Nowadays, it’s common to expect every car you get into to be an automatic. After all, the expertise and practice it takes to drive a stick shift can be a daunting task for many drivers. However, there are plenty of drivers out there who still appreciate having a manual transmission in their vehicles. Perhaps one of the aspects that makes the brand-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma so special is the fact that it can still be armed with a six-speed manual.
This one detail makes it even more impactful in the industry than it already is, especially when it comes to performance and overall drivability. If you notice a Toyota Tacoma for sale on your local lot, you may want to stop and take one of the models armed with a manual transmission for a drive just to experience something different. Here’s why the manual transmission makes the Toyota Tacoma the truck you should buy when you thrive on performance and desire a more engaging experience behind the wheel.
The Toyota Tacoma’s Six-Speed Manual Transmission
It’s been big news in the industry lately that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be available with a six-speed manual transmission. The new model seems to be revitalized and ready to amplify the experience on the road and wherever else it dares to travel. This engaging transmission adds extreme control and precision to the overall experience, with six forward gears to optimize performance in a number of environments. Although you’ll still find manual transmissions in many sports cars, enjoying this type of experience in a truck puts the Tacoma into a league of its own.
The 2024 Tacoma offers its six-speed manual in the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims equipped with the non-hybrid 2.4L engine. When equipped with the six-speed manual, the new truck offers even more to its drivers than its predecessors. With automatic rev-matching and anti-stall technology, you can expect the latest version of this excellent manual to offer even more thrills during the journey. Clutch start cancel is also available, allowing you to start the engine while in gear. Having options is what makes the Tacoma the top-selling midsize truck in the nation, especially when you prioritize the overall feel of the ride and harnessing maximum control behind the wheel.
Benefits of a Manual Transmission
If you’ve ever driven a manual, you know that it’s an entirely different experience in the driver’s seat. Of course, you have to be more in tune with your vehicle, and you also have to do a little extra work, as opposed to letting an automatic take the reins. However, this extra work is absolutely worth it for many drivers, especially when they want to harness some of these additional benefits of manual transmissions.
#1 – Improved Performance
There’s a reason why you see so many sports cars with manual transmissions, especially when speed is a priority. Being able to jet off the line with more speed makes manual transmissions perfect for those focused on performance. You’ll also find that many off-road adventurers benefit from manual transmissions due to the fact that you’re able to control ascents and descents with more precision. You also have the ability to select the proper gear for the terrain, especially in environments where you have the potential to get stuck. A skilled driver with a manual transmission has more options for tackling obstacles on the trail than the same driver with an automatic transmission.
#2 – Impressive Savings
While modern manuals no longer offer the improved fuel economy that they used to provide, they do have the potential to help you save on maintenance costs. Manual transmissions are typically less expensive to repair and require fewer maintenance services than their complicated automatic rivals. They also have a reputation for lasting longer because of their simpler design. You can even expect lower sticker prices on manual vehicles, in most cases, due to the fact that many travelers simply aren’t well-versed in driving them, and the overall demand is lower.
#3 – Optimal Control
Driving a manual means being in charge of your experience, more so than what you’ll find in an automatic vehicle. This is especially true when utilizing your vehicle for off-roading, as manuals handle heat better, allowing your truck to cool itself appropriately and enhance performance on dangerous terrain. As we mentioned before, you’re also able to tailor your ride efficiently, especially in low-traction environments, making it a no-brainer for off-road explorers to choose manuals over automatics.
#4 – Fun Behind the Wheel
The biggest advantage of a manual transmission is that they are simply more fun to drive. While it can be convenient to have an automatic transmission handling everything for you, driving a manual truck forces you to actively be a part of everything your vehicle is doing, turning even the most mundane commute into an enjoyable experience. This is doubly true if you head off-road, as you have even more options to play with and decisions to make when picking your way along a trail.
The Toyota Tacoma’s Manual Transmission Is the Last of Its Kind
What makes the 2024 Tacoma and its manual transmission so special? Well, if you haven’t noticed, it’s one of the only trucks still offered with a manual, setting it apart from much of its competition. The fact that top dogs in the industry, like Chevrolet and Ford, don’t offer anything but automatics really limits what you’re able to achieve in your truck. In fact, the only other modern truck that still offers a manual transmission is the Jeep Gladiator. Trucks aren’t the only vehicles being affected by this, as other brands have chosen to drop the manual from many cars and SUVs on the scene as well. Fortunately, Toyota sees the value in manual transmissions and decided to keep its six-speed variant in the Tacoma’s lineup for the foreseeable future.
Now, don’t assume that manual transmissions are on their way out. In fact, the Toyota Tacoma’s six-speed manual continues to improve over time. The value of manual transmissions is evident, especially when you want to take advantage of maximum control, performance, and not to mention fun out on the open road and beyond. You’re able to save money, have the potential to reduce maintenance costs, and travel in a truck that you feel at one with, no matter where you’re heading. As more drivers see the benefits of manual transmissions, it may just prompt industry giants to bring this option back if they want to keep up with their competitors.
Getting to experience how a truck should really perform makes the Toyota Tacoma one of the most influential midsize trucks on the scene. As many automakers are peer-pressured into dropping manuals and limiting drivers to automatic options, Toyota seeks to stand out, offering its drivers the chance to harness an undeniable level of excellence in its famed Tacoma. It’s no wonder why you see so many Tacomas on the streets, engaging their drivers in new ways and allowing them to redefine the way they travel, whether they’re taking on tasks on the job site, embarking on an off-road adventure, or anything else their journeys happen to entail.
