For automotive purists and driving enthusiasts, the satisfying engagement of a manual transmission remains unmatched. In an era dominated by automatics and the rise of electric vehicles, the option to row your own gears is becoming increasingly scarce, especially in the truck segment. This week, we delve into the dwindling world of New Manual Trucks, exploring why they are fading away and which models still offer this cherished feature.
The question of transmission preference has ignited debates among car enthusiasts for decades. While automatic transmissions offer convenience and, in modern iterations, impressive efficiency, they often lack the visceral connection that a manual gearbox provides. This sentiment is clearly echoed in a question from a reader, KenDont1980, who laments the decline of manuals and celebrates the joy of driving a stick shift.
2020 Honda Civic Type R interior showcasing manual transmission
The Manual Transmission in Trucks: A Dying Breed?
KenDont1980 asks a question that resonates with many driving enthusiasts: “Why do people insist on driving boring cars when a manual can make the drive fun?” His frustration is understandable, especially when considering the truck market. For years, manual transmissions were a staple in pickup trucks, associated with ruggedness and driver control. However, the automotive landscape has shifted dramatically.
The answer, unfortunately, is that the list of new trucks with manual transmissions is shrinking rapidly. As of the current model year, only a solitary automaker offers a manual transmission in a pickup truck in the consumer market: Toyota, with the Tacoma. Jeep, a brand synonymous with manual gearboxes in models like the Wrangler and Gladiator, discontinued the manual option for the Gladiator in 2025, further narrowing the choices for stick shift enthusiasts seeking a truck.
This scarcity raises a crucial question: why are manual transmission trucks becoming so rare? The primary driver is consumer demand, or rather, the lack thereof. As highlighted in the original article, less than 2.5% of automobile sales in the United States are manuals. While this percentage has seen a slight uptick, it’s not enough to sway automakers to retain manual options across their lineups, particularly in segments like trucks where practicality and mass appeal often take precedence over driver engagement for the majority of buyers.
The Allure of Manual Trucks: Why They Still Matter
Despite the declining numbers, manual trucks retain a dedicated following. For some drivers, the manual transmission is not just a feature; it’s an integral part of the driving experience. It offers a greater sense of control, allowing drivers to precisely manage engine RPMs and torque delivery, particularly beneficial in off-road situations or when towing – scenarios often associated with trucks. The engagement and involvement of shifting gears can transform a routine drive into a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
Furthermore, for some, owning a new manual truck is a statement. It’s a rejection of the increasingly automated and homogenized driving experience. It’s a nod to a time when driving was a more tactile and skill-based activity. In a world moving towards autonomous vehicles, the manual transmission represents a connection to the mechanical heart of the machine.
Beyond Manuals: A Glimpse at Shifting Automotive Priorities (and a Nod to EVs)
While the focus here is on the scarcity of new manual trucks, the original article also touches upon another significant shift in the automotive world: the rise of electric vehicles and range-extending technologies. The article discusses the Ram Ramcharger and Scout Terra, trucks utilizing range extenders to alleviate range anxiety associated with all-electric pickups.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger chassis showcasing range extender technology
This discussion, while seemingly separate from the topic of manual transmissions, reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry: a move towards alternative powertrains and technologies that prioritize efficiency and environmental concerns. The focus is shifting from purely mechanical engagement (like manual transmissions) to technological advancements aimed at sustainability and convenience.
However, for those who still crave the mechanical connection and driver involvement, the dwindling availability of new manual trucks makes models like the Toyota Tacoma all the more significant. They represent a rare breed, a testament to a driving experience that, while becoming niche, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Embrace the Manual While You Still Can
The future of manual transmissions, especially in trucks, appears uncertain. Experts predict their eventual extinction within a decade. For those who appreciate the unique engagement and control offered by a manual gearbox, particularly in a truck, the message is clear: appreciate and perhaps even acquire one of the few remaining new manual trucks while the option still exists. The Toyota Tacoma stands as a lonely beacon for stick shift truck enthusiasts, a reminder of a driving era that is rapidly fading into automotive history.
