Multi-Terrain Select on the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser helps you match the vehicle’s traction settings to mud, dirt, sand, rocks, snow, and other low-grip surfaces. The key is to choose the closest terrain mode shown on your screen, use the right 4WD range, keep your inputs smooth, and pair MTS with Crawl Control or the lockers only when the trail actually calls for it.
Quick Answer
To use Multi-Terrain Select, slow down or stop as needed, press the MTS switch, choose the terrain mode that best matches the surface shown on the display, then drive with smooth throttle and steering. On equipped 2024 Land Cruiser grades, MTS can work in both 4WD High and 4WD Low.
Key Takeaways
- Use 4WD High for faster, open, low-grip surfaces and 4WD Low for slow climbs, rocks, ruts, or steep terrain.
- Pick the closest mode shown on your vehicle’s screen; mode names can vary by grade, market, and software.
- Use Crawl Control when you need low-speed progress and want to focus on steering instead of throttle and brake pressure.
- Use the center lock or rear locker only when traction loss is real, then turn them off when grip improves.
- Return to Normal or standard drive settings after the trail so the Land Cruiser behaves correctly on pavement.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 1 minute to select a mode; longer if you need to stop, inspect terrain, or shift into 4WD Low. |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate, depending on the trail. |
| Tools Needed | Your Land Cruiser’s MTS controls, owner’s manual, and a spotter for difficult obstacles. |
| Cost | $0 if your vehicle is already equipped with Multi-Terrain Select. |
Quick Start: Activate Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) on the 2024 Land Cruiser
First, confirm your Land Cruiser is equipped with Multi-Terrain Select. Toyota lists MTS as standard on the U.S. Land Cruiser grade, while exact equipment can vary by grade and market. If you are not sure, check your window sticker or the official Toyota owner’s manual page.
- Slow down and read the trail. Look for mud depth, sand softness, loose rock, ice, ruts, water, and escape space.
- Choose the right range. Stay in 4WD High for moderate speed on loose dirt, snow, sand roads, or open trails. Shift to 4WD Low for steep climbs, rocks, deep ruts, tight obstacles, or slow recovery work.
- Press the MTS switch. Use the selector or screen prompt to choose the closest terrain type shown on your vehicle.
- Confirm the setting. Watch the display for the active mode before you enter the obstacle.
- Drive smoothly. Let the system help manage wheelspin while you handle speed, steering, tire placement, and braking.
Note: On the equipped 2024 Land Cruiser, Toyota says MTS is functional in both 4WD High and 4WD Low. You do not need 4WD Low just to use MTS, but 4WD Low is still the better choice for slow, technical terrain.
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MTS Modes on the 2024 Land Cruiser: When to Use Each
Use the mode that best matches the surface under the tires. Toyota describes Multi-Terrain Select as adjustable settings that help control wheel spin on terrain such as mud, dirt, and sand. Depending on grade, market, and software, your screen may show slightly different labels, so choose the closest match rather than forcing a mode that does not fit the trail.
| Displayed Terrain Mode | Best Use | Driver Input |
|---|---|---|
| Mud | Wet dirt, slick ruts, shallow mud, and churned trail surfaces. | Use steady throttle and avoid sudden steering that can slide the front tires. |
| Sand | Soft sand, beach approaches where legal, sandy washes, and dunes where permitted. | Keep momentum smooth. Do not stab the throttle or brake hard. |
| Dirt or Loose Rock | Gravel, dry trail climbs, loose stones, and uneven fire roads. | Use measured throttle and leave extra braking distance. |
| Rock or Rock & Dirt if shown | Slow ledges, uneven rock shelves, and tire-placement obstacles. | Use 4WD Low, small throttle inputs, and a spotter when visibility is limited. |
| Snow or Deep Snow if shown | Packed snow, loose snow, slush, and low-grip winter surfaces. | Use gentle throttle, smooth steering, and early braking. |
| Normal or standard drive setting | Pavement, dry roads, and normal daily driving. | Return to this after the trail to restore normal road manners. |
Warning: MTS does not make unsafe terrain safe. Do not enter deep water, unstable mud, steep side slopes, or unknown obstacles unless you have recovery gear, a safe line, and enough experience to get out.
Driving Technique Per Mode: Mud, Sand, Rock, Snow, and Normal
Once you select a mode, your job is still simple but important: keep the vehicle balanced. MTS can help tune traction behavior, but tire choice, tire pressure, line selection, speed, and driver input still decide whether the Land Cruiser moves cleanly or digs in.
- Mud: Use steady, progressive throttle. Do not stop in the deepest section unless you have to. If the tires start spinning hard, ease off, straighten the wheel, and try to regain forward bite instead of digging four holes.
- Sand: Momentum matters more than power. Keep a smooth pace, make wide steering inputs, and avoid hard braking. If you need to stop, stop on firmer ground or a slight downhill when possible.
- Dirt and gravel: Leave more room to brake and turn. Loose surfaces can feel easy until the front tires wash wide, so keep steering inputs calm and avoid sudden throttle lifts in corners.
- Rock: Use 4WD Low, move slowly, and place the tires on high points instead of dragging the underbody. Use small throttle blips only when needed. Crawl Control can help here if you want the vehicle to manage low-speed throttle and braking.
- Snow and ice: Be patient. Use soft throttle, gentle steering, and early braking. MTS can help reduce slip, but winter tires and safe speed matter more than any drive mode.
- Normal road driving: Turn off off-road-specific settings after the trail. This helps steering, braking, traction control, and drivetrain behavior feel normal again on pavement.
Pro Tip: Select the mode before the obstacle, not halfway through it. You will make cleaner inputs when you are stopped, calm, and looking at the full line instead of reacting after the tires already lose grip.
