Manual transmissions in pickup trucks are fading into history, much like classic film cameras in the age of smartphones. Once a common feature in work vehicles and off-road adventurers, the satisfying three-pedal setup has almost vanished from today’s trucks, replaced by the convenience of automatic transmissions. For drivers who cherish the engaging experience of shifting gears themselves, the 2025 model year presents a stark reality: only a single Manual Transmission Truck remains available brand new. This lone survivor is the last chance for enthusiasts to enjoy the tactile control of a stick shift in a new truck amidst an industry increasingly focused on electric and automatic options.
The decline of the manual transmission truck has been a gradual process since the mid-2000s. The Ford F-150, America’s perennial favorite pickup, discontinued its manual option after 2008. Chevrolet Silverado followed suit even earlier, dropping manuals in 2007. The Ram 2500 HD held out the longest among full-size trucks, finally removing its manual transmission paired with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six after the 2018 model year.
Even within the smaller truck segments, manual transmissions have become scarce in the American market. The Nissan Frontier, a popular midsize truck, eliminated the manual option in 2019. The Ford Maverick, a newer entry in the compact truck segment, has never offered a manual transmission. Just recently, Jeep discontinued the standard six-speed manual on the Gladiator mid-size pickup’s Sport and Willys trims for the 2025 model year. This leaves just one lone pickup truck offering a manual transmission for the upcoming model year.
The Toyota Tacoma: The Sole Manual Transmission Truck in 2025
Toyota Tacoma: Key Highlights
- A market presence since 1995, showcasing decades of refinement.
- America’s best-selling midsize truck, with 192,813 units sold in 2024, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
- A robust aftermarket and extensive modification support for lift kits, armor, lighting, and more, catering to customization enthusiasts.
- Renowned for reliability and durability, with low annual maintenance costs of approximately $478, according to RepairPal data.
When Toyota redesigned its best-selling midsize truck for a new generation, they made a deliberate choice to keep the manual transmission option available. The fourth-generation Tacoma has shifted from a V6 to a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, also offering a hybrid version known as iForce Max. While the hybrid powertrain is exclusively paired with an automatic transmission, a six-speed manual remains an option for those who prefer it with the standard turbocharged engine.
The turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder iForce engine in the Tacoma delivers 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque when paired with an automatic transmission. However, models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission are slightly detuned to produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, likely due to gearing considerations. The base SR model offers a lower output of 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Despite the slight power reduction, the manual transmission version includes features that enhance the driving experience, such as automatic rev-matching for smoother downshifts and a clutch-start cancel feature, beneficial for challenging uphill starts.
Toyota Tacoma: Specifications Overview
| Feature | Tacoma iForce (six-speed manual) | Tacoma iForce (eight-speed auto) | Tacoma iForce Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 228-270 hp | 278 hp | 326 hp |
| Torque | 243-310 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6,500 pounds | 6,500 pounds | 6,000 pounds |
| Max Payload | 1,705 pounds | 1,705 pounds | 1,710 pounds |
| Starting MSRP | $38,485 | $31,590 | $46,320 |
The six-speed manual transmission in the Tacoma is not available with the iForce Max hybrid powertrain. This is because the electric motor in the hybrid system is integrated between the eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine. For those wanting a manual Tacoma, the option is limited to four-wheel-drive double cab configurations in SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims. The TRD PreRunner and Limited models, along with the top-tier off-road models TRD Pro and Trailhunter, do not offer the manual transmission and are exclusively available with the iForce Max hybrid engine.
Tacoma Trims Offering the Six-Speed Manual
Tacoma SR ($36,990)
The SR serves as the base trim for the Tacoma, offering a no-frills approach. To equip it with a manual transmission, buyers need to choose the double-cab and four-wheel-drive configuration, bringing the starting price to $36,990. This model includes fewer exterior color choices, 17-inch alloy wheels, a black cloth interior, and an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR is the most budget-friendly way to get a manual Tacoma. For those seeking more features in their manual pickup, the TRD trims are worth exploring.
Tacoma TRD Sport ($41,800)
Among the Tacoma’s TRD models, the TRD Sport is tailored more for on-road performance. It features a sport-tuned suspension with twin-tube shocks and 18-inch black TRD Sport wheels. The TRD Sport also expands exterior color options. The infotainment system is upgraded to a larger 12.3-inch screen, and the seats are upholstered in synthetic leather. While rear-wheel drive is an option, it is not compatible with the manual transmission; rear-wheel-drive models receive an automatic limited-slip differential.
Tacoma TRD Off-Road ($41,800)
For drivers intending to take their manual Tacoma off the beaten path, the TRD Off-Road is the ideal choice. Every TRD Off-Road model comes with an electronically locking rear differential for enhanced traction on challenging terrains. An optional front stabilizer bar disconnect is available to increase front suspension articulation at the push of a button. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select off-road drive modes and Crawl Control, a low-speed off-road cruise control system, are also offered to further enhance off-road capabilities.
Used Manual Transmission Pickup Truck Alternatives to the Tacoma
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Jeep discontinued the manual transmission option for the Gladiator starting in the 2025 model year. Prior to this, the Gladiator’s six-speed manual was available with the 285-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine on Sport, Sport S, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon trims. While an eight-speed automatic was also offered, the manual provided a more direct connection to the vehicle. All Gladiators come standard with four-wheel drive, and the Rubicon trim is known as Jeep’s most off-road-focused model. It includes front and rear locking differentials, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar for improved wheel articulation, skid plates, 33-inch tires, and a host of other off-road features.
2018 Ram 2500 HD
The 2018 Ram 2500 HD was the last full-size pickup truck to offer a manual transmission. It was available on Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, and Lone Star models. The manual option was discontinued after data showed that over 90 percent of buyers preferred the six-speed automatic transmission. The manual was exclusively paired with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six engine producing 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.
The Cummins’ G56 six-speed manual transmission was built with a heavy-duty flywheel to manage the engine’s high torque output. However, the manual transmission version of the 2500 HD offered reduced torque and towing capacity compared to the automatic variant, which boasted 370 hp and up to 800 lb-ft of torque. With the six-speed manual, the Cummins engine could handle towing up to 16,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,000 pounds, still substantial figures for a work-capable truck.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro (Previous Generation)
The previous generation Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, unlike the current hybrid model, was available with a six-speed manual transmission. It was paired with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. While less powerful than the current hybrid powertrain, it offered a classic, naturally aspirated driving experience. The third-generation TRD Pro featured 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks with TRD-tuned springs and Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar tires mounted on 16-inch TRD Pro wheels. Later models also included red TRD-branded upper control arms. One limitation of the manual transmission in the previous-gen TRD Pro was its incompatibility with Toyota’s Crawl Control system, an off-road cruise control feature available with the automatic. Unlike the latest Tacoma, the previous generation’s manual transmission did not include automatic rev-matching.
