The Manual Transmission Pickup Truck: A Dying Breed
Manual transmissions, once a standard feature in a variety of vehicles, are disappearing. This trend is especially evident among pickup trucks, where automated options have become the norm. However, a single holdout remains, offering a chance for truck enthusiasts to enjoy the unique driving experience of a stick shift. In 2025, the Toyota Tacoma is the only pickup truck available with a manual transmission, representing the last opportunity for drivers to row through the gears in a brand-new truck.
The decline of the manual transmission in trucks began in the mid-2000s. The Ford F-150, America’s best-selling truck, phased out its manual option after 2008. The Chevrolet Silverado eliminated the manual even earlier, in 2007. The last full-size pickup offering this feature in the United States was the Ram 2500 HD, which discontinued its manual option with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six after the 2018 model year. Even smaller trucks have mostly abandoned the manual: the Nissan Frontier discontinued its manual transmission in 2019, and the new Ford Maverick never even offered it.
Furthermore, Jeep eliminated the standard six-speed manual from the Gladiator mid-size pickup’s Sport and Willys trims just last year. This leaves the Toyota Tacoma as the only choice for those wanting a new truck with a manual transmission in 2025.
The Toyota Tacoma: The Lone Ranger of Manual Trucks
Since 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has been on the market, and it is known for its reliability and durability. Its strong aftermarket support and low maintenance costs further add to its appeal as America’s best-selling midsize truck and the only one available with a manual transmission.
When Toyota launched the fourth-generation Tacoma, they ensured that a manual transmission option would remain available. The latest Tacoma features a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, with an available hybrid setup that Toyota calls iForce Max. While the hybrid model pairs with an automatic transmission, a six-speed manual transmission is offered for those who want complete control over their driving experience.
The turbocharged 2.4-liter iForce engine delivers impressive performance. When coupled with the manual transmission, it produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For customers who opt for the base SR model with the manual transmission, the engine generates 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Even with the slightly reduced power output, drivers will still find the manual Tacoma to be an enjoyable vehicle to operate. The trucks also feature an automatic rev-matching feature for smooth downshifts, as well as a clutch-start cancel for managing steep inclines.
Toyota Tacoma Key Specs
The Tacoma’s six-speed manual transmission is not available on the iForce Max hybrid because the electric motor is integrated with the eight-speed automatic:
If you want to buy a Tacoma with a manual transmission, it is available only in four-wheel-drive double cab models. Furthermore it can be purchased in SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims. The TRD PreRunner and Limited models are not available with the six-speed stick, nor are the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models.
Tacoma Models Available With The Six-Speed Manual
The manual transmission is available on the following models:
- Tacoma SR ($36,990): As the base model, the SR is relatively basic, therefore, upgrades to a double-cab model and four-wheel drive are needed. It features fewer exterior color options, 17-inch alloy wheels, a black fabric interior, and an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Tacoma TRD Sport ($41,800): This model has a sport-tuned suspension system. This trim includes twin-tube shocks and 18-inch black TRD Sport wheels. The TRD Sport has four more exterior color choices, with a 12.3-inch screen infotainment system, and seats wrapped in synthetic leather.
- Tacoma TRD Off-Road ($41,800): This model offers an electronically locking rear differential that increases traction on rugged terrain. Buyers can also select the option of a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select off-road drive modes and Crawl Control are also available.
As the market trends towards automation and electrification, the Toyota Tacoma offers the automotive enthusiast the last chance to experience the driving pleasure of having a manual transmission in a truck. This allows drivers to embrace the tradition of gear shifting while still experiencing the joy of driving a new vehicle.
