Manual transmissions, once a hallmark of rugged capability and driver engagement in pickup trucks, are rapidly fading into automotive history. For decades, the satisfying control of a stick shift was synonymous with trucks built for hard work and off-road adventures. However, the rise of efficient and sophisticated automatic transmissions has pushed the manual “Stick Shift Truck” to the brink of extinction. In 2025, only a single new pickup model offers the joy of rowing your own gears, marking a poignant moment for enthusiasts who cherish the connection to their machine. This lone survivor represents a dwindling breed in a market increasingly dominated by automatics and the looming wave of electric vehicles.
The decline of the manual transmission truck has been a gradual process, accelerating since the mid-2000s. America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-150, eliminated its manual option after 2008. Chevy Silverado followed suit even earlier, dropping the stick shift in 2007. The Ram 2500 HD held out longer as the last full-size pickup offering a manual, finally discontinuing it after the 2018 model year when equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine.
This trend extends beyond full-size trucks. Even in the smaller, midsize truck segment, manual transmissions have become scarce. The Nissan Frontier, a popular midsize option, ceased offering a manual in 2019. The Ford Maverick, a newer entrant, never offered one. Most recently, Jeep discontinued the manual transmission on the Gladiator mid-size pickup’s Sport and Willys trims just last year. This leaves only one beacon of hope for stick shift enthusiasts seeking a new truck in 2025.
Related: The Rarest Ford Pickup Truck Ever Made Was A Convertible
The Toyota Tacoma: The Last New Stick Shift Truck Standing in 2025
Amidst this vanishing act, the Toyota Tacoma remains a steadfast champion for the manual transmission. As the best-selling midsize truck in America, Toyota has consciously chosen to preserve the stick shift option even as it introduced a new generation of the Tacoma. The fourth-generation Tacoma features a downsized turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, with an optional hybrid powertrain called iForce Max. While the hybrid is exclusively paired with an automatic transmission, a six-speed manual gearbox is still available for those who prefer a more hands-on driving experience in their “stick shift truck”.
The Tacoma’s turbocharged 2.4-liter 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 produce a slightly detuned 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque due to gearing considerations. The base SR model offers a less powerful version of this engine, producing 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of output, the manual transmission Tacoma includes a rev-matching feature for smoother downshifts and a clutch-start cancel for navigating challenging inclines, enhancing both on-road and off-road driving.
Toyota Tacoma Key Specs (Manual vs. Automatic vs. Hybrid)
| Tacoma iForce (six-speed manual) | Tacoma iForce (eight-speed auto) | Tacoma iForce Max (hybrid) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | Eight-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 228-270 hp | 278 hp |
| Torque | 243-310 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6,500 pounds | 6,500 pounds |
| Max Payload | 1,705 pounds | 1,705 pounds |
| Starting MSRP | $38,485 | $31,590 |
The six-speed manual in the Tacoma is not available with the iForce Max hybrid system because of the electric motor’s integration with the eight-speed automatic. For those seeking a “stick shift truck” Tacoma, the manual 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 TRD Pro and Trailhunter off-road models, are exclusively offered with automatic transmissions.
Related: 10 New Pickup Trucks That Combine Power And Reliability
Tacoma Models Still Offering the Six-Speed Manual Transmission
Tacoma SR: The Entry-Level Stick Shift Truck ($36,990)
The Tacoma SR serves as the base model, offering a no-frills entry point into the Tacoma lineup. To get the manual transmission, buyers must opt for the double-cab and four-wheel-drive version, bringing the starting price to $36,990. This trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a black fabric interior, and an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR is the most affordable path to owning a new “stick shift truck”, though those seeking more features will want to consider the TRD models.
Tacoma TRD Sport: The Sporty Manual Truck ($41,800)
The Tacoma TRD Sport leans towards on-road performance with a sport-tuned suspension featuring twin-tube shocks and 18-inch black TRD Sport wheels. It also offers a wider range of exterior color options and upgrades the infotainment system to a larger 12.3-inch screen. Seats are upholstered in synthetic leather for added comfort. While rear-wheel drive is available on the TRD Sport, it’s not compatible with the manual transmission, which is exclusively offered with four-wheel drive.
Tacoma TRD Off-Road: The Off-Road Ready Stick Shift Truck ($41,800)
For off-road enthusiasts who prefer a manual transmission, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the ideal choice. It features an electronically locking rear differential for enhanced traction on challenging terrain. An optional front stabilizer bar disconnect further improves off-road capability by increasing front wheel articulation. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select off-road drive modes and Crawl Control, a low-speed cruise control system for off-roading, are also available, making it a highly capable “stick shift truck” for adventurous drivers.
Used Manual Transmission Pickup Truck Alternatives to Consider
For those unable to secure a new manual transmission Tacoma or seeking other options, the used market offers a few compelling “stick shift truck” alternatives.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: Used Off-Road Manual Fun
While Jeep discontinued the Gladiator’s manual transmission for the 2025 model year, used models still offer this desirable feature. 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. The Rubicon, being Jeep’s most off-road-focused model, boasts front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, skid plates, and 33-inch tires, making it a formidable used “stick shift truck” for off-road adventures.
2018 Ram 2500 HD: The Last Full-Size Manual Pickup
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, paired exclusively with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six engine. While demand for the manual was low (under 10% of buyers), it provided a unique option for those wanting a heavy-duty “stick shift truck”. The Cummins engine produced 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque when mated to the G56 six-speed manual transmission, offering robust capability, though slightly less than the automatic version.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro (Previous Generation): A Used Manual Tacoma Option
The previous generation Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro also offered a six-speed manual transmission, paired with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This older TRD Pro provided a capable off-road platform with Fox internal bypass shocks, TRD-tuned springs, and Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar tires. While less powerful than the current hybrid Tacoma, the previous-gen TRD Pro with a manual remains a sought-after used “stick shift truck” for Toyota enthusiasts.
The era of the “stick shift truck” is undeniably waning. The Toyota Tacoma stands as the sole new model carrying the torch for manual transmissions in the pickup segment. While the used market offers a few alternatives, the long-term future for manual trucks remains uncertain as the automotive industry increasingly embraces electrification. For now, enthusiasts can still find joy and engagement in the few remaining stick shift trucks available, celebrating a driving experience that is quickly becoming a cherished memory.
