When adventure calls and the road turns to rocks, sand, or mud, Toyota is ready with a game-changing technology designed for off-road mastery: Multi-Terrain Select. Found in many of Toyota’s rugged SUVs and trucks, this system transforms complex driving surfaces into a controllable, confidence-inspiring experience. Whether you’re crawling over boulders or gliding through dunes, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) helps you get there—and get back—safely.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig deep into what Multi-Terrain Select is, how it works, which Toyota models feature it, and how each drive mode is specifically tuned to conquer unique terrain challenges.
🔍 What is Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select?
Multi-Terrain Select is an advanced traction control system that optimizes wheel spin and throttle response for a variety of off-road surfaces. Instead of manually adjusting air pressure, locking differentials, or modulating throttle on your own, MTS lets the vehicle do the heavy lifting.
With just a twist of a dial or press of a button, you can choose from preset terrain modes that adjust:
- Throttle mapping
- Transmission shift points
- Traction control response
- Brake force distribution
- Wheelspin allowance
The system can be found in various Toyota models equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), particularly those designed for off-road duty.
🚗 Which Toyota Vehicles Have Multi-Terrain Select?
Multi-Terrain Select is primarily available on Toyota’s off-road-oriented models. Here’s a look at current and recent vehicles that feature the system:
| Model | Trim Levels with MTS | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner | TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, Limited (4WD) | Standard/Optional |
| Toyota Tacoma | TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro | Standard |
| Toyota Tundra | TRD Pro, Limited with TRD Off-Road | Standard/Optional |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | All trims (modern versions) | Standard |
| Toyota Sequoia | TRD Pro, Capstone | Standard |
| Toyota RAV4 | TRD Off-Road | Standard |
| Toyota bZ4X (EV) | AWD trims (with terrain assist) | Limited version only |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | Most trims (global markets) | Standard |
🧠 How Does Multi-Terrain Select Work?
Multi-Terrain Select works hand-in-hand with Toyota’s suite of off-road tech, including:
- Crawl Control – A low-speed cruise control for extreme off-roading.
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC) – Helps you descend steep grades without burning brakes.
- Locking Differentials – Direct power to wheels with traction.
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) – Enhances wheel articulation.
Once MTS is activated, the vehicle’s ECU instantly modifies performance parameters to suit the selected terrain. Sensors monitor wheel slip, steering angle, throttle position, and yaw to dynamically adjust braking and power delivery.
🏜️ Multi-Terrain Modes Explained
Let’s explore each MTS drive mode and what it’s optimized for:
1. Mud & Sand Mode
Best For: Loose surfaces like beaches, desert trails, or deep mud.
- What It Does: Allows more wheel spin to help you maintain momentum. Preventing the wheels from spinning freely in these conditions might get you stuck, so the system keeps power flowing.
- Throttle Response: Aggressive
- Traction Control: Loosely engaged
- Pro Tip: Keep your momentum—stopping can sink you.
2. Rock Mode
Best For: Slow-speed rock crawling.
- What It Does: Minimizes wheelspin and maximizes torque at low speeds. This allows for precise tire placement and better grip.
- Throttle Response: Controlled and slow
- Traction Control: Highly sensitive
- Pro Tip: Use with Crawl Control for surgical off-road movement.
3. Mogul Mode
Best For: Deep ruts, large bumps, uneven surfaces.
- What It Does: Balances traction between wheels that are off the ground and those that have grip. Especially useful when axle articulation is pushed to the limit.
- Throttle Response: Moderate
- Traction Control: Adaptive
- Pro Tip: Keep tires aired down for more surface contact.
4. Loose Rock Mode
Best For: Gravel roads, small stones, or shale hills.
- What It Does: Slightly reduces throttle sensitivity and limits wheelspin without completely cutting power. Perfect for maintaining grip on slippery inclines.
