The Multi-Terrain Monitor helps you check vehicle surroundings in challenging situations. It excels at judging trail conditions, rock positioning, obstacle clearance off-road, and checking for obstacles when parking or navigating tight spaces. The system operates at about 10 mph or less and features AI-powered image stitching with an innovative under-vehicle terrain view that provides unprecedented visibility of the road surface directly beneath your truck.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 391-401)
The system operates at about 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. Above this speed, the display automatically cancels. Access it by pressing the camera switch located on the far right of your display controls.
4th Gen Enhancement: The Multi-Terrain Monitor in the 4th generation Tacoma features AI-powered image stitching and an innovative under-vehicle terrain view. A significant improvement over the 3rd generation system.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor provides four main viewing modes, each optimized for specific driving situations:
When to Use: Checking the area in front and to the sides of your vehicle during off-road driving or tight maneuvering.
4WD Mode Context: When the front-wheel drive control switch is in "4L" OR ("4H" AND Multi-Terrain Select is ON), this view displays enhanced off-road guide lines and features.
What You See:
Turning Support: When you turn the steering wheel 270° or more, additional guide lines and turning support features automatically display to help navigate tight turns.
Screen Customization: Touch the front view or side view screens to change display sizes between views.
Community Insight: Side-camera angles help you place tires precisely along ruts and berms - particularly useful for trail positioning. The system works great for city parking and avoiding curb rash too, not just off-road use.
When to Use: Checking the condition of the road surface under your vehicle - critical for rock crawling, navigating large obstacles, or verifying ground clearance.
How It Works (Unique 4th Gen Feature): This view displays an image taken about 32 ft. (10 m) behind your current vehicle position, overlaid with lines showing your current vehicle and tire positions. The system records what the exterior cameras see and maintains it as that ground is now under the vehicle, creating a "see-through" effect that lets you visualize what's directly beneath your truck.
The display starts out as a black box under the truck then progressively adds underbody images as you move forward, building the composite view based on wheel rotation.
What You See:
Speed Limitation: The under vehicle view automatically returns to front view when vehicle speed reaches about 3 mph (5 km/h).
Operating Restrictions: The under vehicle terrain view button cannot be operated when:
Conditions Where System May Not Work:
Front Magnified Option: Touch the under vehicle terrain view screen to switch to a front-magnified version for closer examination of immediate obstacles.
Important: This view only works at slow speed in 4WD Lo, making it specifically designed for technical off-road situations.
When to Use: Backing up, parallel parking, checking areas behind and to the rear sides of your vehicle.
Automatic Activation: This view automatically displays when you shift into Reverse.
What You See:
Screen Switching: Touch the screen to toggle between rear view & dual side view and wide rear view formats.
Tailgate Requirement: Guide lines will not display if tailgate is not fully closed.
When to Use: Maximum rear visibility when backing up in open areas.
What You See: Ultra-wide angle view of area behind vehicle, similar to backup camera on other vehicles but with enhanced field of view.
Access: Select the wide rear view button OR shift to Reverse (system chooses appropriate rear view automatically).
The clinometer displays your vehicle's pitch and roll angles - critical information for off-road driving safety.
Display Range: 0° to about 30° in all four directions (front, rear, left, right)
What You See:
Color Coding: Degree marker colors change based on current incline severity.
Important Notes:
Real-World Context: The clinometer helps you know when you're approaching rollover angles - generally want to stay under 25-30° for safety.
When the system detects tire slippage, the display automatically switches from clinometer to slip display.
What You See:
This real-time traction feedback helps you understand which wheels are losing grip and adjust your driving inputs accordingly.
When enabled, the Multi-Terrain Monitor automatically displays without pressing the camera button when both conditions are met:
Toggle: Press the automatic display mode button on screen. When active, an indicator illuminates on the icon.
Manual Override: Even with auto mode ON, you can still manually switch views by pressing the camera switch.
Use Case: Useful for off-road driving where you frequently slow down and need camera views automatically available without taking hands off wheel to press camera button.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor changes its display characteristics based on your 4WD system status:
When Front-Wheel Drive Control Switch is "2H" OR ("4H" with Multi-Terrain Select OFF):
When Front-Wheel Drive Control Switch is "4L" OR ("4H" with Multi-Terrain Select ON):
The system automatically optimizes display elements based on your selected terrain mode.
