2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Suspension Walkaround: Why I Bought The KDSS Stabilizer Bar System

The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most popular and capable body-on-frame SUVs on the market. It comes in four trim levels: SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. We’re going to be looking at the TRD Off-Road, the model I chose for reasons that will be explained as we take a close look at the suspension of my personal 4Runner -- which is a 2018 model with an identical suspension -- in this video.
The 4Runner is not quite a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, mainly because it has a more traditional enclosed body and independent front suspension instead of a solid axle. One thing they both share is a stabilizer bar disconnect system that improves off-road articulation.
The two systems are quite different. The Wrangler Rubicon comes with a push button-activated system that only works at low speeds. When active, it basically decouples the front stabilizer bar near its midpoint. The Toyota 4Runner uses the KDSS system, which stands for Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. This is a passive system that needs no driver intervention. KDSS disables both the front and rear stabilizer bars at the same time, too, and the reasons why will be explained in this video.
KDSS is an option on the 4Runner, and only if you buy a TRD Off-Road. It is not available on the TRD Pro, which seems odd because it absolutely improves off-road suspension articulation. KDSS is not only available on the 4Runner. It’s standard on the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus GX 460, and it was optional on the discontinued Lexus GX 470. The Toyota Land Cruiser’s system is designed differently, so this video won’t apply except in terms of the basic concept of operation. But it absolutely applies to the Lexus GX, because those SUVs are basically V8-powered Lexus versions of the 4Runner.
I have not put the 4Runner on my ramp yet, because I am bringing a 4Runner TRD Pro in soon for a back-to-back comparison. You’ll want to check back later for that video.
Why am I doing this? I geek out over suspension stuff. I'm a former suspension development engineer that worked for years on truck and SUV suspension development projects for two automakers at their remote desert proving grounds. Later on, I somehow stumbled into auto journalism, and for several years I created a popular photo feature called a Suspension Walkaround for Inside Line, a now-defunct offshoot of Edmunds.com (no relation). Today I have resumed writing these features under the name Suspension Deep Dive for Autoblog. Between the two outlets, over 100 of them have been published. Along the way I managed to grow a good-sized fan base, and one question I often heard was, “When are you going to make video versions?”
I never seemed to have the time, the equipment, or the confidence to get in front of the camera, but I got over that by hosting at least 80 professionally-produced videos over three years on the Edmunds You Tube channel. If you like it, please tell your friends, click subscribe, share links, give it a like and check out the other videos on my channel, which is simply called Dan Edmunds. You can also type in the channel’s alias: SuspensionTuna. And I take requests. I can't promise that I can get my hands on any car or truck, but the odds are good. And the more views I get, the more horsepower I'll have when requesting cars to examine.

[@victorfalcone2246]

I have a '18 TRD Off-Road with KDSS that failed at less than 47k kms. Lightly wheeled, 95% daily driven. For most people with KDSS, its great and never an issue. But for the odd person that has it fail on them they'll see a more than $5300 repair bill (checked with multiple toyota dealerships that dont normally have to work on them) for a $4000 factory option. It was difficult to justify the spend on this repair and I opted to tear it all out for a non kdss sway bar setup. Wish i never had it equipped. To each their own though.

[@cardenbertrand2493]

Applause! There’s far too little info on KDSS and, therefore, far too little awareness/understand. Thank you, and well done.

[@materiaartium9402]

The Toyota KZbin channel released a more detailed description video on the KDSS :)

[@SummitBidTech]

Applause indeed. When I got my Trail edition there was next to nothing on KDSS. Thanks.

[@scottzeller2176]

If Dan taught any of my subjects in high school, I would have been a 'straight A' student. WELL DONE!!!

[@tirsorosario5940]

Best explanation of KDSS in KZbin!!! The Land Cruiser also has KDSS. Reason why it does so well on your ramp. Excellent Video!!!

[@DanEdmunds]

Yes, the Land Cruiser has KDSS, but its stabilizer bars look utterly different. A completely different approach to KDSS, but the same concept.

[@a36538]

@@DanEdmunds the GX460 has kdss, but the LX570 doesn’t? Would gx460 and a 4Runner off-road be comparable on the RTI leaderboard?

[@briangullickson9013]

Excellent explanation of KDSS, thank you!

[@lionelalladio5207]

@@briangullickson9013 Great explanation ,I was debating in buying the off-road and Pro and you convinced me for the off-road To many people get fooled buy the esthetics of what marketing offers us and we forget the concept of Build for Purpose. The off-road version gives us the possibility of upgrading the springs and shocks while having KDSS, what a bonus. Looking forward for your next video, and I in the process of replacing my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2009 for a Forerunner. Take care

[@tonypzap]

Wow, what an incredible and detailed explanation of KDSS. Thank you!

