Without KDSS on the road handling was not to my liking. With it the truck could handle. True, it was no Porsche, but it would at least get out its own way!

 

Most people seem to credit the larger sway bars as the most beneficial component of the KDSS system for on-road handling. I personally don't need the off-road features of KDSS but would love to have a stiffer on-road ride.

To that extent, can the sway bars of a non-KDSS truck be upgraded to a size similar to whats used with KDSS? I know this was quite a common modification on my BMWs but wondering if the same option maye help the GX.

 

This thread is fascinating!

GX470 compared to Porsche and BMW SUVs...

Body on frame vs. unibody...

Truck with a true off-road pedigree vs autobahn runners...

Why not compare the GX to Honda CR-V or Subary Forrester???

The GX and it's handling (with OR without KDSS) should be compared against other body-on-frame SUVs.

The only two other SUVs in this class with a real off-road capability are the LR4 and Toyota 4Runner Limited. Everything else is either off-road wanna-bes (Cadillac Escalade) or are coming up really short in luxury department (Jeep Wrangler).

LR4 definitely beats GX in both on- and off-road use (with or without the KDSS), and the 4Runner is essentially the same vehicle as the GX, but the KDSS became available only in the 5th generation of 4Runners.

As far as the importance of getting a GX with KDSS... It's a relatively rare find, and they do come with a premium compared to non-KDSS trucks. I think there other more important aspects to consider when buying a used SUV than the presence or absence of KDSS.

Either way the OP would get a solid truck that delivers in all aspects.