2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Manual vs. Automatic Off-Road Review

[@daltonb1638]

I hope Toyota never gets rid of a manual transmission in the Tacoma's they do so good with a manual

[@uno3863]

I agree as well as I just bought a 2012 TRD sport manual transmission and I love it!!!

[@JourneymanVan]

Don't worry Till this earth last manual transmission gonna stay Coz real man Love stick shift I hope u understand what I mean

[@andymeza12]

@@JourneymanVan get that but when I’m out on the snow or working on bad terrains I rather have automatic bc working you don’t have much time you can drink your coffee and just chill meanwhile you driving not having to constantly change gears but when I wanna have have I take my wrx sti those are the 2 I own tacoma automatic for working and my wrx sti as daily basically

[@jakeurbano8268]

@@andymeza12 been driving Manual transmission for years and years. I’m sure (if you wanted) you could still enjoy your coffee while driving manual transmission. I know I still do in both my cars. I just can’t justify getting something automatic just because of the difficulty or inconvenience of driving in traffic, drinking coffee, or under bad weather conditions, etc.

[@JosueLopez-te1ek]

@@andymeza12 u haven't have any problems with the head gasket cuz my was a pain on d ass

[@Matp345]

I don't care which one is better. if it comes in a manual, that's the one I buy.

[@CollinMac96]

matt parker although im the opposite, thats how i look at it

[@nightfury6836]

lol My thoughts exactly ;-)

[@Arey_12]

You guys are all such badasses! Do me a favor talk to me about how much you bench or how many chicks you slay on the regular.

[@Matp345]

no idea what that has to do with video

[@hellojoe70]

I was kinda wondering the same thing.

[@TalalZuberi]

If he says he need to remember which gear hes in then i dont think hes qualified to drive an manual transmission sorry. Videos biased

[@shepherdofelo1122]

Yup once you've driven one daily its second nature.

[@adamUDavies]

Letting the truck drive itself is not driving , it's riding !

[@johnsanandres9875]

Lmao true😂😂😂

[@NeverPullOutInMexico]

100% agree

[@phantomf41]

true dat

[@TRUE_GR1T]

The manual transmission is the main selling point of the Tacoma for me. I bought an 06 4 banger RWD (in 2013) because it was cheap and because of the manual transmission. It's a great little truck and hasn't let me down. I love that Toyota is still giving us a manual option in the Tacoma and as long as they continue to do so, I will purchase another one in the future. Next one will be 4x4 and v6 though.

[@Nigriff]

During a water crossing, if you change gears with a manual transmission you risk getting water in the clutch which can cause issues in the future. With an automatic transmission, however, you can change gears or stop driving and no water will find its way into the gearbox. This makes automatic transmissions the better choice for you if you know you’ll be facing a lot of water crossings with your 4×4.

[@TRUE_GR1T]

@@Nigriff why would changing gears in the water make any difference vs not changing gears? The transmission is in the water regardless...that doesn't even make sense. I've got a 15;TRD OR with the 6;speed and have done plenty of water crossings. That honestly sounds like some BS someone that can't drive manual made up as a cope.

[@EDGEZO]

Manual transmission is the only way to go when it comes to off-roading. > You are more connected to the vehicle and you don't have to worry about transmission overheating causing transmission failure in the middle of nowhere. > If the battery dies in automatic transmission you have no choice but to jump start or wait on a new battery. With manual transmission one little push does miracles. > Manual transmission is the best security system itself.

[@eric3007]

Yes, the "only" way to go. Show up to a rock crawl event and see how many manuals are there. Many many serious off roaders choose auto. And, I'm a manual guy! Also, they make transmission coolers if that ever was actually a problem as its usually not.

[@theone6805]

I think your talking about a weak battery not a dead battery. There's a difference. The vehicle will never start with a dead battery no matter how fast u push it. It needs enough voltage to make sparks and enough to open those injectors...just pointing this out so people don't get it confused when trying to push start

[@JamesTTierce]

The One nope. If the alternator is working then it will start.

