Is there really a difference between crawl control and MTS?

What is the “real world” difference between crawl control and MTS other than crawl control doesn’t need throttle/brake control? They can both only be engaged in 4lo and they both engage the rear locker.

So the only true difference between the two is go-slow-offroad while NOT having to control throttle/brake (crawl control) and go-slow-off-road while having to control throttle/brake (MTS). I would understand the need for both if MTS was available in 4Hi, giving the Tacoma somewhat of a go-fast-offroad setting like they have in the Raptor (Baja mode).

What are your thoughts on the two? And when do you prefer one over the other?

 

Never used MTS found it useless, I liked the crawl control for downhill because you could vary the speed. Found both gimicky and only wanted the locker.

 

I prefer the MTS I enjoy throttle and break on my own I’m not sure if it will automatically in gauge the locker or not I always turn mine on or off I like being in control. I will have to check next time out.

 

Crawl control is just cruise control. Controls throttle and brakes. MTS is the one doing the traction management. Applies brakes to slipping wheels. So yeah there's a big difference. They do two completely different things.

 

Think of MTS as variable ratio ATRAC. Sometimes you want more slip than what stock ATRAC provides.

This Prado video may help explain better.

 

I highly recommend you read the sticky. It very clearly spells out the traction controls and what they do.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/

To engage the locker you must push the locker button. There is no setting that will automatically engage it.

In 4LO not engaging MTS and engaging the locker will give you a locked rear and an open front diff. Engaging MTS will add a brake simulated locked front diff and give you more traction.

 

You should look into it again. It is one of the best off road features we have on the truck.

 

I dont have my 16' any more but it never came in handy in the few places that truck got stuck. I tried it in a river bed where the diff lock made the situation worse, and the only solution was speed.

Maybe its because we don't really have loose rock/sand trails up here and most of the wheeling I did was mud and snow. I had Duratracs for summer and Studded Hankook winters for tires.

I went true wheeling about 6 times with the truck (4LO on a trail) and I still feel that whole system is a gimmick.

Some people swear by the simple A-Trac button as well but I just don't see it and hate ABS actuation. My next Toyota is going to be a FJ likely and I'll give it another go.