It can be tough to find a manual transmission truck as of late. Now, you’re looking at the market for trucks with manual transmissions to become your next vehicle. We got curious, too! So, we researched this topic for you and found the following information.
You may need to search high and low to find the right manual transmission truck that fits your specific needs and preferences. Here are some models that might interest you:
- 2022 Jeep Gladiator
- 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LS Dually
- 2022 Toyota Tacoma
- 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10
Bear in mind that each option in that list typically offers unique features that set them apart from the crowd. So you should continue reading as we talk about these pickup trucks in greater detail.
4 Trucks With Manual Transmissions
1. 2022 Jeep Gladiator
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator comes with two transmission options: (1) a six-speed manual transmission and (2) an eight-speed automatic transmission. This mid-sized pickup truck also offers two engine options, with each selection providing sufficient off-roading prowess.
Other features that can contribute to this pickup truck’s off-roading capabilities are:
- 10-inch ground clearance
- Hill decent control
- Crawling gear
- Over 260 pound-feet of torque
The vehicle manufacturer also included excellent in-cabin features to increase driver and passenger convenience and comfort. For instance, its infotainment system is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Plus, it has a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds. With that hauling power, the 2022 Gladiator should be able to tow many heavy loads, particularly Class B RVs and travel trailers.
This truck has a price tag that starts at $35,610. You can also gain additional insight into this vehicle by watching the video below:
Also, many aftermarket accessories are available for the 2022 Gladiator. Some of these fittings are easy to install and don't require you to get rid of the warranty as well.
Check out this console gear shift organizer for the Jeep Gladiator on Amazon.
2. 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LS Dually
Unlike the 2022 Jeep Gladiator, the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LS Dually only comes with a five-speed manual transmission. Despite its age, the 2000 model of this pickup truck is still a reliable vehicle for different purposes, especially for towing.
In particular, this truck has a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds. Plus, its maximum payload capacity is 3,083 pounds. With those numbers, the 2000 Silverado 3500 is a great option for transporting reasonably heavy loads.
Plus, the 6.5-liter turbodiesel comes equipped with 420 pound-feet of torque and 195 horsepower. Those numbers translate to ample power for both on- and off-road driving scenarios.
Other features that may entice you to add the 2000 Chevy Silverado 3500 to your list are:
- 4-wheel anti-lock brakes
- Daytime running lights
- Full cloth headliner
- Adjustable headrests
- Choice between vinyl or rubber interior carpet
- Choice between vinyl, cloth, or premium cloth seats
Take note that a brand new 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has a price tag that starts at $12,655. Check out the following video to know more about this vehicle:
3. 2022 Toyota Tacoma
Three of the five offered trim levels of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma come with manual transmission options. In particular, you can take advantage of manual transmissions if you decide to go with the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and the TRD Pro.
Here are some of the key features that help differentiate these manual 2022 Tacomas apart:
- TRD Sport: 4-wheel drive (optional), six-speed manual transmission, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-foot of torque.
- TRD Off-Road: Has the drive train, transmission, and engine of the TRD Sport, but with other features like daytime running lights and hill start assist.
- TRD Pro: Has the same engine and transmission as the TRD Sport but is only available with the 4-wheel drive option.
This particular manual truck also comes with safety-focused features to give peace of mind to its users and other nearby people. Some of these features are:
- Blind-spot monitoring system
- Backup camera with rear-parking sensor
- Anti-collision warning system
- Other automatic features that help the driver maneuver in emergencies
The starting price for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is $26,500. Also, watch this video to gain additional insight into this manual truck:
4. 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10
The 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 was first released in 2003. However, the manufacturer ended its production in 2006. Nonetheless, if you’re lucky to find this manual truck on the market, you might be able to enjoy its six-speed manual transmission.
Its base model has a powerful 8.3-liter viper V10 engine with an active heavy-duty cooling system. With these features, this manual pickup truck can eke out 500 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque.
The manufacturer also placed comfort-focused features for the 2005 Ram SRT-10. These features include eight Infinity speakers, a leather-coated steering wheel, and a Hurst brand shift lever.
However, a brand new 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 costs about $48,505 for the regular car option. Interested buyers looking to purchase the quad cab with a 4-wheel drive train might need to spend more money than purchasing the regular cab model.
You can also watch the following video to learn more about this manual truck:
Why Are Stick Shift Trucks Going Away?
For many, it became more practical to drive an automatic transmission truck than use one with a stick shift. For one thing, certain driving schools no longer require students to learn how to drive a manual transmission vehicle.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even says that cars for sale that have manual transmission reached only about 1% of the total number of retailed vehicles in 2021. In comparison, that percentage was approximately 35% back in 1980.
Will Manual Cars Become Extinct?
Despite the number of manual transmission vehicles dwindling over time, the extinction of these automobiles might not happen soon. Many vehicle enthusiasts, particularly those that like driving trucks, still want to use a gear shifter for that enhanced control.
Plus, manual transmission vehicles have certain advantages over their automatic counterparts. Some of these benefits are:
- Some vehicle models that have manual transmission options are less expensive costs than their automatic variants.
- The rise of automatic vehicles may also help prevent vehicle theft, as some thieves might not know how to drive a stick shift.
- Many manual vehicles have better fuel economies than automatic cars.
But keep in mind that manual vehicles also have shortcomings when compared to automatic cars. For example, acceleration in manual transmission vehicles may take longer to reach the desired speed than in an automatic vehicle.
Which Has Better Fuel Economy, Manual Or Automatic?
As mentioned in the previous section, fuel economy is generally better for manual transmission vehicles than their automatic variants. Consumer Reports tested this concept and found that manual transmission can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 2 to 5 miles per gallon.
Final Thoughts
Although the number of manual trucks is dwindling, it doesn't look like these vehicles are going to be extinct soon. Some excellent options still exist, such as the 2022 Jeep Gladiator and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. Remember, take the time to look through these trucks to make an informed decision as well as gain excellent value from your purchase.
If you want to learn more about trucks, check out these other great reads: