07:54 02-02-2026

KYB ActRide: semi-active suspension for everyday cars

Discover KYB's ActRide system: an electronically controlled suspension that lets you adjust stiffness and handling via a mobile app for a smoother, more stable ride.

Electronically controlled suspension has long moved beyond being a luxury reserved for high-end models, and now it's reaching a new level. Japanese company KYB has unveiled the ActRide system, which integrates suspension tuning into everyday driving.

Simplicity at its Core

ActRide is a semi-active, electronically managed suspension designed entirely for daily use. After installation, the driver connects to the system via Bluetooth and accesses settings through a mobile app. The stiffness of the front and rear shock absorbers, the balance between comfort and handling, and the response to speed can all be adjusted instantly, even while on the move.

The Technical Setup

At the heart of the system are solenoid-controlled shock absorbers and a dedicated unit with acceleration and displacement sensors. Unlike most aftermarket solutions that rely on stepper motors, ActRide operates without steps and responds about eight times faster. By using skyhook logic, it maintains a smooth ride over bumps while ensuring stability in corners—a combination that's challenging to achieve with traditional mechanical setups.

Targeting the Mass Market

The initial version of ActRide is aimed at the Toyota Hiace and Regius Ace in the Japanese market, where it will cost around 270,000 yen. KYB notes that with sufficient demand, the technology could expand to other models, from vans to crossovers and passenger cars. Its reliability is on par with factory components, and in case of a failure, the system automatically switches to a safe, medium setting.