4th Gen Tacoma: Drive Modes, MTS, Crawl Control & Tow/Haul Explained

[sadiekolsen]

I didn’t really know everything that came with my 2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road when I bought it; I just knew I wanted the locker and the upgraded suspension. I haven’t had much of a chance to mess with the dial yet, and every time I tried it, it kept saying “unavailable.” That got me curious, so I dug into it a bit more, and here’s what I found out about what all the buttons and the dial actually do.

Drive Mode Button​

This is the default setting every time you restart the truck, the dial controls the drive modes. These are for on-road driving, and you’ll get options like Normal, Sport, and Eco. Sport sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer, Eco softens things to save fuel, and Normal is your everyday middle ground.

Tow/Haul Button​

This doesn’t use the dial at all; it’s just a button. Hit it when you’re towing or hauling, and the truck changes transmission shift points to hold gears longer. That gives you more torque, better engine braking, and keeps things more stable under load.

MTS Button (Multi-Terrain Select)​

Think of this as the off-road version of drive modes. Press the button, and the dial now lets you choose between Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow. Most people leave it in Auto since it usually dials in traction well, but you can switch if you need something more specific. Each setting changes throttle response, traction control, and ABS tuning to match the terrain.

DAC/CRAWL Button​

DAC is Downhill Assist Control — tap it when you’re in a steep descent, and the truck manages braking at a slow pace so you can just steer. If you’re in 4-Low and press the button, it enables Crawl Control. From there, you use the dial to set the crawl speed, and the truck will manage throttle and brakes while you focus on picking your line.

Hope this rundown helps clear things up for anyone else wondering about the buttons and dial. If I missed something important, feel free to add on so I can learn from it too. Curious to hear how you guys are using these features out on the trail.

 

[Jim_TRD_Offroad]

Thank you. I like to change the drive modes. Most of the time I stay in Eco mode and that alone helps me maintain 23+ mpg on a daily basis.

Sport I only engage when I speed up from the ramp to the freeway merg.

My favorite part is the graphics for each setting. It just looks futuristic.

 

[h4ngman tacoma]

Thanks for sharing such a well detailed thread. Most people don't really know the functions of the different drive modes.

The photos you added, even makes it more understandable for someone who might not have the slightest idea about what the different modes do.

Thanks for sharing.