, if I had the money, to burn, ya, i woulda got a pro, and dumped a butt load into it. For sure. No hate on the pro at all. I love em all. Hell, all platforms are dope, and have their place. Period. /thread
     
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  22. Dec 23, 2018 at 2:16 PM
    #22
    USCTRDPRO

    USCTRDPRO New Member

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    After reading this I absolutely believe you on the cocaine. I always enjoy streams of random thoughts. Thank you.
     
  23. Dec 23, 2018 at 3:25 PM
    #23
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    My southern shipment finally came in. Super rad ish, it boils off around 190 degrees ;)
    Lol... but, on the level, zero hate on any platform any wants or chooses here. I love ALL generations, all platforms,.. all runners :) that,.. that I know we all have in common. ;) regardless of whatever mate. Wish the very best for all, whatever anyone bought or got or likes. No doubt...
     
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  24. Dec 23, 2018 at 6:01 PM
    #24
    DisgruntledMedic

    DisgruntledMedic New Member

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    If you have any plans or even the inkling of a plan to upgrade the suspension, just got with the TRD Off Road. Unless you just HAVE to have Voodoo Blue.
     
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  25. May 12, 2019 at 9:39 AM
    #25
    sfoffroad

    sfoffroad New Member

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    I've studied psychology for 40 years. Very few things are as clear as this: when faced with a decision like this, asking other people what they think you should do almost always lessens the likelihood that you will make a decision with which you will be happy, after you've made it. What the research strongly suggests is that you spend as much time sitting in, walking around, driving (there have always been ways for me to get dealerships to let me take the car for a few hours) the Pro and the Off Road Premium. Then sit in your backyard by yourself with a beer and think "I can magically make one of these two trucks materialize in my driveway right now and that's the one I'll drive everywhere I go this month. Which one excites me the most?" No decision making process eliminates 100% of buyers' remorse in anything from car-buying to marriage, but something like what I briefly described is what the evidence supports. Spending a lot of time eliciting opinions can erroneously make you feel like others are in with you (however, all of us being human, we are doing nothing other than trying to get you to do what we did so we can feel better about our decision), but nobody but you will be living with the truck you buy and, after the online discussion ends, nobody else's approval or disapproval of your decision should really even be allowed into your thinking.
     
  26. May 12, 2019 at 7:04 PM
    #26
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

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    The only advice I would offer is to put down on paper all of your must-haves, needs and wants, in terms of features and performance goals, and then prioritize each feature with some kind of ranking score that makes sense to you. This will help to objectively compare what each model or trim level has to offer, and will hopefully result in you finding the best fit for your needs.

    I was dead set on buying a new truck before I went through the exercise outlined above. It helped me see that a truck wasn't the best vehicle for my needs. Ended up with the 4R and couldn't be happier.
     
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  27. May 12, 2019 at 7:21 PM
    #27
    Allaboutfamily

    Allaboutfamily Regular Hound Dog

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    Here is my take... there are people out there that must have the most expensive of whatever it is they’re buying just to say they bought the best. It’s more of a status thing than it is on bang for your buck.
    There are colors you can only buy in the Pro and IF that color is worth the premium price then buy all means, buy what YOU want. But make no mistake, there isn’t any logical reason, other than color, to buy a pro over a TRD ORP. I could buy an ORP TRD and make it better than a pro for cheaper and get some extra options that aren’t available on a pro that actually matter, like moonroof and mirror turn signals.
    You’re always gonna have people say that since they spent more, they got more. It’s just not true tho when you break it down. You can take a TRD ORP and spend less than you would on a pro and have a better ride. If the color is worth it to you, it’s your money.
     
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  28. May 12, 2019 at 7:25 PM
    #28
    Allaboutfamily

    Allaboutfamily Regular Hound Dog

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    And the resell argument is bogus. Sure you’ll get a little more on resell but you’ll pay way more to buy initially.
     
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  29. May 12, 2019 at 8:50 PM
    #29
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Get the pro, zero regrets
     
  30. May 12, 2019 at 11:32 PM
    #30
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    Here we go again...
     

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