What does Toyota KDSS mean?
3 Answers
Toyota KDSS stands for Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which is an electronically controlled dynamic suspension system. Its main functions are to enhance off-road driving capability and stability, as well as improve comfort and handling during highway driving. Toyota is the abbreviated name of Toyota Motor Corporation, and its passenger car brands mainly include the core brand Toyota and the luxury brand Lexus. Taking the Toyota 86 as an example: The Toyota 86 is a small sports car with body dimensions of 4240mm in length, 1775mm in width, and 1320mm in height, a wheelbase of 2570mm, and a curb weight of 1308kg.
Last time I drove my friend's Land Cruiser on mountain roads, I truly experienced the power of KDSS. The full name of this system is Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, a chassis black technology Toyota specifically developed for hardcore off-road vehicles. It uses two sets of hydraulic cylinders connected to the front and rear stabilizer bars. When cornering, the inner wheels are compressed, automatically locking the stabilizer bars to reduce body roll. The steering wheel becomes heavier, but the car remains as stable as a railcar. The most amazing part is that when driving on rough terrain, the hydraulic cylinders release the lock, allowing the wheels to slam into deep pits and bounce back while maintaining tire contact with the ground. Now both the Land Cruiser and GX come equipped with this system - you don't even need to deliberately ease off the throttle when crossing axles.
After commuting with my Land Cruiser Prado for three years, I've found the KDSS to be an urban marvel. It's far more intelligent than conventional anti-roll bars - no more metallic clunking sounds from the rear over speed bumps, and no worries about body roll when taking highway ramps at 60 mph. The system works by using hydraulic pressure to dynamically adjust the stiffness of front/rear stabilizer bars: firming up when support is needed, yet softening on rough roads. Once while picking up a client during road construction, the teacup in the back seat didn't spill despite the potholes, earning praise for the vehicle's stability. Though mechanically complex, it's virtually maintenance-free - just regular fluid checks suffice.
