Adaptive Variable Suspension and Auto 4x4 on the Limited

Hi all, two of the things that stood out to me about the Limited trim are the AVS and 4x4 Auto, and I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions how this will compare to the other options. I know the vehicles are not out yet to make any real-world comparisons, but I'm asking anyway since it's impossible to try vehicles in advance these days, and since these systems (AVS/4x4 Auto) have existed for a while (e.g., 4Runner Limited).

I don't love the chrome bits on the Limited but I care more how it works than how it looks. Even though I do take vehicles off-road to be honest I'm more interested in on-road manners. I drove 2-wheel drive vehicles on fire roads and snow all my life and it's amazing what any vehicle can do given a good set of tires and enough ground clearance. My use case is mostly pavement, with snow and occasional fire roads for work and camping. I don't do desert racing or rock crawling (I wish I had enough cash to punish my vehicles like that!). Just wondering if the juice is worth the squeeze on these two features?

 

This might help with the AVS. If you do not need or want the Auto4WD or AVS but do want 95% of the options that a limited has then you should look at a 4wd Sport with the Premium package. I think the only thing it is missing besides the chrome is the HUD and the power steps.

 

Thanks for that. I did find that video during my research. In theory it sounds ideal (but probably unnecessary) for my use case of frequently changing from on-road to soft-road conditions, but I'm more interested in any personal feedback on AVS or 4x4 Auto. I have heard some favorable feedback for 4x4 auto in snow. also correct me if I'm wrong but about 90% of that video is about auto leveling air-ride suspension which assume Taco doesn't have.

 

I drive a GX460 with the Exec Pkg up here in Canada, including the AVS. The AVS is barely noticeable, and from what I've read, the system hasn't changed a ton over the years. Some folks say they notice it more than others, but I don't think there is a huge difference between modes. Your choice of tires and sidewall thickness would make more of a difference than AVS. It also has full-time 4WD. I like that it has that for the roads up here and it plays a role in getting going and making corrections while moving on snow. If I was placing value on one versus the other, it would be on the full time 4WD over the AVS, but perhaps they have improved the system. We're talking about 15 years of engineering between the two, after all.

I should note that I am on the waitlist for a Limited (which is Hybrid only in Canada).

 

Thank you! I suspected 4x4 auto would be good for snow where traction changes constantly.

Regarding the AVS - like you say it does seem like a mixed bag with folks noticing it or not and unclear to me how it compares to the older systems.

This is what MT says about it: "The damping system is akin to those of the same name used on Lexus products and on the Toyota Avalon Sedan. It features dampers developed by Hitachi and Aisin that feature solenoid-controlled valves that vary the damping by moving a piston in and out to change the size of orifices the shock absorber oil flows through. Damping can be revised as fast as every 20 milliseconds in response to myriad sensors, including several monitoring g forces at each corner.

 

Your description sounds pretty similar to how it is described for the GX.

 

We have a 4Runner Limited which of course has the full-time 4WD. It is really nice for winter snow, and even wet conditions. You don't need to think about it. That makes it ideal for the wife lol. And I have to admit it's nice to not worry about shifting in and out of 4WD. For me it is worth the money.

Can't help you with the AVS except to say there are a few youtube videos that cover it. And the ones I've seen say it is not real noticeable..

 

I’m about 95% certain I’ll choose the ltd for my reservation at this point. I’m not loving the prices but when compared to a Sport or Off-road Premium the ltd seems like a better value to me. I would simply never use things like crawl control, sway bar disconnect, rock sliders etc. but the Auto 4x4 and some of the other standard items seem far more worthwhile and still likely to be a very capable off-roader with the right tires. Objectively I like the looks least of any trim as I’m not really a chrome person but at this point I don’t really mind.

 

If I was sticking with a truck instead of going SUV, your post echoes my exact sentiments. Considering the Limited is loaded with everything I would want/use it is a relative value.

Also prefer the black/greyed out look over chrome. The good news is we're not alone on the chrome feeling and there are cheap and easy solutions to black/grey that out. Too bad they don't offer a Nightshade package that does this from the factory. Our Limited 4Runer is a Nightshade and it looks really sharp.

 

Yep like you said it shouldn't be a big deal to customize the look other than the chrome wheels, esp after the aftermarket starts to heat up. It's pretty funny that Toyota themselves are offering overpriced plastic decals to make the emblems black. FFS just offer a nightshade kit like your 4runner...

 

I'd kill for full time 4wd, its a feature toyota has been dragging their feet on.

Tundra and Sequoia still dont have it in their generation.

The issue with the adaptive suspension is longevity and costs of repairs out of warranty.

Read up on Xreas costs for 4runner, or KDSS. Both are wildly expensive to repair and dont age well depending on the region.

This one is electric, but basically adds complexity and cost that can cause issues down the road so to speak.

I'd go for it. Just detailing prior issues.

 

I bet it won’t be long before a Nightshade version is available.

 

forget about Limited, from what you described your best option is the TRD PreRunner.

 

Love the way the PreRunner looks especially with the blacked out wheels and badging, but 4x4 is priority for snow. Grew up with 4x2 vehicles and snow and I can make it work but meh...not the best

 

I think you have to step up to the Limited Hybrid to get AWD, they were testing a 24 Limited on YouTube and it was regular 4x4.

 

According to Toyota.com, AWD and variable suspension is on the Hybrid. Probably with a “nominal” price increase.

 

Seeing the prices attatched to the option packages, im sure it will be substantial.

 

Looks like hybrid only, all my resources are for non-hybrid and it only shows standard part time 4x4.

Still no info on the active seats either.

 

My wife has a 2023 Toyota Crown that has AVS and it's fantastic but I don't see how it could be much use in a pickup. You only know it's there when taking curves at speed.

 

I'm afraid to even know the price at this point.