The colored lines on screen indicate specific distances:
Red Lines: 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) from bumper edge (closest - pay attention!)
Blue Lines: 3 ft. (1 m) and 6 ft. (2 m) from front of vehicle
Why Multiple Distances: Helps judge approach to obstacles. Red = immediate attention needed, blue = planning your path.
Yellow Lines: Estimated tire course (front and rear) based on current steering wheel position
Blue Lines: Vehicle width (includes mirrors), tire contact points, vehicle position
Black/White Lines: Tire position indicators in under vehicle view
Important: These are estimates. Actual positions vary based on:
Always confirm visually - don't trust guide lines alone.
WARNING
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in death or serious injuries.
When using the Multi-terrain Monitor system
WARNING: The tire position indicator lines and vehicle position indicator lines may differ from actual vehicle positions depending on the number of passengers, cargo weight, road grade, road surface conditions, brightness of the surrounding environment, etc. Always drive the vehicle while confirming the safety of your surroundings.
WARNING: The image displayed is one that was previously taken at a point about 32 ft. (10 m) behind the current vehicle position. In cases such as when objects move after the image is taken, the image displayed on the screen may differ from the actual state.
The camera system can operate in two modes:
Multi-Terrain Monitor OFF: Panoramic View Monitor displays (see page 356 of manual)
Multi-Terrain Monitor ON: Multi-terrain Monitor displays (off-road optimized views)
Toggle between modes using the Multi-terrain Monitor on/off button.
Naming Note: On Sport trim levels, the system is called PVM (Panoramic View Monitor). On TRD Off-Road models, it's called MTM (Multi-Terrain Monitor). Trailhunter and TRD Pro models feature an enhanced 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor version.
Q: Why does the under vehicle image look "old"?
A: It's showing road surface from about 32 ft. (10 m) behind you. If you drove over a rock 32 ft. back, you'll see it "under" your current position. The system overlays your current tire/vehicle position on that older image, creating the see-through effect.
Q: Can I use this to check my trailer hitch alignment?
A: Not directly - the Multi-Terrain Monitor is optimized for off-road and parking. For trailer alignment, use the Trailer Backup Guide system (separate feature, see pages 431-434 of manual).
Q: Do guide lines adjust for lift kits or larger tires?
A: No - guide lines are calibrated for stock configuration. Aftermarket suspension/tire changes will make guide lines less accurate. Still useful for general positioning but verify clearances directly.
Q: How is this different from the 3rd generation camera system?
A: The 4th gen system features AI-powered image stitching, the innovative under vehicle terrain view (new feature), next-generation camera quality, and multiple selectable angles. It's a significant upgrade from the previous generation.
Q: What package do I need to get the Multi-Terrain Monitor?
A: The Multi-Terrain Monitor comes with the Premium Package on 2024 Tacoma models. Without the Premium package, you get only a standard backup camera. The highest trims (Trailhunter and TRD Pro) include an enhanced 3D version.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor is an assist system, not a replacement for:
Per Toyota's warnings, never rely solely on the camera system. It's one tool in your awareness toolkit.
In cold weather:
Cold weather reduces camera and display performance. Increase direct visual confirmation in these conditions.
Community insights on how 4th gen Tacoma owners are using the Multi-Terrain Monitor:
Premium Package Required: Multi-Terrain Monitor comes with the Premium Package on 2024+ Tacoma models.
Base Equipment: Without the Premium package, you get only a backup camera.
Enhanced 3D Version: Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims feature a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor with selectable front, side, and rear views.
This guide synthesizes information from the following owner's manual pages:
Primary Pages:
Total Pages: 11 pages consolidated into this comprehensive guide
The complete manual pages are available in your vehicle's owner's manual or digital manual access at toyota.com/owners.
Owner's Manual Pages:
Additional Sources:
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04041U) with supplementary information from the Tacoma owner community and automotive publications. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance and safety. This is a reference guide only and does not replace the manufacturer's documentation. The Multi-Terrain Monitor is a driver assistance feature - always confirm your surroundings visually before maneuvering.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 391-401)
Multi-Terrain Monitor, Off-Road Cameras, Surround View, Trail Visibility
The system operates at about 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. Above this speed, the display automatically cancels. Access it by pressing the camera switch located on the far right of your display controls.