[@theone6805]

@@JamesTTierce I've tried have a hell of a time

[@Lorde360]

Not to mention the repair cost for an auto vs manual

[@threadoflife]

Just bought my Cement limited leather 2021 6spd manual TRD Sport 4x4 today! Love it!

[@confidentlocal8600]

Any regrets not getting the Off-Road? I'm about to buy a Sport myself!

[@43lbcat]

I didn't even consider the auto. 3 pedals for those who like to drive.

[@78FullSizeBronco]

I love to drive and have an auto Tacoma.

[@squirreldog1596]

Get an r6 or S2k if you like to have a manual worth having

[@fantabuloussnuffaluffagus]

I've had 4 Toyota trucks, all manuals. Currently have 4 vehicles, 3 have manuals, 1 PDK.

[@deepinthewasatch66]

Love my 2020 manual trd pro. The craptastic acceleration curve on the automatic grates on my nerves, and kept me from buying a Taco for years. The first time I got behind the wheel of the manual, I was in love. Yes, there is a little steeper learning curve to offroad, but if an old woman like me can master it, anyone can.

[@GETaYOTA]

If you have to "remember" what gear you're in driving a manual, then do yourself a favor and not get one. It's not for you.

[@jackhammer8364]

GETaYOTA. theese guy are idiots the worst review ever

[@archibaldvonfookface7364]

GETaYOTA Exactly. You can't say the automatic is better if you can't drive a manual. His complaints are based on the fact he sucks at driving a manual.

[@thegreatga]

I own a 2015 Tacoma TRD Pro manual 6spd and love it!

[@guentherwilke2055]

I really wish Toyota had gone all in and given the MT trucks a manual shift T-case, too. Customers who would prefer to shift, alo would prefer to shift the T-case and not rely an electric actuator

[@JustAlanIsCool]

^This. I tried my 4wd out in my yard, soft loose grass mostly and by God it took forever to engage! I had to roll forward and backyard about 5 or 6 times, about 15ft in either directions before it fully engaged. And the locker? Took even longer to the point of me considering parking the thing but it finally disengaged. It was in locked 2wd, I mean it could be fun in certain scenarios I suppose😏

[@KubanKevin]

Most of those “manual” t-cases are for looks and they are electronically actuated as well. See the Jeep Wrangler

[@MrIgorbuller]

Finally!!! A review on the manual transmission of the new Tocoma. It's hard to find anyone talking about this. It would be great if you all do a full comparison between all the models within the Tacoma lineup that offers manual vs. automatic transmission. Thank you in advance.

[@denisleblanc4506]

Having driven manuals off-road for most of my life, my last vehicle is an auto. Here's my take. Basically, manuals are a little more difficult to drive off-road. You have to choose the right gear before you get try anything hard. Going over things like logs and big rocks it's harder to modulate your speed. The one big advantage is the manual doesn't spin up fast like and auto when you do loose traction. You can modulate the tire speed better with a manual and regain traction faster. The last advantage of a manual is gas milage. It will be much better off-road than an auto. As for the auto, its a lot easier to drive off-road specially in difficult stuff. The modern electronic aids of the auto now gives them a big advantage because it eliminates some of the disadvantages the auto's have. They will prevent the tires from spinning up when they loose traction. They will give you better hill descent control, than previously where manuals were better. This all adds up to make driving off-road more effortless and relaxing with and auto. You will however burn much more gas off-road with an auto. You have press the accelerator to get moving with and auto where a manual will crawl all day at idle for the most part anyway. Modern engines will try and maintain idle speed and in 4lo will allow you to climb pretty steep hills without applying gas. Sure its still burning more gas but at the end of the day it will be a lot less. On the highway though, auto's will rule because of the better final gearing. They have to gear manuals lower to get the off-road performance needed, you don't have to do that with the auto because of the torque converter.

[@reynaldogonzalez1786]

wow man you just answered many of my doubts, great knowledge thanks for taking your time to write all this down and explaining!!!

[@staffoffice]

You forgot about the fun factor...manual is way more fun to drive and you feel like you're part of the driving experience

[@tedbaxter5234]

Denis LeBlanc nñ

[@khantra4568]

So I guess if I do 90% of my driving on the highway stuck in rush hour, im better off with the auto.