[@G5Hohn]

I didn’t know about KDSS when I bought my GX460, I just was amazed by how it seemed to have amazing stability on highway while being flexible at slow speed. The more I learned about my GX460, the more I came to love it.

[@hajjcomb]

Dan, this video is phenomenal. Seriously one of the most informative videos I’ve seen on KZbin for any subject. Thanks for making this.

[@milesb4231]

Wow. This is amazing. Excited for the next video! You explained more in a few minutes than I could have imagined. Really great job.

[@hubocaugenga]

Probably one of the best informative videos about suspension anywhere on KZbin. Great video, Sir!!

[@bruceclyne5254]

Nice job and using the bicycle as a teaching aid was brilliant. Keep up the great work!

[@suguride]

This video is so underrated!!!! Thanks Dan!!👍🏾💯

[@obabolu4506]

This Toyota and its suspension is so well thought out . Nice car dude.

[@jasoncampeau2948]

Well explained, thank you. I understand KDSS after that and now I’m really happy my 4Runner has that option

[@dougnyc8324]

Really appreciate the work you put into this explanation, thank you!

[@mchrovr6488]

A simple yet brilliant explanation of KDSS. Very smart.

[@TimmonBreenBabyGirl]

That was great. I have a 2014 with the same suspension and it was nice to have someone knowledgeable explain what's going on down there.

[@JG-dx1ud]

I just added a 2021 TRD off road 4Runner to my garage on the 15th and love it! I knew it was something special, but your explanation of how its suspension is designed leaves no margin for guessing! Well done! New subscriber here 👍🏻

[@romanpastuchsr2319]

Thank you, Dan. Well done. Was frantically searching for info on the TRD 4Runner before purchase. Dealers were of no help.

[@fernandoarguelles7528]

Excellent explanation, best I’ve seen so far about KDSS. Love the system. Thank you!

[@RICKR1ZZLE]

Really thorough and informative. This is the best explanation on youtube, It should be the first suggestion when you search 4runnner kdss

[@wakester912]

This was probably my favorite Toyota 4runner video I’ve seen all day. Superb quality!!!

[@philmgerm]

Holy smokes, such a great breakdown of KDSS! I've read about how great it is, but never understood why. Dan obviously knows his stuff since he was able to explain on a level most people can understand.

[@bldavis11]

Excellent video, Sir. Thank you for putting in the time to make it! Excellent job!

[@raulzambrano8569]

What an in-depth video! Think I’ll go with the KDSS thanks to you!

[@earlscott3210]

Great explanation of the KDSS system! It is difficult for someone to articulate how this system works in a clear manner. Thanks Dan!

[@michaelg4949]

GREAT job on your explanation of KDSS. I love mine!

[@ClovisGeneral]

Great information! Thanks for your effort in illustrating and explaining KDSS. Greatly appreciated!

[@luvslogistics1725]

One of the best videos explaining what I’m looking at

[@johng.4959]

Love your channel! Finally a scientific engineer sharing knowledge! Great stuff!

[@PatrickRich]

Best explanation of KDSS out there and way overdue. So many people get this wrong. Thank you!

[@tdc3rd]

Really appreciate the time you put into this. Clear, well-paced, complete explanation supported by very well-lit video.

[@tdc3rd]

Dan - given the Land Cruiser is likely done for the U.S., could you do a video about your Land Cruiser vs. 4Runner thoughts? Reliability, expected lifespan, assuming both have KDSS, pros/cons. I know you've owned both - would really appreciate your input vs. so much of the hype out there - thx.

[@JPJamster]

Dan!!! What an awesome detailed and understandable review of the KDSS system on your 4Runner TRD OFF-ROAD. I'm in the market for a TRD OFF-ROAD I went and tested one, took it thru a paved road with many imperfection and found the ride superb due to very little roll. Then I tested an SR5 and discovered that the ride on paved road is very "Rolly" and uncomfortable. You have helped me make an important decision to go with the TRD OFF-ROAD and for that - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@craighall8762]

My 2021 4runner venture has both the KDSS and locking rear. I was suprised to find the KDSS, it was not listed on the window sticker. Thank you for the nice video to explain the way it works.

[@davidishere255]

Thanks for taking the time to explain it so well.

[@Buckaroo.Adventures]

Thanks for the explanation and the feeling that I made a great choice when I bought by 2021 TRD Offroad last weekend!

