
Land Cruiser's method for operating the tank turn is as follows: 1. Shift to N gear. 2. Switch to low-range four-wheel drive mode. 3. Shift to D gear. 4. Activate the crawl mode and release the brake. 5. Turn the steering wheel to a certain angle. 6. Press the tank turn button and control the speed with the SPEED button. Extended related information is as follows: 1. Tank Turn: Once activated, the vehicle will control the left or right rear wheel to reduce the turning radius, ensuring the ability to turn around on very narrow roads. 2. The crawl mode added in the new version of Land Cruiser can be simply understood as: the car can automatically control the engine's torque output, transmission system, and brakes, allowing the car to pass through rough terrain at a very slow speed. This ensures that the car will not experience wheel slip or get stuck due to excessive speed.

As a frequent self-driving traveler, when I take my Land Cruiser off-road on mountain trails, I use the tank turn feature, which is very simple to operate. After stopping the car, locate the tank icon button on the center console and press it to activate. When the system indicator lights up, it means the feature is successfully enabled. Then, slowly turn the steering wheel to the desired direction. The inner wheels will be automatically braked, allowing the car to turn around instantly within a small radius, much tighter than a normal turn. I've tried it on sandy or muddy terrain, and it works exceptionally well. However, remember never to use it on dry, hard surfaces, as it will cause rapid tire wear. Once, during a camping trip, I accidentally used it on concrete and immediately stopped in panic. With a bit of practice, this feature can really save time. When encountering narrow off-road paths or emergency turns, it acts like a helpful assistant.

When I first bought the Land Cruiser, I was curious about how to use the Tank Turn feature. After actual experience, it turned out to be quite simple. When operating, make sure the vehicle is completely stopped or moving extremely slowly—below 5 km/h is safest. Locate the tank button near the steering wheel on the center console, press it to activate, and then turn the steering wheel. The system will lock the inner wheel to help make tight turns. I tried it once in the countryside and managed a smooth U-turn effortlessly. However, it becomes ineffective if the speed is too high—I nearly hit a tree during a misoperation. It’s recommended to use it only on soft surfaces like sand or wet terrain; otherwise, the tires may get damaged. Remember to deactivate the button promptly after use to resume normal driving. This feature is very beginner-friendly, and once mastered, it makes camping trips or navigating narrow paths much easier.

Tank Turn reduces the turning radius by braking the inner wheels. When operating the Land Cruiser, first come to a complete stop or maintain an extremely low speed, typically below 5 km/h. Press the dedicated switch on the center console to activate the function. Once the indicator light illuminates, turn the steering wheel in the desired direction. The system automatically controls the inner wheel braking to achieve a tight turn. Note that the surface must be loose, such as sand or mud, to avoid excessive wear. The function will be disabled at higher speeds, with safety features built into the system.

From a safety perspective, I would emphasize the key operational points of tank turn. Before use, come to a complete stop and ensure the surrounding environment is safe before activating the function via the central control button. During the slow turning process, the system automatically operates by braking the inner wheels to assist the turn—speed must be kept low or the system won't respond. Road surface selection is crucial; only apply this function in off-road areas or on loose ground to avoid tire damage. I make it a habit to reset the function immediately after use to reduce the risk of accidental activation. This design is well-considered and suitable even for novice drivers.

The Tank Turn feature on the Land Cruiser is widely useful not just for off-roading but also in urban areas. To operate, first bring the vehicle to a complete stop, press the tank logo button on the center console to activate, then turn the steering wheel to easily achieve a small-radius turn—especially handy for U-turns on narrow roads. After driving for several years, I've found it most effective at low speeds; the system relies on internal braking to reduce the turning radius, designed to be reliable and convenient. Avoid using it on hard surfaces to prevent damage, and regularly maintain the vehicle's functionality and cleanliness.