[@MP-1965]

Khan Tra or just buy a KIA. You don’t qualify for 4x4. Just stay at the mall and eat...

[@YOTALIFE631]

i own a 16 trd sport manual transmission and i never will back to auto.

[@dlakerguy]

Enjoy it. They're dying out quickly.

[@THEBOULDER236]

Yes! Manual for life! Save the manual!

[@andrechampagnie1720]

Fredy Guiza if only the raptor had manual transmission as well

[@shepherdofelo1122]

@@andrechampagnie1720 Someone did a 6 speed swap on a 1st gen raptor. Google it, its badass.

[@Thebluebimmer]

All 5% of all manual transmission car owners commented on this video

[@caddy272]

Now they have... sorry I am late

[@JamesTTierce]

Keith Kinney why do you say that? A lot are just angry about losing so many options to buy the more reliable option.

[@buzzjump9422]

Well I got a manual and automatic is fine but after a while you shift without thinking. While I was driving an automatic I couldn't find the clutch

[@drepop803]

@@buzzjump9422 haha i have two cars and both manual. Everytime i drive a family members auto for whatever reason i get anxious looking for the clutch pedal and trying to shift haha

[@Kferler]

@@JamesTTierce In today's technology, auto is efficient tho

[@Marmaduke00]

Manual baby! Its the joy of driving! Not joy of riding!

[@671GrainsOfOwn]

How about we get a driver who isn’t “trying to remember what gear he’s in” to test the manual?

[@zeusmerc1272]

Ry. Wax. i literally had the same reaction when he said that lol

[@NeverPullOutInMexico]

I drive manual 5 speed never drove a 6 speed as a daily so i would prob be the same way for a couple of weeks lol

[@urielsantiago9735]

🤣🤣

[@deborahchesser7375]

Ry. Wax. It’s second nature

[@Sloppyjoe96]

i had to focus on remembering what gear i was in for the first few months when i got my manual car. i even had to sometimes check the pattern lol

[@compamigue4822]

I just got the 2019 manual transmission 6 speed baby!

[@GraveDigger78]

to bad the 4Runner doesn't have a manual. Keep stick shift alive everyone! It is superior!

[@78FullSizeBronco]

If it was, why do they have such poor sales? I mean a 5% sale average every year is nothing to get excited about! I've owned several manuals and while I like them I can see why they're going away, they're just not as good as automatics today are.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

My 99 4runner is a 5 speed and I love it.

[@skully720]

It really isn’t

[@Lorde360]

@@78FullSizeBronco it's because; thankfully... not everyone is able to appreciate the manual. Most people won't notice the delay in power delivery coming out of a turn in a manual it feels so disconnected. 95% of the population don't need that extra second advantage and would prefer the economy they get from the auto. Then there's the 5% like me :)

[@flawlessfoose]

@@78FullSizeBronco 95 percent of the population eats fast food and are obese. Do you think they make a good choice? Automatic are for the masses for sure lol

[@CaptainSloose]

I have a 2017 TRD off-road long bed... I love the auto trans in it. Silky smooth and snappy shifts.

[@balreadysaid]

those manuals just let you drop the hammer when you need to get up hills or any sticky situation where bursts of power are needed. it's a wicked good pickup

[@jean-pascaltuinstra8172]

Proud to be in the 5% club👍

[@dlg5485]

Crawl control is cool and all, but the extra work of using the manual makes off-roading a bit more challenging and fun. It's the same argument for manuals in sports cars. Sure, DCTs are faster, but doing the work yourself makes it more fun and engaging.

[@Holler_Rat]

Manual = Reliability Ever hear of anyone saying their manual transmission left them stranded? Very, very rare. Complexity is the enemy of reliability.

[@daleburton1788]

I totally agree!! However, my ex-wife had the ability to take the clutch out of my 4 Runner and had to be towed home on 2 occasions. 🙄

[@strategicbushcraft6391]

Thanks for the video on this, very well done! I have driven manuals for about 25 years but still prefer an auto with very low gears than a manual off-road in tough conditions. The 4.3 axel ratio on the Toyota manual and the lower price makes it a harder decision though.