- Throttle Response: Smooth
- Traction Control: Moderately firm
- Pro Tip: Stay light on the accelerator and steer gently.
5. Dirt Mode
Best For: General off-roading with mixed surfaces—trail riding, back roads, light mud.
- What It Does: Offers a balanced driving profile for casual off-roading, giving you a mix of power, control, and grip.
- Throttle Response: Balanced
- Traction Control: Medium
- Pro Tip: A great default for weekend trail rides.
🛠️ How to Activate Multi-Terrain Select
Steps:
- Shift into 4WD Low (for most modes like Rock or Mogul).
- Press or rotate the Multi-Terrain Select control (location varies by model).
- Choose the terrain that matches your current environment.
- Wait for the dashboard confirmation light.
- Drive carefully and let the system do the work.
Some modern Toyota models even allow MTS to function in 4WD High, especially for light-duty modes like Mud & Sand or Dirt.
🔄 Adaptive Behavior: Real-Time Adjustments
One of the most impressive features of MTS is its ability to dynamically change in real-time. For example:
- If a wheel starts to spin, the system sends braking force to that wheel and redirects torque to the ones with grip.
- If the terrain changes mid-trail, you can switch modes without restarting the vehicle.
This adaptability is what separates Toyota’s system from basic traction control.
🧭 MTS + Crawl Control: A Winning Combo
Using MTS in combination with Crawl Control takes Toyota’s off-road potential to another level. While MTS chooses the terrain logic, Crawl Control acts like low-speed cruise control, handling throttle and brakes automatically as you steer.
Together, they allow even novice drivers to conquer obstacles that used to require expert technique.
🔋 Does Multi-Terrain Select Work on Hybrid Models?
Yes! Toyota has engineered MTS into some hybrid models such as the Sequoia TRD Pro Hybrid and Tundra i-FORCE MAX. The off-road modes function similarly, adjusting electric motor torque output along with engine performance.
This means you get both eco-conscious driving and adventure-ready control.
📊 How Does MTS Compare to Other Brands?
| Brand | System Name | Off-Road Modes | Real-Time Adjustment | Paired with Crawl Control? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Multi-Terrain Select | 5+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Jeep | Selec-Terrain | 5 | ✅ | ❌ (Uses Rock-Trac/Selec-Speed) |
| Ford | G.O.A.T. Modes (Bronco) | 7+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Land Rover | Terrain Response | 7+ | ✅ | ✅ (With Hill Descent) |
| Subaru | X-MODE | 2 | ❌ | ❌ |
Toyota’s system may not have the flashy marketing of “G.O.A.T. Modes,” but it’s built with decades of off-road DNA—and it shows.
🧪 Testing Multi-Terrain Select in Real Life
Multiple off-road tests have proven how effective MTS is. Reviewers and drivers have taken MTS-equipped vehicles across the Mojave Desert, the Rockies, and muddy Texas trails.
Key Feedback Highlights:
- “Makes off-roading feel intuitive.”
- “I didn’t expect my Tundra to handle sand this well.”
- “You can switch modes on the fly—huge bonus.”
- “It turned a terrifying trail into a manageable drive.”
🔧 Maintenance and Tips for MTS Users
- Keep sensors clean: Mud and debris can interfere with the system.
- Use the right tires: Off-road tires enhance traction more than electronics ever could.
- Don’t override the system: Trust the mode you’ve selected—don’t fight it with aggressive inputs.
- Understand your limits: MTS helps, but it’s not magic. Terrain awareness and good judgment still matter.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Off-Roading with Confidence
Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select isn’t just a fancy dial on your dashboard—it’s a finely tuned, experience-enhancing tool that empowers drivers to explore further. By intelligently adapting to different terrains and conditions, it brings real confidence to real off-roaders.
From seasoned adventurers to weekend warriors, MTS helps you take the path less traveled—without second-guessing.
Whether you’re headed for mountains, mud, or mysterious back roads, this system is your ultimate trail companion.
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