How to Perform a Pivot Turn in a Land Cruiser?
3 Answers
The tutorial for performing a pivot turn in a Land Cruiser is as follows: 1. Shift into P or N gear and activate the low-range four-wheel drive mode; 2. Shift to D gear, engage the crawl control mode, and release the brake; 3. Once the vehicle enters automatic driving mode, turn the steering wheel to a certain angle, then use the speed button to control the speed and complete the pivot turn. Taking the Land Cruiser 2016 model as an example, its body dimensions are: length 5095mm, width 1975mm, and height 1930mm. The Land Cruiser 2016 model is equipped with a 4.0L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 202kW and a maximum torque of 385Nm, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
When I take my Land Cruiser off-roading, I often use the pivot turn feature, especially in tight mountain trails or desert situations where space is limited. The method is simple: first, bring the vehicle to a complete stop, switch to low-range four-wheel drive mode, then activate the Turn Assist option in the Multi-Terrain Select system on the dashboard. When you turn the steering wheel to one side (for example, full left lock), the wheels automatically control the inner wheels to rotate slower while the outer wheels turn faster, making the vehicle rotate in place like a tank. I've tried this multiple times during my Tibet travels - it takes less than half a minute to complete a full turn, saving considerable hassle. However, remember the ground must be level and firm; attempting this on slopes or soft/wet terrain may cause tire slippage or suspension component damage. Beginners should practice this safety operation first in open areas to familiarize themselves with the system sounds and vibrations. This feature adds convenience to wilderness expeditions and reduces the operational difficulties caused by the vehicle's large dimensions.
As an owner, I've found that the Land Cruiser's pivot turn relies on the vehicle's intelligent systems. First, check if the tire pressure is normal to avoid abnormal wear. During operation, switch to low-range 4WD and activate Crawl Control while steering. The vehicle achieves rotation through motor-controlled wheel speed differential. I've tested it in parking lots - with steering assist enabled, simply turning the wheel completes the maneuver without additional tools. This technology is very helpful on rough terrain, but avoid attempting it on asphalt roads as it causes significant tire wear and violates traffic regulations. I recommend consulting the vehicle manual or online tutorials to learn basic steps and practice gradually to avoid abrupt operations. For older models without this feature, retrofitting is costly - better to choose a new factory model. Regularly monitor electronic system health to ensure smooth and safe steering.