4th Gen Enhancement: The Multi-Terrain Monitor in the 4th generation Tacoma features AI-powered image stitching and an innovative under-vehicle terrain view. A significant improvement over the 3rd generation system.
Available Camera Views
The Multi-Terrain Monitor provides four main viewing modes, each optimized for specific driving situations:
1. Front View & Dual Side View
When to Use: Checking the area in front and to the sides of your vehicle during off-road driving or tight maneuvering.
4WD Mode Context: When the front-wheel drive control switch is in "4L" OR ("4H" AND Multi-Terrain Select is ON), this view displays enhanced off-road guide lines and features.
What You See:
- Large front camera view showing obstacles ahead
- Dual side camera views showing flank areas near front tires
- Distance guide lines: 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) [red], 3 ft. (1 m) [blue], 6 ft. (2 m) [blue]
- Vehicle width lines (blue) - includes outside rear view mirrors
- Front tire course line (yellow) - estimated path based on steering position
- Rear tire course line (yellow) - estimated rear tire path
- Front and rear tire contact lines (blue) - where tires touch ground
Turning Support: When you turn the steering wheel 270° or more, additional guide lines and turning support features automatically display to help navigate tight turns.
Screen Customization: Touch the front view or side view screens to change display sizes between views.
Community Insight: Side-camera angles help you place tires precisely along ruts and berms - particularly useful for trail positioning. The system works great for city parking and avoiding curb rash too, not just off-road use.
2. Under Vehicle Terrain View & Dual Side View
When to Use: Checking the condition of the road surface under your vehicle - critical for rock crawling, navigating large obstacles, or verifying ground clearance.
How It Works (Unique 4th Gen Feature): This view displays an image taken about 32 ft. (10 m) behind your current vehicle position, overlaid with lines showing your current vehicle and tire positions. The system records what the exterior cameras see and maintains it as that ground is now under the vehicle, creating a "see-through" effect that lets you visualize what's directly beneath your truck.
The display starts out as a black box under the truck then progressively adds underbody images as you move forward, building the composite view based on wheel rotation.
What You See:
- Composite view of road surface from 32 ft. back with AI image stitching
- Current vehicle position indicator lines (blue)
- Current front tire position indicator lines (black or white)
- Distance guide lines showing clearance ahead
- Dual side views for tire positioning
- Front tire contact lines and vehicle width lines
Speed Limitation: The under vehicle view automatically returns to front view when vehicle speed reaches about 3 mph (5 km/h).
Operating Restrictions: The under vehicle terrain view button cannot be operated when:
- Vehicle is not completely stopped
- After engine starts, a fixed distance hasn't been driven yet
- After shifting to "4L", a fixed distance hasn't been driven yet
Conditions Where System May Not Work:
- Road covered with snow
- Nighttime with no road illumination
- Dirt or foreign matter on camera lens
- Water in front of vehicle (river, puddle, sea water)
Front Magnified Option: Touch the under vehicle terrain view screen to switch to a front-magnified version for closer examination of immediate obstacles.
Important: This view only works at slow speed in 4WD Lo, making it specifically designed for technical off-road situations.
3. Rear View & Dual Side View
When to Use: Backing up, parallel parking, checking areas behind and to the rear sides of your vehicle.
Automatic Activation: This view automatically displays when you shift into Reverse.
What You See:
- Wide rear camera view
- Dual side views showing rear quarter areas
- Distance guide line: 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) [red] from rear bumper edge
- Vehicle width guide lines (blue) - shows straight-back path
- Front and rear tire contact lines (blue)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert indicators (if vehicle approaching from rear detected)
- Intuitive Parking Assist indicators (if obstacle detected)
- Rear Camera Detection warnings (if vehicle approaching detected)
Screen Switching: Touch the screen to toggle between rear view & dual side view and wide rear view formats.
Tailgate Requirement: Guide lines will not display if tailgate is not fully closed.
4. Wide Rear View
When to Use: Maximum rear visibility when backing up in open areas.
What You See: Ultra-wide angle view of area behind vehicle, similar to backup camera on other vehicles but with enhanced field of view.
Access: Select the wide rear view button OR shift to Reverse (system chooses appropriate rear view automatically).
Clinometer & Slip Display
Clinometer (Inclinometer)
The clinometer displays your vehicle's pitch and roll angles - critical information for off-road driving safety.
