While not everyone understands the appeal, there is no replacement for a manual transmission to old-school drivers and enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a pickup truck in 2025 that still offers the setup, however, you’re now unfortunately limited to a single option.
Of the many new pickup trucks to choose from in 2025, there is only one automaker who still sees value in the analog method of shifting gears. A manual transmission gives you a deeper connection with your vehicle and lets you control how you want to drive, which is something that many of us see as invaluable.
We explore the only truck still sold in America with a manual transmission. Getting the old-school shifter isn’t a straightforward process, though, and we explore how you need to configure your truck to select the six-speed. We also explore whether or not it is worth the sacrifices that you unfortunately have to make.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
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The 2025 Toyota Tacoma Can Be Had With a Manual
While the manual is certainly being phased out in just about every segment in the automotive world, Toyota has identified its value and still offers their mid-size truck with an analog transmission. However, not every model gets the manual, and you have to choose what is most important to you.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Models |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
SR |
$31,590 |
|
SR5 |
$36,220 |
|
TRD PreRunner |
$38,120 |
|
TRD Sport |
$39,400 |
|
TRD Off-Road |
$41,800 |
|
Limited |
$52,555 |
|
Trailhunter |
$62,735 |
|
TRD Pro |
$62,735 |
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is one of the most affordable options if you’re looking for mid-size pickup truck. If you’re looking for something simple and reliable, it is definitely a fantastic choice. This is also the sophomore year for the newest generation of the Tacoma, meaning it comes with plenty of modern equipment.
If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful, the SR and SR5 are super capable and keep to a tight budget without sacrificing the important bits. TRD Sport models focus on on-road refinement while TRD Off-road models tackle tough terrain. Limited models come loaded with comfortable equipment, while the Trailhunter and TRD Pro offer a comprehensive off-road package.
Only a Few Trims Get the Manual
Unfortunately, the manual transmission is not available across the board. Only specific trims can be equipped with the six-speed instead of the eight-speed automatic. This means that you have to be a little more selective if you really want a more analog experience in your Tacoma.
The base SR model can be equipped with the six-speed, but you need to opt for a double cab model and four-wheel drive. As the XtraCab is standard, as is rear-wheel drive, this means you have to spend an additional $5,400 for the manual. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models can also be equipped with the manual transmission. However, both of these models are double cabs as standard, meaning you only have to add four-wheel drive for $2,400.
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The Manual Is Exclusive to Gas-Only Models
Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR
For the 2025 model year, Toyota offers the Tacoma as either a traditional gas-only truck or a hybrid. The hybrid model comes with a lot of benefits, from improved fuel efficiency to plenty of additional power. However, if you want the manual transmission, you’re stuck with regular petrol power.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
228 HP |
270 HP |
|
Torque |
243 LB-FT |
310 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
RWD or 4WD |
RWD or 4WD |
A turbocharged four-cylinder sits under the hood of every Tacoma for 2025. However, not all are built equal. The base SR gets a detuned version of the powertrain, which kind of kills its appeal a little bit. However, every other gas-only model puts out a pretty sturdy level of power.
Of the three models that can be had with the manual transmission, the SR is by far the most old-school. It even features leaf-springs at the back. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport instead feature coil springs. The coil springs definitely improve the on-road refinement of the new Tacoma. As mentioned before, only models equipped with four-wheel drive can make use of the manual.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4WD M/T |
18 MPG |
23 MPG |
20 MPG |
|
4WD A/T |
19 MPG |
24 MPG |
21 MPG |
|
RWD A/T |
20 MPG |
26 MPG |
23 MPG |
There isn’t a massive difference between models equipped with the manual transmission and those with the automatic transmission. The automatic models are a little more efficient, though, achieving one mile per gallon more in testing. However, the automatic can be had in models with rear-wheel drive, which gain another two miles per gallon combined.
Hybrid models may provide a lot more power, but they aren’t that much more efficient. The most efficient Tacoma with the hybrid powertrain only manages 24 miles per gallon combined.
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The Updated Tacoma Has What It Takes to Beat Its Rivals
Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
A year in to the updated generation, we can say with confidence that Toyota has done an excellent job of modernizing the Tacoma. Before, it felt a little outdated, and it was hard to recommend it over other mid-size trucks. Now, however, it is easily one of the best value for money options there is.
Designed to Be Capable
The mid-size pickup segment exists because most people don’t realistically need the capability that full-size half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks offer. However, they still need to be able to hold their own. The Tacoma does just that. When equipped right, it can tow up to 6,500 pounds.
The SR keeps things simple for those looking for a work truck, with the option of either an XtraCab with a six-foot bed or a double cab and a five-foot bed. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-road are double cabs as standard, but you can configure them to come with extended six-foot beds.
A More Modern Interior
Toyota has done a lot to update the Tacoma, with the interior showing some of the biggest improvements. Things are still kept neat and utilitarian, with a simple and easy-to-use layout. An eight-inch infotainment screen is standard, with a 14-inch unit being optional, but there are still plenty of physical buttons and dials to control the most important functions in the cabin.
Technology has definitely been improved as well, with tons of standard offerings on the new Taco truck. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every model. A wireless charging pad can be added, as can a JBL sound system. The JBL system includes a portable speaker which can be removed from the dashboard and used wherever you like.
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The Hybrid Powertrain Might Be Worth It to Some
Rear 3/4 shot of a 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter set up at a camp site
While we’ve established that the manual can only be had on gas-powered models, the hybrid powertrain is really impressive and might be enough to sway you. We all love a good manual, but the fact that the most powerful iForce MAX models only come with an automatic is a bit disappointing.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Hybrid Inline-Four |
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
326 HP |
|
Torque |
465 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
4WD |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
111 MPH |
The Tacoma Hybrid makes use of a turbocharged four-cylinder which pairs with an electric motor which sits between the engine and transmission. It also features a small nickel-metal hydride battery. This setup offers much more power than the gas-only model and a ton of torque.
You can choose to go with the hybrid powertrain instead of the gas-only engine in the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited models. Meanwhile, the Trailhunter and the TRD Pro only come with the more powerful, electrically-assisted setup. The latter models come with the best off-road equipment and are ready to dominate trails right off the dealership floor.
Is the Manual Worth It?
Honestly, only you can answer this question. We can’t deny the emotional advantages of owning a manual transmission truck. There is no replacement for a direct connection to your vehicle. However, Toyota has really cut down your choices if a manual is what you’re looking for.
You have to select specific models configured a specific way just to get access to the transmission. However, if these configurations happen to fall in to what you’re looking for anyway, then there really is no downside. It is also worth noting that no other automaker even offers you the choice of the manual transmission in 2025, so we have to give the Japanese brand props there.
