Manual transmissions, once a common feature in pickup trucks, are rapidly fading into automotive history. For decades, the stick shift was synonymous with rugged work trucks and off-road vehicles, offering drivers a level of control and engagement that automatics simply couldn’t match. However, modern trucks have overwhelmingly shifted towards more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced automatic transmissions, leaving manual options in the dust. For enthusiasts who still relish the tactile feel of rowing through gears, the options for a brand-new Stick Shift Truck are vanishingly slim. In fact, for the 2025 model year, only a single pickup remains as a testament to this bygone era. This lone survivor represents the last stand for those who prefer a more hands-on driving experience in a market increasingly dominated by automatic and electric powertrains.
The decline of the manual transmission truck has been a gradual process, gaining momentum since the mid-2000s. America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-150, discontinued its manual transmission after 2008. Chevy Silverado followed suit even earlier, eliminating the option before 2007. The Ram 2500 HD held out the longest among full-size trucks, finally dropping its manual variant paired with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine after the 2018 model year.
This trend extends beyond full-size pickups. Even in the smaller and midsize truck segments, manual transmissions have become scarce in the American market. The Nissan Frontier, a popular midsize option, ceased offering a manual in 2019. The Ford Maverick, a newer compact truck, has never been available with a stick shift. Most recently, Jeep discontinued the standard six-speed manual transmission on the Gladiator mid-size pickup’s Sport and Willys trims just last year. This leaves only one truck standing with a manual transmission option for the 2025 model year, making the manual transmission truck a true rarity.
The Toyota Tacoma: The Sole 2025 Stick Shift Truck
Toyota Tacoma: Key Features
- A long-standing model since 1995.
- America’s top-selling midsize truck with impressive sales figures (192,813 units in 2024).
- Extensive aftermarket support for modifications like lift kits, armor, and lighting.
- Renowned for reliability and durability, with low annual maintenance costs estimated at $478 by RepairPal.
Despite the industry-wide shift away from manuals, Toyota has bucked the trend by retaining a manual transmission option for its redesigned, fourth-generation Tacoma. As the best-selling midsize truck in the US, the Tacoma’s commitment to the stick shift is significant for manual transmission enthusiasts. While the new Tacoma has transitioned to a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6, and offers a hybrid powertrain option called iForce Max, the six-speed manual remains available for those who prefer it. It’s important to note that the hybrid iForce Max powertrain is not compatible with the manual transmission, ensuring the stick shift truck experience remains distinct.
Toyota logo emblem, representing the brand known for offering the last stick shift truck, the Tacoma.The Tacoma’s turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder iForce engine delivers up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque when paired with an automatic transmission. However, models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission produce a slightly reduced output of 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque due to gearing differences. The base SR model further reduces output to 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Despite the slight power variations, the driving experience of the stick shift truck remains engaging. The manual Tacoma also includes features like automatic rev-matching for smoother downshifts and a clutch-start cancel feature for challenging uphill starts.
Toyota Tacoma Engine and Transmission Specs
| 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 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 in the Tacoma is not available with the iForce Max hybrid powertrain because of the electric motor’s placement between the engine and the automatic transmission. For those seeking a stick shift truck in the Tacoma lineup, the option is limited to four-wheel-drive double cab configurations on the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims. The TRD PreRunner and Limited models, along with the top-tier off-road models like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter, are exclusively paired with automatic transmissions.
Nissan Titan pickup truck, representing a modern pickup that no longer offers a manual transmission option.Tacoma Models Offering the Six-Speed Manual
Tacoma SR ($36,990)
The SR serves as the base model for the Tacoma, offering a straightforward and no-frills approach. To get the manual transmission, buyers need to opt for the double-cab and four-wheel-drive configuration, bringing the starting price to $36,990. This entry-level stick shift truck includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a black fabric interior, and an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For those prioritizing the manual driving experience on a budget, the SR is the most accessible Tacoma model.
Tacoma TRD Sport ($41,800)
The TRD Sport trim level offers a more street-oriented performance enhancement within the Tacoma lineup. It features a sport-tuned suspension with twin-tube shocks and 18-inch black TRD Sport wheels. The TRD Sport also expands exterior color choices and upgrades the infotainment system to a larger 12.3-inch screen, along with synthetic leather seating surfaces. While rear-wheel drive is available on this trim, it is not compatible with the manual transmission, ensuring the stick shift truck configuration remains four-wheel drive.
Tacoma TRD Off-Road ($41,800)
For those seeking a stick shift truck with enhanced off-road capabilities, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the ideal choice. Every TRD Off-Road model comes equipped with an electronically locking rear differential for improved traction on challenging terrains. An optional front stabilizer bar disconnect further increases front suspension articulation for demanding off-road conditions. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select off-road drive modes and Crawl Control, a low-speed off-road cruise control system, are also available, making this trim a robust option for adventurous drivers who prefer manual control.
Used Manual Transmission Pickup Truck Alternatives to the Tacoma
While the 2025 Toyota Tacoma stands alone as the new stick shift truck, the used market offers a few compelling alternatives for those seeking a manual pickup.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon model, a recent example of a manual transmission pickup truck now available in the used market.Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Although Jeep discontinued the Gladiator’s manual transmission for the 2025 model year, earlier models offer a recent option in the used market. Prior to 2025, 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. All Gladiators come standard with four-wheel drive, and the Rubicon trim is particularly well-suited for off-roading, featuring front and rear locking differentials, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, skid plates, and 33-inch tires. A used Gladiator Rubicon provides a capable and relatively modern stick shift truck experience.
2018 Ram 2500 HD
The 2018 Ram 2500 HD holds the distinction of being the last full-size pickup truck to offer a manual transmission. It was available on Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, and Lone Star models, but was discontinued due to low take rates, with over 90 percent of buyers opting for the automatic. The manual was exclusively paired with a robust 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six engine producing 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.
The Cummins engine’s G56 six-speed manual transmission was built with a heavy-duty flywheel to manage the high torque output. However, the manual transmission version of the 2500 HD offered slightly lower torque and towing capacities compared to the automatic variant, which boasted 370 hp and up to 800 lb-ft of torque. The manual-equipped Cummins could still handle up to 16,000 pounds of towing and a 3,000-pound payload. For those needing a heavy-duty stick shift truck, a used 2018 Ram 2500 HD is a powerful, albeit rare, option.
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 producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. While less powerful than the current hybrid, this generation TRD Pro offered robust off-road features including 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks, TRD-tuned springs, and Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar tires. Later models also included red TRD-branded upper control arms. One minor drawback of the manual transmission in the previous-gen TRD Pro was its incompatibility with Toyota’s Crawl Control system. Unlike the latest Tacoma, the older manual version lacked automatic rev-matching. However, a used previous-generation Tacoma TRD Pro remains a highly capable and desirable stick shift truck for off-road enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The era of the stick shift truck is undeniably waning. The Toyota Tacoma stands as the final new pickup truck offering a manual transmission, a testament to Toyota’s commitment to driver engagement and choice. While the used market provides a few alternatives like the Jeep Gladiator, Ram 2500 HD, and previous generation Tacoma TRD Pro, the trend is clear: manual transmissions in trucks are becoming increasingly rare. For those who value the unique connection and control of a stick shift in a pickup, the Toyota Tacoma represents a last opportunity to buy new, while the used market may offer some refuge for fans of the manual transmission truck for a limited time.