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How to Combine MTS With Crawl Control, 4WD High/Low, and Diff Locks
The 2024 Land Cruiser uses full-time 4WD with a center locking differential, an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high and low range, and an electronic locking rear differential. That gives you several tools, but you do not need to turn everything on at once.
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Use 4WD High for Moderate Loose Terrain
Use 4WD High when you need traction help but still need normal trail speed. This fits gravel roads, packed snow, light mud, sand roads, and open dirt trails. Select the closest MTS mode and keep your inputs smooth.
Use 4WD Low for Slow Technical Terrain
Use 4WD Low when you need more control at low speed. This fits rocks, steep climbs, deep ruts, tight switchbacks, and recovery situations. Stop and follow the owner’s manual procedure before changing the transfer case range.
Use Crawl Control When You Want Low-Speed Control
Crawl Control works like low-speed off-road cruise control. Toyota says it lets the driver focus on steering while the system maintains one of five selectable speeds. Use it on rocks, ruts, steep loose climbs, and slow descents where steady speed matters more than throttle feel.
Use Lockers Only When Traction Loss Is Real
The center lock and rear locker can help when one or more tires lose grip, but they reduce drivetrain flexibility. Use them for cross-axle situations, slick climbs, or repeated wheelspin. Turn them off once the surface improves.
Warning: Do not use the rear locker on dry, high-traction pavement. Binding can stress drivetrain parts and make the vehicle harder to turn.
Use Downhill Assist and Multi-Terrain Monitor With MTS
MTS is not the only trail feature worth using. Toyota also lists Downhill Assist Control and the available Multi-Terrain Monitor as off-road tools on the 2024 Land Cruiser.
- Downhill Assist Control: Use it for steep descents when you want help limiting vehicle speed. Keep steering smooth and avoid fighting the system with sharp pedal inputs.
- Multi-Terrain Monitor: Use the camera view to check obstacles near the front, sides, or trail line when visibility is poor. It helps with placement, but it does not replace a spotter on risky obstacles.
- MTS plus cameras: Select the terrain mode first, then use the camera view to place the tires where traction is strongest.
Troubleshooting, Safety Tips, and When to Switch Back to Normal
If MTS does not respond, do not assume the vehicle must be in 4WD Low. On equipped 2024 Land Cruiser models, MTS can operate in 4WD High and 4WD Low. Instead, check the simple causes first.
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| MTS option is not available | Grade not equipped, system condition not met, speed too high, or a warning message is active. | Slow down, stop safely, read the display message, and verify equipment in the owner’s manual. |
| Vehicle digs into sand or mud | Too much throttle, too little momentum, sharp steering, or wrong tire setup. | Ease off, straighten the wheels, recover gently, and avoid repeated wheelspin. |
| Binding or hopping while turning | Locker use on a surface with too much grip. | Stop safely and turn off the rear locker or center lock when conditions allow. |
| Mode feels wrong for the surface | Terrain changed or the selected mode is too aggressive or too soft. | Stop or slow as conditions allow, select the closer terrain match, and continue smoothly. |
| Returning to pavement | Off-road settings are still active. | Return to Normal or standard drive settings and disengage lockers before normal road driving. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toyota Multi-Terrain Select?
Multi-Terrain Select is an off-road traction system that adjusts vehicle behavior for different loose or slippery surfaces. In the 2024 Land Cruiser, Toyota says it helps control wheel spin on terrain such as mud, dirt, and sand.
When should you use MTS?
Use MTS when you leave normal pavement and the surface becomes loose, slippery, uneven, or soft. It is useful for mud, sand, dirt, gravel, snow, rocks, and rutted trails. Return to Normal or standard drive settings when you are back on regular roads.
Does the 2024 Land Cruiser need to be in 4WD Low for MTS?
No. Toyota says Multi-Terrain Select on the equipped 2024 Land Cruiser is functional in both 4WD High and 4WD Low. Use 4WD Low when you need slow control, extra torque, or Crawl Control on technical terrain.
Can you use MTS and Crawl Control together?
Yes, when conditions call for it. Select the terrain mode first, then use Crawl Control for slow-speed obstacles where steady throttle and braking help. Crawl Control is most useful on rocks, ruts, steep loose climbs, and controlled descents.
Should you use the rear locker with MTS?
Use the rear locker only when the tires are losing traction, such as in cross-axle ruts, slick climbs, or uneven rocks. Turn it off when traction improves, especially before returning to dry pavement.
Does every 2024 Land Cruiser have Multi-Terrain Select?
Not every grade or market should be assumed to have the same equipment. Toyota’s U.S. launch information lists Multi-Terrain Select as standard on the Land Cruiser grade. Check your specific vehicle’s window sticker, settings menu, or owner’s manual.
Conclusion
Multi-Terrain Select is most useful when you treat it as a support tool, not a shortcut. Pick the closest terrain mode, choose 4WD High or 4WD Low based on speed and difficulty, and keep your throttle, steering, and braking smooth. Add Crawl Control for slow technical work, use the center lock or rear locker only when traction loss calls for it, and return to normal settings before daily driving.
Sources
- Toyota USA Newsroom: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to its Origin — backs 2024 Land Cruiser off-road equipment, MTS 4WD High/Low functionality, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, Multi-Terrain Monitor, full-time 4WD, center lock, and rear locker details.
- Toyota Owners: Manuals and Warranties — official source for vehicle-specific operating procedures, warnings, and trim-specific owner manual details.
- Toyota USA Newsroom Press Kits — official Toyota model-year reference hub for current Land Cruiser product information and updates.
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