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Operation
Driving instructions
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45 degrees. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
shift automatic transmission to
position N), to prevent the vehicle from
speeding up too much after climbing a hill.
Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive
across the hilltop.
After climbing a hill, driving in this manner
prevents the vehicle from:
ț losing ground contact when cresting
hills
ț losing its forward momentum
ț speeding up too much after climbing
the hill
Driving downhill
ț Drive slowly.
ț Do not drive at an angle to the incline.
Steer into the line of gravity and drive
with the front wheels pointing straight
downhill. Otherwise, the vehicle may
slide sideways off the path and roll
over.
ț Shift automatic transmission to
position 1 (
୴ page 200).
ț On steep inclines, use the Downhill
Speed Regulation (
୴ page 275).
ț Utilize the engine’s braking power to
reduce vehicle speed.
If this is insufficient, apply the brake
gently. Make sure the vehicle is moving
in the line of gravity.
ț Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.
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The hill start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see “Hill start assist sys-
tem” (
୴ page 199).
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The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out on
a steep incline when the front wheels have then
the tendency to slip due to the weight shifting
towards the rear axle.
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and limits the
torque for the front wheels by braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is
increased.
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Vehicles with enhanced off-road package*
are equipped with automatic locks for the center
and rear axle differential to improve vehicle
traction.