How to Use Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select on the 2025 4Runner

[Administrator]

For anyone with crawl control, it can be a very intuitive feature if you're not an experienced off-roader. I personally don't use crawl control much on my 5th Gen 4Runner and don't plan on using it much in the 6th Gen 4Runner either but if you're in a pinch and need your 4Runner to get you down a hill, up a hill or through a challenging obstacle, it can be beneficial.

Advanced Off-Road Driver Assistance Systems
(Reference: 2025 Owner’s Manual, pg. 422–428)
Link to Owners Manual: https://trail4runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-4runner-owners-manual.pdf

The 2025 4Runner includes two specialized systems—Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select—to assist with technical off-road driving. Both are designed to maintain vehicle control and maximize traction in demanding terrain, but they function in different ways.

Crawl Control Overview​

Crawl Control maintains a fixed low vehicle speed in off-road conditions without requiring input from the accelerator or brake pedal. It automatically modulates throttle and braking to help navigate rough terrain like rocks, deep sand, or steep slopes.

To activate:

1. Shift into 4L (low range)
2. Press the “DAC/CRAWL” switch
3. Use the mode select dial to choose one of five speed modes on the multi-information display

Available Crawl Control modes:

• LO – For rocky roads or steep declines
• LO-Mid – For rocky terrain or steep/bumpy inclines
• Mid – For bumpy inclines
• Mid-HI – For inclines, gravel, mud, snow, or grass
• HI – For similar terrain at slightly higher speed

Crawl Control disengages if the system overheats or if speed thresholds are exceeded (6 mph with rear diff locked or 15 mph unlocked).

Multi-Terrain Select Overview​

This system fine-tunes traction control, braking, and throttle response based on terrain. It can be used in 4H or 4L, and offers selectable driving modes optimized for various off-road conditions.

To activate:

1. Press the “MTS” button
2. Use the mode selector dial to scroll through options on the multi-information display
3. Confirm that the selected mode indicator is illuminated before driving

Available Multi-Terrain Select modes:

• AUTO – General-purpose mode
• DIRT – Bumpy roads or trail
• SAND – Loose, slippery surfaces
• MUD – Thick mud and slushy terrain
• DEEP SNOW – For packed or powdery snow
• ROCK – For rock crawling (only available in 4L)

The system automatically disables if switched to 2H, the engine is turned off, or TOW HAUL is engaged in 4H. VSC is turned off automatically in SAND, MUD, and DEEP SNOW modes.

System Requirements and Notes​

• Crawl Control requires the vehicle to be in 4L and out of Park or Neutral
• Both systems may create audible sounds or vibrations during operation
• Overuse can result in system cancellation due to brake or transmission overheating
• Neither system expands the physical limits of the vehicle—always assess terrain conditions manually

2025 4Runner Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select Diagram​

Refer to the Owner’s Manual (pages 422–426) for labeled switch diagrams, available modes, and indicator lights for both Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.