Which pickup trucks can you buy with a manual transmission? As automatics are getting better with fuel efficiencies, reliability, performance, downshifting, and more gears, the percentage of manual cars bought in the US has fallen to 1%. Also, many find it cumbersome to change gears frequently and/or use an extra pedal, especially in traffic. As automatic pickups tow and carry better, only 2 companies offer manual gearboxes. While purists still love the stick-shift, they’re a vast minority, and the companies just can’t justify the production costs anymore. However, we’ll still show you the best pickup trucks you can buy with a manual transmission. and the best used pickup trucks that you can still find a warranty on!
New Trucks with Manual Transmission
2021 Jeep Gladiator : $35,060
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator comes standard with 4WD, has removable body panels and a tough-as-nails persona, which make it one of the best pickups around. It is powered by the 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 285hp and 260lb-ft of torque, transmitted through Jeep’s standard 6-speed manual transmission. The Gladiator Sport S can tow up to 4000 lbs. However, you cannot get a manual with the other engines. Prices for the manual version start at $35,060.
2021 Toyota Tacoma : $34,335
The mid-sized 2021 Toyota Tacoma is not as luxurious as its rivals, but it is very reliable and a great off-roader. To get a manual transmission, you’ll need to select the 3.5-liter V-6, that produces 278hp and 265lb-ft of torque. The power is routed through an optional 6-speed manual gearbox. After choosing the V6 engine, you are also limited to 3 trims as you’ll have to aim for the 4WD Tacoma TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, or TRD Pro. These versions can pull up to 6500lbs. Prices start from $34,335.
Used Trucks with Manual Transmission
2018 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
We always put these two together as they offer mostly the same features, engines, and infotainment systems. The base engine in both trucks is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 200hp. Both the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado have a maximum towing capacity of 7,700lbs when properly equipped. You can find both of them in under $20k.
2019 Nissan Frontier
Staying in the mid-size category, the Nissan Frontier is the ideal manual pickup truck for less than $20,000. The base S Trim package has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 52hp and 171lb-ft of torque, coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Crew Cab S has a 6-speed manual transmission. The SV package offers 5 and 6-speed manual transmission options and includes some additional features. Towing capacities range from 3800lbs to 6300lbs.
2018 Ram 2500/3500 HD
The 2018 Ram 2500/3500 HD was the last heavy-duty pickup truck in the US with a manual transmission. The Ram 2500 is powered by a 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine with the power routed through a G56 6-speed manual transmission. The engine is rated at 350hp and 660lb-ft of torque, and the truck has a max towing capacity of 17,980 pounds. It is also available with 4WD and the interior is luxurious as well. You can find a decent one for around $38,000.
