There aren’t a ton of manual transmission trucks on the market anymore, but you can still shop for options like the Toyota Tacoma or the Jeep Gladiator.

Written by Melanie Krieps Mergen

Reviewed by John Davis

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
Modern manual transmission trucks
FAQs

While there aren’t many featured in today’s market, you can still find a select few manual transmission trucks ready to haul trailers and load their beds with cargo—such as the Toyota Tacoma or a Jeep Gladiator.

Manual transmissions on trucks are becoming rarer, but you can still find new and used options from manufacturers like Ford, Jeep, Toyota, and Ram.
Vehicles with manual transmissions tend to be cheaper to buy and maintain, but modern automatic transmissions are typically the winners when it comes to fuel economy.

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Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

A manual transmission, or stick shift, features a gearbox that allows the driver to choose between different gear ratios. It’s a great option for gearheads or anyone who loves the sound of the engine and the feel of the road.

Most people drive with automatic transmissions, especially in the U.S. Automatic vehicles choose the gear ratio for the driver, and are much more convenient for high-traffic areas.

Cars with

continuously variable transmission (CVT)

don’t use gears and rely on a continuous belt and pulley system. Basically, the CVT does its own thing without needing to “shift.”

Below, we’ll go through some of the advantages and disadvantages of a manual transmission for those of you still weighing your options.

Pro: Manual transmissions tend to be cheaper.

Pro: A manual transmission model is less likely to get stolen since between 44% and 84% of American drivers don’t know how to drive a stick.

Pro: Manual transmissions have lower repair and maintenance costs than automatic models.

Pro: More power and control over your drive, which means more fun.

Con: Three-pedal driving can be challenging in congested stop-and-go traffic.

Con: Learning to drive a manual car is hard, and with fewer models on the market, finding someone to teach you may be difficult.

Con: While in the past, manual transmissions earned better fuel economy, that’s no longer the case. Automatic takes the fuel economy cake.

These days, manual transmissions are hard to find. As of 2021, just 27 new cars with a manual transmission were available in the U.S.

Here’s a look at some of the new and used manual trucks you might be able to find on the market today.

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Top 10 cheap used trucks

Modern manual transmission trucks

2022 Toyota Tacoma: This truck offers an optional manual transmission that comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp. The four-wheel-drive TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro offer drivers a six-speed manual transmission.

2022 Jeep Gladiator: The 2022 Gladiator pickup sports a six-speed manual transmission with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 285 hp. On most trims, this transmission is standard, and an eight-speed automatic comes with the diesel option.

2021 Jeep Gladiator: The 2021 Gladiator comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and won’t limit your access to specific trim levels. However, Jeep recalled 42,887 vehicles, including 2018 to 2021 Wrangler models and 2020–2021 Gladiator models with manual transmissions due to a faulty clutch pressure plate.

2018 Ram 2500 Laramie: This Ram is rated to tow 17,480 pounds (and 4,000 more pounds than that with the Mega Cab with dual rear wheels added). The highest trim with a clutch pedal, the Laramie cranks out 660 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline-6 engine.

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FAQs

Does Ford still make a manual?

Ford has three models that come with a manual transmission by default. Unlike other stick-shift models disappearing from the market altogether, Ford has kept a handful of some of their most popular models available to their customers, including certain trims of the Bronco and the Mustang. Manual connoisseurs rejoice!

Does Ram still make a manual?

Ram discontinued all manual transmission truck production and sales in America in 2019. You can still find new models, but they’re outdated by a couple of years. If you’re set on having a Ram with a manual transmission, you’re more likely to find pre-owned options.

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