2024 Toyota Tacoma Will Keep the Manual Transmission Alive

Sep 08, 2023

Toyota is committed to saving the manuals, revealing that the upcoming next-generation Tacoma will pack an optional six-speed stick shift.

Toyota continued its lengthy teaser campaign for the upcoming 2024 Tacoma today. Although the Japanese automaker still hasn't divulged when we will see the next-generation mid-size pickup, the teaser confirmed that the new Tacoma will keep enthusiasts happy by retaining an available manual transmission.

The image doesn't reveal much, simply showing the three pedals that will reside in the 2024 Tacoma's footwell. Toyota did say that the row-it-yourself transmission will feature six forward gears, but was tight-lipped on other details. We expect the manual gearbox to be an updated version of the six-speed stick shift in the outgoing Tacoma rather than an all-new unit, but we're just glad Toyota is still committed to saving the manual transmission.

We expect the Tacoma to debut at some point this summer, and we already have a few hints of what to expect. Toyota started off in April by teasing the tailgate of a hard-core off-road TRD Pro model, showing an iForce Max badge that suggests that the Tacoma may receive a hybrid powertrain like its Tundra big sibling.

Toyota also announced that the Tacoma will add a new trim called Trailhunter, a name Toyota first teased with a Tundra concept at the 2022 SEMA show. The Tacoma Trailhunter is expected to focus on overlanding, with the teaser image showing an ARB rear bumper and a large frame-mounted tow hook. Most recently, an image of the TRD Pro's rear wheel revealed that it will wear rear disc brakes for the first time. Toyota also teased the TRD Pro's rugged suspension, which will feature a Fox QS3 coil-over and keep the signature TRD Pro red spring. More information will arrive with the full reveal in the coming months.

Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.

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