Display Range: 0° to about 30° in all four directions (front, rear, left, right)
What You See:
- Degree markers for front/rear incline
- Degree markers for left/right incline
- Pointer showing current vehicle angle
- Vehicle image that rotates/tilts to match real orientation
Color Coding: Degree marker colors change based on current incline severity.
Important Notes:
- After engine switch turns ON, degree of incline not displayed until information is determined
- Displayed angles are approximate and may differ from measurements using other equipment
- Reference only - always assess terrain directly with your eyes
Real-World Context: The clinometer helps you know when you're approaching rollover angles - generally want to stay under 25-30° for safety.
Slip Display
When the system detects tire slippage, the display automatically switches from clinometer to slip display.
What You See:
- Tire display showing which specific tires are spinning (indicated in yellow)
- During Crawl Control operation, all tires shown in yellow as system manages individual wheel speeds
- Pop-up intuitive parking assist display (if obstacle detected)
This real-time traction feedback helps you understand which wheels are losing grip and adjust your driving inputs accordingly.
Automatic Display Mode
What Automatic Display Mode Does
When enabled, the Multi-Terrain Monitor automatically displays without pressing the camera button when both conditions are met:
- Shift lever moved to D or N (automatic) OR parking brake disengaged (manual)
- Vehicle speed reduces to about 10 mph (16 km/h) or less
Enabling/Disabling Auto Mode
Toggle: Press the automatic display mode button on screen. When active, an indicator illuminates on the icon.
Manual Override: Even with auto mode ON, you can still manually switch views by pressing the camera switch.
Use Case: Useful for off-road driving where you frequently slow down and need camera views automatically available without taking hands off wheel to press camera button.
4WD Mode Integration
The Multi-Terrain Monitor changes its display characteristics based on your 4WD system status:
When Front-Wheel Drive Control Switch is "2H" OR ("4H" with Multi-Terrain Select OFF):
- Display Type: Standard parking/maneuvering assistance views
- Use Case: Around town, parking lots, general driving
When Front-Wheel Drive Control Switch is "4L" OR ("4H" with Multi-Terrain Select ON):
- Display Type: Enhanced off-road views with additional guide lines and features
- Use Case: Off-road driving, rock crawling, extreme terrain navigation
The system automatically optimizes display elements based on your selected terrain mode.
Guide Lines and Indicators Reference
Distance Guide Lines
The colored lines on screen indicate specific distances:
Red Lines: 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) from bumper edge (closest - pay attention!)
Blue Lines: 3 ft. (1 m) and 6 ft. (2 m) from front of vehicle
Why Multiple Distances: Helps judge approach to obstacles. Red = immediate attention needed, blue = planning your path.
Tire and Vehicle Lines
Yellow Lines: Estimated tire course (front and rear) based on current steering wheel position
Blue Lines: Vehicle width (includes mirrors), tire contact points, vehicle position
Black/White Lines: Tire position indicators in under vehicle view
Important: These are estimates. Actual positions vary based on:
- Number of passengers
- Cargo weight
- Road grade
- Road surface conditions
- Ambient lighting
Always confirm visually - don't trust guide lines alone.
Safety Precautions
WARNING
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in death or serious injuries.
When using the Multi-terrain Monitor system
- Never rely solely on the Multi-terrain Monitor. As with unequipped vehicles, drive carefully while directly confirming the safety of your surroundings and the area to the rear of the vehicle. Take particular care to avoid parked cars and other obstacles.
- Due to the characteristics of the camera lens, the actual position and distance of people and other obstacles will differ from those shown on the Multi-terrain Monitor screen. Directly confirm the safety of your surroundings before driving.
- Do not drive while only looking at the screen. When driving, make sure to directly confirm the safety of your surroundings, such as by visually checking the area and using the vehicle's mirrors.
- In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the images may become faint. Images of moving objects in particular may distort or disappear from the screen. Therefore, make sure to drive carefully while directly visually confirming the safety of your surroundings.
WARNING: The tire position indicator lines and vehicle position indicator lines may differ from actual vehicle positions depending on the number of passengers, cargo weight, road grade, road surface conditions, brightness of the surrounding environment, etc. Always drive the vehicle while confirming the safety of your surroundings.
WARNING: The image displayed is one that was previously taken at a point about 32 ft. (10 m) behind the current vehicle position. In cases such as when objects move after the image is taken, the image displayed on the screen may differ from the actual state.
