KYB Excel G vs OEM: What’s Actually Better?
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I see this question pop up quite frequently:
How do KYB’s Excel G shocks or struts compare to OEM suspension?
Often, the query comes from the owner of a Japanese car. After all, KYB has been OEM on many Lexus and Toyota gens, as well as some Honda models.
Even if your ride isn’t Japanese, this is a logical question.
In summary: KYB Excel G shocks are an improvement over OEM suspension in most cases. They will ride a bit stiffer, though. A great perk is the vastly improved cornering over any OE equivalent.
That said, the Excel G shocks won’t last as long as most higher-grade OEMs. Expect up to ~9-10 years depending on usage. Still great considering the 2x-3x lower price. KYB strut assemblies should last you longer.
| Product | Image | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Firmer ride feel & better rebound
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KYB Excel G Shocks
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Check Prices & Fit |
| Product | Image | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Convenience & better cornering
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KYB Strut Plus Assembly
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Check Prices & Fit |
KYB Excel G vs OEM shocks:
Ride feel changes
As I elaborated earlier, Excel G suspension will always ride slightly stiffer than how your OEM shocks felt. This is due to their calibration which, believe it or not, has been adapted to the aftermarket needs of your vehicle.
I mean, it makes sense: the merciless wear and tear introduces some changes in any vehicle. Even if you tinker around and fix everything, the natural process has taken its toll.
Excel G shocks have been calibrated and valved to perform firmer, so they make up for some of this wear and tear. You can see the changes in both rebound rate and compression values:
The firmer damping might not be for everyone. That’s why in some of my Japanese car suspension guides, I’ve recommended the softer alternative Monroe.
However, a lot of people prefer tighter vehicle control. To add to this, KYB Excel G struts specifically excel at cornering due to several key design differences. Let’s see them.
| Product | Image | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Firmer ride feel & better rebound
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KYB Excel G Shocks
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Check Prices & Fit |
KYB Excel G:
Some important design factors
Let’s start with the cornering I mentioned in the previous section. Why Excel G struts and not shocks?
The reason for this improved control is something simple, yet skipped on by other manufacturers:
Thicker body of the struts and the applicable suspension brackets.
Excel G struts are thicker and have a reinforced construction that allows for better wheel alignment. With reduced flex, your control over your vehicle significantly improves.
I’ve seen some people wonder why KYB Excel G struts or shocks are slightly smaller than their OEM suspension. Herein lies another reason for the improved cornering:
It’s the internal rebound springs.
Another crucial design factor is the triple chrome-plated piston rod. This reduces seal wear and, paired up with the multi-lip oil seal, it keeps oil where it should be. That’s right, inside the shock/strut body so it can perform proper damping.
Last but not least, another improvement over OEM is the rear vehicle support when braking. Excel G ‘holds down’ your car properly so the stopping distance can be limited, thus protecting your brakes from excessive wear and tear.
The drawback?
Well, it depends on your OE application. With some vehicles, the OEM suspension will last noticeably longer than an Excel G. With others, the shocks’ longevity is basically the same.
In most cases, you can expect KYB to last you 5-10 years or so on more intensively used vehicles. That’s what I’ve seen around community forums, and with people around me. It doesn’t seem much, but remember that Excel G can be 2-3 times cheaper than OE options.
| Product | Image | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Convenience & better cornering
|
KYB Strut Plus Assembly
|
Check Prices & Fit |
KYB Excel G shocks vs struts:
What’s the difference?
Well, some vehicles only use shocks, while others rely on struts for their suspension. That’s just about it. There are even some cars that combine both – shocks at the front, and struts at the rear.
There’s something else that’s more interesting:
Not many people know the popular KYB Strut Plus assemblies are often based on the Excel G line.Â
Here’s how a pair of this exact setup looks, this is what a close friend of mine runs:
What’s the benefit of these assemblies?
As I’ve pointed out in another post, it’s the convenience. With the Strut Plus:
- You don’t need to deal with spring compressors.
- All the hardware comes included in the kit.
- You get a 100% OE fit for your whole suspension setup.
In some cases, this is the true value of Excel G over OEM setups. For example, Toyota doesn’t have OE strut assemblies for some of its passenger cars. Honda does, but the struts are twice the price of a, say, CR-V KYB Strut Plus kit.
KYB GR2 vs Excel G:
A common misconception
I’ve seen this time and after time, and it’s time to make it clear:
The KYB GR2 is now defunct.
Or, more than defunct per se, KYB has finally straightened up its marketing efforts.
Here’s the thing: GR2 was basically a re-painted, re-named Excel G. GR2 was a silver-colored shock that had the absolute same valving, design, and ride feel as the Excel G.
A few years ago KYB finally got the memo and rebranded all of GR2 into Excel G. Now you’ll only see the black-painted Excel G as suspension options.