[@vicsingh608]

Great video, you explained it better than any video I saw before.

[@andyham6094]

Very nice choice!! Wouldn’t trade my 4runner for anything. I love everything about it

[@TheReligiousLeft]

omg thank you for this video!!! I'm an avid off-roader and was very confused about whether to get KDSS. The system is amazing! decision made...

[@matthewdagen3454]

Wow! Great video and knowledge! Been looking at the 4Runner and now I won’t get one without KDSS!!

[@Teflon916]

So much confusion on KDSS. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@oldmanevasion]

Brilliant explanation of many components. Thank you so much, I learned quite a bit in this nicely edited informative video.

[@JDsModernMartialArts]

Great job! Listening to a man who obviously knows his subject forwards and backwards is very rewarding. Thank you sir 😊

[@HaCk3Erx]

Awesome explanation! I fully understand what my KDSS does now. Thank you

[@BrianHansford]

By far the best overview of KDSS I've found. nicely done.

[@DanEdmunds]

Thanks!

[@druglord57]

Thanks for sharing you’re great suspension knowledge. I had to watch it twice to understand it with pauses and rewinds. It amazes me that Toyota doesn’t talk about this more. It’s a great differentiating feature. I’m in Canada and I had to go check to see if I had it. It doesn’t seem to be an option here. So we get it automatically. I have a feeling that there are very few dealer sales people that understand it.

[@BenjaminCorrigan]

I really enjoy learning about the types of suspension in your videos. It would be great if you could speak to what happens when you put larger tires on and what your recommendations would be when doing this. Maybe you could incorporate this information on all vehicles you review that have a lot of aftermarket parts and are often modified.

[@evandashiell648]

Such a knowledgeable video!! This is exactly why I purchased the TRD Off-Road KDSS! I am planning on installing an icon stage 8 suspension kit and a BlackGate KDSS drop kit!! Subscribed!

[@mazepa-slavaukrayini932]

Kudos!! Your video is nothing short of brilliant because it truly is incredibly informative! Thank you sir!!

[@personalfunfest]

Our Lexus GX460 has KDSS and it cannot be understated... it makes it off road like a landcruiser, then when you get on road it handles like you'd never imagine for a truck of it's size... it's an absolute must have!!! love it!

[@briangullickson9013]

Wow! That was incredible!! This is exactly what I needed to see and hear - thank you!! Subscribed

[@TheJustcae]

Dan this video was awesome. Thanks so much for breaking this system down.

[@gregscarcella519]

Excellent video with clean clear examples. U SOLVED THE KDSS mystery for me. thanks

[@akiraman21]

A well need video that explains the KDSS system with great detail. your video is A1

[@calvinkang1224]

Just ordered exact same truck as his 3 days ago after watching this video over and over again.

[@ReimerKeith]

Well done. By far the best description of KDSS I have seen. My analogy would be to tape two bottles together at the openings, and show how you can squeeze air from one to the other, but if you squeeze both at the same time nothing happens. Same thing here - if the drivers front goes up and the drivers rear goes down, one pushes to the other.

[@G5Hohn]

That detail on the longer grip length of their “performance nuts” is something I learned from your video. Genius, really. it basically allows the benefit of a spacer to lengthen grip length without an additional part.

[@brenwesterland1039]

Great video! Can’t wait to see the direction you go with the suspension and tires and the why. Would love a hint!

[@Brad-RB]

Last Friday I test drove a TRD Off-Road with the KDSS and was amazed how well it handled on the road. It's on my short list for sure.

[@tomhackney7048]

I love my new red one

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

kdss is amazing 👏

[@skiwildcat7]

Wow this was a really good and thorough explanation, thanks!

[@thejohnnerparty]

A very good overview on the 4Runner TRD Off Road suspension.

[@peteliotas9456]

Awesome explanation thank you ....the 4runner is a legend I'm very happy with mine

[@CarlosAlvarado-wq9of]

excellent clip! thanks soo much. beautifully delivered!

[@MTBnStuff]

Very thorough. I think it excludes the 1:1 ratio between front and rear with KDSS active, but precise beyond that. Nice job!

[@jerryc7016]

Great video. Very informative and easy to understand.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you for making this video. Excellent work!

[@sethkohart6384]

We need more of this!

[@broncofun5636]

Best KDSS video - subscribed. Please do a video on upgrading the shocks.

[@PAKraig]

Excellent video Dan! Thanks for taking the time to put such a personal touch on it. 👍🏼 Sure would like to see some form of KDSS end up on the Tacoma 🤔

[@JasonPMcElroy]

Fantastic explanation. Thanks for taking the time.

