The ancient, current-generation Toyota Tacoma is set to be replaced by an all-new model. When it dies, we assumed that its six-speed manual would go with it. After all, the teasers have confirmed it'll offer a hybrid drivetrain, a removable speaker, and (finally) a modern rear brake system, so Toyota seems to be focusing on modernizing the truck. On Tuesday, however, the company confirmed that one old-school feature is sticking around: the manual transmission.
"Legends are more than automatic; they always come in clutch," the company's release says. "The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, available with a six-speed manual transmission. Stay tuned for more."
So while Chevy, Ford, GMC, and Nissan have abandoned the stick-shift midsize truck market, buyers still have two choices left: The Tacoma and the Jeep Gladiator. They're two of only four 4x4, body-on-frame manual vehicles left on sale, the other two being the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. The list continues to dwindle but, for now, manual Toyota truck fans can rest easy.
Arguably the most fickle member of the Road & Track staff, Reviews Editor Mack Hogan is likely the only person to ever cross shop an ND Miata with an Isuzu Vehicross. He founded the automotive reviews section of CNBC during his sophomore year of college and has been writing about cars ever since.