Switching Between Camera Systems
The camera system can operate in two modes:
Multi-Terrain Monitor OFF: Panoramic View Monitor displays (see page 356 of manual)
Multi-Terrain Monitor ON: Multi-terrain Monitor displays (off-road optimized views)
Toggle between modes using the Multi-terrain Monitor on/off button.
Naming Note: On Sport trim levels, the system is called PVM (Panoramic View Monitor). On TRD Off-Road models, it's called MTM (Multi-Terrain Monitor). Trailhunter and TRD Pro models feature an enhanced 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor version.
Common Questions
Q: Why does the under vehicle image look "old"?
A: It's showing road surface from about 32 ft. (10 m) behind you. If you drove over a rock 32 ft. back, you'll see it "under" your current position. The system overlays your current tire/vehicle position on that older image, creating the see-through effect.
Q: Can I use this to check my trailer hitch alignment?
A: Not directly - the Multi-Terrain Monitor is optimized for off-road and parking. For trailer alignment, use the Trailer Backup Guide system (separate feature, see pages 431-434 of manual).
Q: Do guide lines adjust for lift kits or larger tires?
A: No - guide lines are calibrated for stock configuration. Aftermarket suspension/tire changes will make guide lines less accurate. Still useful for general positioning but verify clearances directly.
Q: How is this different from the 3rd generation camera system?
A: The 4th gen system features AI-powered image stitching, the innovative under vehicle terrain view (new feature), next-generation camera quality, and multiple selectable angles. It's a significant upgrade from the previous generation.
Q: What package do I need to get the Multi-Terrain Monitor?
A: The Multi-Terrain Monitor comes with the Premium Package on 2024 Tacoma models. Without the Premium package, you get only a standard backup camera. The highest trims (Trailhunter and TRD Pro) include an enhanced 3D version.
When to Rely on Direct Vision
The Multi-Terrain Monitor is an assist system, not a replacement for:
- Mirror checks
- Direct visual confirmation
- Spotter guidance in extreme terrain
- Physical measurement of clearances
Per Toyota's warnings, never rely solely on the camera system. It's one tool in your awareness toolkit.
Low Temperature Performance
In cold weather:
- Screen may darken
- Images may become faint
- Moving objects may distort or disappear
Cold weather reduces camera and display performance. Increase direct visual confirmation in these conditions.
Real-World Off-Road Applications
Community insights on how 4th gen Tacoma owners are using the Multi-Terrain Monitor:
- Rock Crawling: Under vehicle view is game-changing - lets you "see through" your truck to position tires precisely on rocks
- Trail Threading: Front & dual side view excellent for navigating between obstacles without body damage
- Approach Angle Awareness: Clinometer helps you know when you're approaching rollover angles
- City Parking: MTM is useful on city streets for parking, backing up, and avoiding curb rash - not just for off-road
- Trail Command Center: Use the 14-inch Audio Multimedia display to toggle views and scan front, sides, or rear as needed
System Availability by Trim
Premium Package Required: Multi-Terrain Monitor comes with the Premium Package on 2024+ Tacoma models.
Base Equipment: Without the Premium package, you get only a backup camera.
Enhanced 3D Version: Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims feature a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor with selectable front, side, and rear views.
Manual Pages Reference
This guide synthesizes information from the following owner's manual pages:
Primary Pages:
- Pages 391-393: System overview, view types, basic operation
- Pages 394-401: Detailed guide lines, clinometer, specific view descriptions
Total Pages: 11 pages consolidated into this comprehensive guide
The complete manual pages are available in your vehicle's owner's manual or digital manual access at toyota.com/owners.
Source Attribution
Owner's Manual Pages:
- System overview and operation: Pages 391-393
- Front view guide lines: Pages 394-396
- Clinometer and slip display: Pages 396-397
- Under vehicle terrain view: Pages 397-399
- Rear view systems: Pages 400-401
Additional Sources:
- Tacoma4G.com
- TacomaWorld.com
- MotorTrend
- J.D. Power
- Toyota.com
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04041U) with supplementary information from the Tacoma owner community and automotive publications. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance and safety. This is a reference guide only and does not replace the manufacturer's documentation. The Multi-Terrain Monitor is a driver assistance feature - always confirm your surroundings visually before maneuvering.