Note:Â If you need more buffed-up KYB suspension options, check out my round-up review of their shocks.
Wrapping it up + DIY tips
All in all, I’d say the Excel G is a decent OEM alternative in both shocks and struts. I’d say the struts are a step above, considering that many OE brands either skip strut assemblies or make them prohibitively expensive.
If you have the money, though, an OEM set is always the safest choice. Especially with COVID supply chain logistics, aftermarket parts have taken a hit. They might not be as durable as they once were.
OEM shocks are always softer in terms of dampening too. In my opinion, that’s not always a good thing for older vehicles. However, some people prefer a soft over a firm ride feel.
A lot of people decide to DIY suspension replacements to reduce costs. It’s not that hard of a task, in all fairness. Especially with the Strut Plus assemblies which make it easier even for total newbies.
Here’s a good video from KYB with tips on installing their shocks or struts:
One thing I’ve seen people commonly do is grab the shock shaft with pliers. KYB covers it too – for the love of God, please don’t do that! That’s a sure way to cause premature leaks.
If even Excel G is too expensive for you, head over to my KYB vs TRQ comparison for an even cheaper, entry-level alternative. Â
Vehicles I’d recommend KYB shocks or Strut Plus kits on.
From the Japanese ones:
- Toyota Camry, Prius or Corolla: Here’s a popular Corolla kit
- Honda Accord, CR-V or Element: Here’s a 2008-2012 Accord assembly or check my full guide to Accord struts.
- Lexus
- Acura
From American-made vehicles:
- Older Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra, Chevy Avalanche, GMC Yukon.Â
– - Older Dodge or Ford vehicles like Dodge Durango or Dacota, Ford F-150 or Bronco: These Excel G shocks fit late 80s-late 90s vehicles.
Let me know if you have any additional questions!
*Note: the two images used in the post are a part of KYB Americas documentation.
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is kyb excel G worth install on my 2013 vios?
Hey Aziz!
I had to check what the Vios is, as we don’t have this Toyota model in my country.
Excel G should be a good replacement on your car, depending on what other options you have in your country.
I’d go for it, just make sure to check the applicable serial numbers.
Best,
Xander
I have a 13 corolla 5 sp stk. 130k. Vin says it built in Canada. Which kyb plus Do I use. The 10mm studs (us built) or Japan built (8 mm) or ue the assembly that is unspecific?
Hey Mike,
Sorry about the late reply!
That’s an interesting situation…I’d think that the US built studs would be the way, considering it’s Canadian (a.k.a. North American). I’m not 100% sure, however.
Could you report back if you tested out which worked for your application?
Cheers,
Xander
Hi. I have a golf VII variant with OEM lower ‘sports’ suspension. Quite a hard ride, but very good handling.
Want to replace this with k flex springs and excel g shocks to get to the ‘normal’ suspension height and comfort. You think this will make an improvement?
Rick, hi!
It should make an improvement, yes. However, keep in mind what I wrote (that the Excel G has a firmer feel due to the compression & rebound rates KYB manufactured it with).
I haven’t had any experience with the Golf VII to know whether it will be firmer than the ‘hard ride’ you mention in your comment as I have no idea what the OEM shocks (or struts?) are on this model.
As far as control/handling goes, though, the springs + Excel G combo should be definitely superior to an OEM setup.
Hopefully that helped out, I’m not too familiar with VW vehicles 😀
I have a Honda Civic 2012 and I planning to replace rear shocks with KYB excel G. Is it a good idea? I haven’t found many reviews about KYB for honda in particular.
Hey!
Excel G is fine, a more budget take than the OEM Honda suspension on newer gens. I’m not completely sure about the ’12 Civic, but KYB used to make the stock shocks and struts on some earlier Honda models (including older Odyssey). They did focus more on Toyota/Lexus OEM fitments, though.
As noted in the article, keep in mind that the Excel G would most probably ride firmer than what you had so far. This is great if the road infrastructure is tough where you drive (e.g. potholes), but on flat highways etc it might feel a tad stiff.
Cheers!
Xander
Hey Xander, I have a 2011 Ford Escape V6 that I’m using as an oversize load pilot car. It needs new shocks/struts. I just ordered a tower strut brace (goes in engine bay) to help handling. Most of my driving is on highways but sometimes a construction yard for picking up a load. What would you recommend and how MUCH firmer is the Excel-G ride? Is it night and day? Would the strut brace make up for any handling lost if I just went with say Monroe OEM? I’d love to have max handling (Excel-G), and I love their rep and price, I just don’t want to bump my ass on every crack in the pavement. I can handle a lean toward stiffer, but I don’t want a go-cart.
Thanks,
Justin
Hey Justin,
I’m lucky to have logged in just before I set out on a several weeks’ long trip so I could comment here!
