The Last Stand: Why Manual Stick Shift Trucks Are Vanishing and Your Best (Only) Options

The pickup truck, a symbol of American grit and hard work, once shared an inseparable bond with the manual stick shift. Both represented simplicity, robustness, and a hands-on approach to getting the job done. For decades, the satisfying engagement of a clutch and the control of shifting gears seemed as natural in a pickup as hauling cargo or navigating rough terrain. Yet, the landscape has dramatically changed. Manual transmissions in trucks, once a common sight, have become an endangered species. If you’re a truck enthusiast who savors the connection to the machine that only a manual gearbox provides, your choices are now incredibly limited.

It’s a stark reality: since 2019, with Ram dropping the manual option from its 2500 series, not a single full-size pickup truck has offered a manual transmission. Compact pickups followed suit, and even in the midsize segment, the selection has dwindled to a mere handful. As of late 2024, the American market offers only two new trucks where you can still row your own gears: the Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma. These two midsize contenders are the last bastions for Manual Stick Shift Trucks, carrying the torch for enthusiasts who prefer the direct control and engaging driving experience that only a manual can deliver. Let’s delve into these remaining options and explore why the manual stick shift truck is becoming a relic of the past.

2024 Jeep Gladiator: The Open-Air, Manual Pickup

The Jeep Gladiator stands out as a unique offering in the pickup truck world. It’s essentially the pickup version of the iconic Jeep Wrangler, inheriting its adventurous spirit and off-road prowess. With impressive ground clearance – nearly a foot in the Mojave trim and a minimum of ten inches on entry-level models – the Gladiator is ready to tackle challenging terrains. It boasts a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds with the Max Tow package, switchable rear- or four-wheel drive, and the signature Jeep feature: removable doors for an open-air driving experience. Powering this versatile machine is the reliable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, a proven workhorse known for its durability and capability. While the Wrangler might still hold a slight edge in extreme off-roading due to its shorter wheelbase, the Gladiator offers a compelling blend of truck utility and Jeep adventure.

Classified as a midsize pickup, the Gladiator cleverly merges the Wrangler’s platform with the Ram 1500’s rear architecture to enhance its towing capabilities. Interestingly, while a manual transmission is unavailable in the Ram 1500, the Gladiator proudly offers a six-speed manual. The best part for manual enthusiasts? This six-speed stick shift is available across almost the entire Gladiator lineup, excluding only one special edition trim. This broad availability means you can choose your preferred Gladiator configuration – be it for off-roading, towing, or everyday driving – and still enjoy the engaging experience of a manual transmission.

However, prospective buyers of older Gladiators should be aware of a past issue. The 2020-2023 Gladiator models, along with some Wranglers from 2018-2023, faced a recall due to overheating clutch pressure plates in the manual transmissions, affecting over 69,000 vehicles. The 2024 Gladiator model is not part of this recall and hasn’t experienced similar issues thus far. If considering a pre-owned 2023 Gladiator, it’s crucial to check the VIN to ensure the recall work has been completed.

2024 Toyota Tacoma: The Enduring Manual Midsize Champion

The Toyota Tacoma reigns supreme as America’s favorite midsize pickup truck, a title it has held for what seems like forever. Its enduring popularity is partly attributed to Toyota’s reputation for reliability and longevity, even if updates were once infrequent. However, the 2024 Tacoma breaks that mold. It’s a completely redesigned model, built on a new platform and featuring new powertrains, including turbocharged and turbo-hybrid four-cylinder engines. This new generation Tacoma maintains its versatility, offering a towing capacity of up to 6,500 lbs and various cab and bed configurations. The updated architecture also brings in modern technology, with an eight-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a large 14-inch connected display in higher-end models.

While the Gladiator generously offers a manual transmission across most trims as standard, the Tacoma takes a more selective approach. Manual availability is limited to specific trims and cab/bed configurations. To get a manual Tacoma, you’ll need to opt for a double cab with a five-foot bed and four-wheel drive. Even then, the manual isn’t available on all trims within this configuration. Furthermore, there’s a performance trade-off. With the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2.4-liter turbo base engine delivers up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. However, when paired with the manual transmission, these figures are slightly reduced to 270 hp and 310 lb-ft.

The Ghosts of Manual Trucks Past

It’s understandable why trucks like the Tacoma and Gladiator still offer a manual option. They cater to a significant base of off-road enthusiasts who often prefer the control and engagement of a manual gearbox in challenging driving situations. However, the overall scarcity of manuals in the truck segment is still striking. This wasn’t always the case. In the recent past, within the last five to six years, several trucks that once contributed to the manual truck landscape have disappeared from the market. Models like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier, in certain configurations, previously offered manual transmissions. Perhaps most notably, heavy-duty trucks like the Ram Heavy Duty once offered manuals, appealing to those who valued rugged simplicity in their work vehicles.

The decline of manual stick shift trucks reflects broader trends in the automotive industry. Automatic transmissions have become increasingly sophisticated, offering improved fuel efficiency, faster acceleration, and greater ease of use, especially in daily driving and towing scenarios. Consumer demand has also shifted, with many drivers prioritizing convenience and ease of driving over the engagement of a manual. While the manual stick shift truck may be fading, the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma stand as testaments to the enduring appeal of driver engagement and control for a dedicated group of truck enthusiasts. For those seeking a new pickup with three pedals and a stick, these two models represent your last, but certainly capable, options.

Sources: Toyota, Jeep, NHTSA