[@6denashi608]

Great information! I am planning to buy a TRD Off-Road Premium and I had been wondering about KDSS. I'm going to make sure I add that. Thanks!

[@frb821]

Excellent video explaining the KDSS system

[@codyroberts8593]

Another great video! Keep them coming.

[@alberthuynh]

Great detailed explanation that was easy to understand! Thank you!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

KDSS is an amazing system on and offroad ❤️

[@UintaDave]

I own a ‘16 Trail with KDSS. I chose this one over multiple non-KDSS 4Runners that I test drove back to back because the KDSS was the best driving experience.

[@robertbridge3352]

Thank you for the great explanation. I had a friend who owns a Jeep ask me if I disconnected my stabilizer bar on a recent trip to Moab, Ut. He was perplexed by my answer of “yes and no”. Sharing this video helped clarify the ambiguity of my answer.

[@DanEdmunds]

Glad it helped!

[@rickcorlett]

Brilliant walk through. Thank you for this.

[@averagejohnsportscards]

Fantastic explanation of the KDSS system. I purchased a 2021 TRD Off Road Premium in November and the 4Runners with the KDSS system are hard to find on the East Coast. I’m from New York and had to travel into Pennsylvania to find one. Look forward to your future videos thanks very much.

[@KA-pq3yz]

Thanks for your excellent explanation. I learned a lot from your videos 👍👍

[@tnmed18]

Great explanation. Love your analogy

[@RobS123]

We drove our nephew's 2019 SR5 Premium a year or so ago, and was disappointed our 1999 4Runner handled so much better. I was surprised to the point I thought about looking at other vehicles entirely. Then I heard about the KDSS system and looked at a TRD Off Road Premium, which we ended up buying. It's still a bit soft and bouncy with noticeable nose dive when braking, but so much more stable and flat in corners. Very happy with it!

[@DFWHETRO]

Man, oh Man. Thank you for that explanation.

[@pekanpi434]

KDSS is a huge difference for me. Went in for a pro and left with the off-road. Great video!!

[@bertoj6189]

Thank you so much, I learned a lot more than expected today!

[@gabm3187]

Fantastic! Love your channel

[@northerntoyota7584]

I had the same 4runner in 2016 same colour. In Canada you have to get kdss and “leather” enjoy one of the best built vehicles made today for a reasonable price

[@DanEdmunds]

We can get the TRD Off-Road in standard and Premium. KDSS is an option on both levels. The latter has the leather and the sunroof, etc. I am not a sunroof fan, and I can do without leather, so I went with the cheaper one. I agree that these things are bulletproof. Back when I worked for Toyota in the 90s I led a winter evaluation trip when the 3rd gen was a prototype. Went from Hibbing, Minnesota up and around Lake Superior through places like Hearst and Kapuskasing and ended up in Toronto. -40-50C most of the way.

[@fightlife2]

Great explanation. I’m sold!

[@woolengrappler]

Great explanation! Let’s see it on the ramp!

[@d51d_46]

Very informative. If you ever modify the suspension, new shocks, lift, ect. I would love to see a video from you explaining all about it.

[@jasonmunday9056]

Great informative video! Always wondered how kdss works. Thx!

[@johncool8653]

This video explained KDSS so well its brilliant. It make the case why TRD Off-Road with the option of KDSS to some is a better choice than the TRD Pro.

[@ausbennett4311]

awesome video Dan! I learned so much

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video with great information .

[@BrianSweeney1985]

I probably would have sprung for the KDSS if I had seen this first. Nobody was able to explain it to me. This makes it so clear!

[@DanEdmunds]

The name Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is totally useless in describing what it is and what it does. Lots of sales pros at dealers don't know how to explain it.

[@davidrooks1846]

Wow great job explaining everything!!!

[@lencook450]

Great video and excellent description. So many people think that the KDSS system is terrible off-road and it limits the articulation. I have a 2016 with KDSS and love the system.

[@acs3522]

Enjoyed learning how KDSS works and most cost effective trim option to buy it along with differential lock. Would like to see the KDSS in operation and how it improves handling.

[@fchrisb804]

solid explanation of the KDSS.

[@joey1957]

Good stuff. I recently just passed 185k miles on my kdss 4Runner... I think It’s almost broken in.

[@GlockNinja]

did you do any off roading?

[@jeffhall768]

I'm at 175k on my GX460. KDSS just got removed though 😂😂😂

[@gregmgm06]

Excellent!! Very clear explanation.