Toyota does the oddest stuff sometimes. I agree on eKDSS. KDSS was spread across a bunch of models and trims. It's proven to be super durable with very few failures. And it's a fantastic system I'd happily pay the $1,800 option cost for. But now they tie it to probably a $25-30k trim increase (comparing a LC250 vs GX OT).These vehicles will have a very long life cycle.
I would not put it past them to offer e kdss on more models in the future.
I find it very strange they developed e kdss to only offer it on one trim level of the Gx and one trim level lf the LC300.
They surely have to offer them on more versions in the future.
Then again they made that hot vee diesel and put it on the 300/310 only...
Same goes for AHC, I would bet it will be offered on higher spec LC300s in future versions because its currently only offered on the lx 600 and not even standard like it used to be.
Along the same lines - it's never made sense to me why Toyota would put KDSS on the TRD OR/Trail version of the 4Runner, but not offer it on the Limited trim where it would be a better option than the Xreas that is pretty lame (and failure prone). In my view KDSS is really more of an on-road handling benefit than an off road feature. When I bought my last 4Runner I really liked the 4R better than the GX. What I wanted was a Limited with KDSS 4Runner and I could add the lockers aftermarket, but no dice.
The torque vectoring rear diff in the Rav4 has always been a head shaker to me as well. Why in any world does a pair of real complex torque vectoring differentials make sense in a Rav4 over simple brake driven ATRAC? If it had any place in Toyota's SUV lineup - it would be an ideal FRONT differential in a 4Runner or LC. I'm surprised we haven't ever seen front torque vectoring used in off-road models. It's the ideal spot for one IMO - front locker with no compromise on turning radius, possibly even improved turning if you overspeed the outside tire even more.
I also find it very odd that we never saw the tight turn assist make it into the Tundra and Tacoma where it would be most useful due to the long wheelbases.