The Decline of Manual Pickup Trucks in America
The manual transmission pickup truck, once a staple for those who wanted control over their vehicle’s performance, is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. In 2025, the Toyota Tacoma stands as the last new pickup truck available with a manual transmission, marking the end of an era that began to fade as automakers shifted towards automatic transmissions for their improved fuel efficiency and power potential.
Historically, nearly every automaker offered manual transmissions in at least one of their truck models, providing drivers with greater control over performance. However, this began to change in the 2000s as consumer trends and financial pressures led manufacturers to favor automatics. The result has been the gradual disappearance of manual pickup trucks from new car lots.
The Fall of Manual Transmission Trucks
Several notable trucks have discontinued their manual transmission options over the years:
- 2006: Ram SRT-10, the last performance pickup with a manual
- 2008: Ram 1500, discontinued manual transmission two years later
- 2012: Ford Ranger, ended with the third-generation model’s demise
- 2018: Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, discontinued six-speed manual on base trims
- 2018: Ram 2500 Heavy Duty, last heavy-duty truck with a manual until 2019
- 2019: Nissan Frontier, final model year with manual transmission before 2020 refresh
By 2020, only the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma remained as options for manual transmission enthusiasts. However, the Jeep Gladiator has now also abandoned its manual transmission, leaving the Tacoma as the sole survivor.
The Jeep Gladiator’s Manual Transmission Demise
Introduced in 2019, the Jeep Gladiator was a breath of fresh air for manual enthusiasts, offering a manual transmission across all trims. However, its Pentastar V6 engine, while reliable, was not ideal for the Gladiator, delivering only 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission made the driving experience frustrating due to its lack of smoothness, and it limited towing capacity to 4,000 lbs. The fuel economy was also disappointing, with real-world tests showing around 16 MPG combined.
The Last Manual Pickup: 2025 Toyota Tacoma
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is now the only pickup truck available with a manual transmission. The manual is available as a no-cost option on the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims, but only for Double Cab models with 4WD and a 5-foot bed. The base SR model starts at $36,990 and comes with a more powerful version of the i-Force engine, producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The manual Tacoma features automatic rev-match downshifting and a no-clutch starting option, enhancing off-road capability. While the manual transmission provides more control, it doesn’t significantly impact fuel economy or towing capacity. However, critics have noted that the manual Tacoma isn’t as satisfying to drive as expected, with a 0-60 mph time of over 7 seconds compared to 6.5 seconds for automatic models.
The Uncertain Future of Manual Transmissions
As Toyota continues to explore hybridization and emissions regulations tighten, the long-term viability of the manual transmission in the Tacoma is uncertain. Despite being a passion project for Toyota, the manual Tacoma’s sales are unlikely to justify its continuation beyond the fourth-generation model’s lifecycle. The automotive world may be witnessing the final chapter in the history of manual transmission pickup trucks in the US.
The manual Toyota Tacoma is a nostalgic nod to the past, but its future remains precarious. As the last of its kind, it deserves appreciation while it’s still available, as it may soon become a relic of automotive history.