Personally, I’m partial to KYB. Then again, I’m a fan of slightly firmer rides. The intensity of this ‘firmness’ also depends on how shot were your previous shocks/struts. If you’ve grown accustomed to a mushier ride feel due to your old struts sagging, adapting to the KYBs might be steeper than Monroes.
Aside from the slightly stiffer damping, they might need some miles to break in too. I wouldn’t call it a night and day in STANDARD situations, though. What you described sounds fine as a KYB application, in my opinion.
Again, anecdotal experience, but I also see some people saying how Monroe has been declining in quality a bit over the past years.
I found a forum thread that might be of interest to you. It’s about an older ’04 Escape, but still: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/kyb-struts-04-ford-escape.312815/
Note that the GR2 they talk about in the thread is basically Excel G, as I’ve written in this article. They’re the same product.
Hopefully I helped out a bit!
Best,
Xander
Hey Xander, I have a 04 Lexus RX. Considering the Excel G. I could use a slightly stiffer ride because the current suspension is very sloppy and the car leans heavy. But not looking for rock hard. Would you reccomend the KYB’s?
Hey, Andy!
Yeah, the Excel G should be great on your setup, especially considering the tight relationship between KYB and some Lexus gens. Not sure about the RX specifically, but some Lexus gens had KYB as stock. The Excel G builds on the stock with some additional firm control.
Alternatively, you can check whether Bilstein B4 or B6 is applicable to your year/model. The Bilsteins are slightly more expensive, but I’ve seen very few people disappointed in them. B4 equals a close-to-OEM suspension (similar to Excel G, just a tad better quality). B6 is if you plan on doing some heavier hauls etc. Not sure their availability on Lexus vehicles specifically, though.
But long story short, yeah, the Excel G should be the best value choice. Just double check the vendors if buying online!
Cheers,
Xander
Hi Xander,
I have a 2005 lexus ES 300. I bought it used because of the soft ride which I love. Now the back side of the car is nearly collapsed and I am looking for replacement. Would you recommend Monroe to preserve the soft ride or something else?
Thanks,
A
Hey Ali,
Monroe will definitely be a better pick if you prefer the softer, gentler ride feel you mention your ES300 had.
A heads up, though — over the past few years, Monroe’s quality control has been a little more lackluster than KYB or some more ‘premium’ suspension brands (Bilstein, some OE suppliers etc.)
Cheers and best of luck, I hope you get a rear pair that works fine!
Xander
I have a 2008 Honda Element that had the OEM Honda struts replaced by the previous owner with some unknown non-OEM struts. They are horrible. Bumps are noisy and rough. Even though they are relatively new I want to dump them for something that will attempt to restore my ride as good as when it was new in 2008. Bumps on roadways just keep getting worse and worse, what KYB, Bilstein or should I opt for OEM Honda struts? My goal is a silent, smooth ride that matches the day my vehicle was new.
Hey, Karma!
I wouldn’t be surprised if the previous owner used some of the subpar struts I’ve been criticizing here (like Oredy or whatever)…Prolly some $30 per piece knock-offs.
OEM Honda might be ridiculously expensive, to be honest. I’d still inquire about pricing with your local dealership. KYB is great, but if Bilstein has assemblies for your ’08 Pilot it might be even better.
So I’d rank the options like this:
OE (check how much $$$) > Bilstein (firm, slightly more expensive, but maybe there are some discounts around) > KYB Excel G
Monroe is also an option, but in general KYB fares better with most Honda makes.
Regarding the Bilstein, I found this thread that might be interesting. It’s a newer Pilot gen, but still: https://www.piloteers.org/threads/upgrading-to-bilstein-suspensions.164042/
Cheers!
Xander
Would the kyb loaded strut be a good replacement for the front of my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 4.0 in your opinion? Thanks Neil
Hey Neil,
They absolutely are a fine medium-budget replacement, yes. I believe the Pathfinder has both the Excel G-based strut assemblies, or the Gas-A-Just ones. (Excel G being black body with a red sticker in most cases).
For standard ride preferences/setups, get the Excel G-based strut assemblies. If you have larger tires/want to do more off-roading, consider the Gas-A-Just based KYB struts. Keep in mind they’ll ride a bit stiffer on highways/on-roads.
Cheers!
Xander
Would the KYB be good for a 2008 Mazda 3 hatchback? Or something else?
Hey, William!
A pair of Excel G and you should be more than fine. Mazda is a natural for KYB shock replacements.
Here are some relevant observations from related forums, too: https://www.mazda3forums.com/threads/aftermarket-or-oem.755418/
Keep in mind that, as I mentioned in other comments, the Excel G might feel firmer. Especially if your old shocks had A LOT of mileage on them and were shot.
Cheers!
Xander