[@wahiawabound808]

right music right island right truck i live on oahu hawaii i think our terrain would of been more challenging. good review guys i own the 2016 4x4 manual sport so far so good i had a few sand drag weekends and the taco came out on top.

[@LVSlacker]

I ordered mine 2 months ago and just picked it up last week.

[@Paintbl99]

Great review, thanks! I drive a manual, and I wish manual transmissions were more common these days. If you aren't shifting, you aren't driving!

[@vlodpg]

Drove both the manual & auto. I will take the stick!

[@CP8187]

Thank you so much for this video my husband has been wanting a trd pro since they've been announced and I've been looking like crazy for an Xmas present for him but his one exception is that it's manual. I drive manual but with all the extra controls plus push button I was undecided and trying to get him to change his mind for automatic (it's also easier to find automatics) he said HECK NO! He wants his manual and this video just made me glad with the purchase I just made we pick up the truck on December 8th a beautiful super white manual THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO!!!

[@MichaelJanzen]

Can't wait to see you guys gets this on your own in Colorado for some real world off-raod testing.

[@Nonamguys]

Thank you so much! Ever since the launch of the 15 Tacoma, I have been searching for a direct comparison of the auto vs manual and there has been almost nothing! You have shown so much, and I value your opinion, but I kinda already agree. I will not trade up my 02 Dakota V8 manual to an automatic if at all possible, and now I actually have options.

[@staffoffice]

I got the only 2017 on the lot with a manual, TRD Sport like in the video. It was a rare find that they just got on the lot 2 days before I got it. The manual is a very hot seller and I can see why. What a fun truck!

[@ermangus]

I have a 2016 TRD Off Road double cab automatic and its a dog in general life. It shifts way to much in every day driving and the hills on the interstate wear it out. I wish I would have gotten a manual. Off road, it has done everything I have asked it to do. Nothing crazy, but still some good trails.

[@ToastedTostito]

I love how their beach lady shot wasnt your everyday beach lady shot. I love that yall keep it real

[@ramotinmahazol240]

My 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro is manual. So easy to drive and first gear is great for low slow speeds. Does amazing.

[@mad636man]

5% are manual because people are lazy and most people don't care about the actual "driving" experience. I've owned manuals since my first car. Now a 2013 manual Xv crosstrek. So much fun.

[@mad636man]

Kevindust waited 6 months for my Subaru. Also worth the wait. And not ordering the exact car you want is the main reason people trade cars in so much. Cause after they buy the car they realize it's not what they want. So they get rid of it. Sad.

[@CollinMac96]

mad636man unless its a motorcycle, i will always choose autos due to its ease of use.

[@FrankChibu]

Driving auto sucks. I'm stuck in one now.. how many times a day I yell at the tranny 'give me the #%$^ gear I want!' Plus going from reverse to forward is a PITA. Gotta have a manual.

[@JamesTTierce]

Michael McHugh you dont have to go through every single gear. You can easily skip 2nd or 4th.

[@cjayx]

I am about to buy the 2017 I4 manual trans Tacoma! I can't wait!!

[@TFLtruck]

+cjayx Cool!

[@zach7459]

Get a v6

[@ThorshammrD]

I Love my 2015 TRD Sport Manual. It's been absolutely abused off road, and never fails me.

[@lukescholey5872]

I’ve owned Miata’s, sport bikes, & currently a Focus ST (all manual) and the Tacoma TRD Off Road is looking like my next adventure! With that said I will be going with the automatic gear box. Am I no longer considered a “real car guy”? I live in San Francisco where traffic is stop & go all day with hills around every corner so it simply gets tiring. I’ll be 90% commuting & 10% weekend exploring so it makes more sense for my lifestyle. My point is, don’t let people tell you what gear box to go with. Take a look at your lifestyle and what suits you best because at the end of the day you’re the one who’s driving it. Cheers!

[@aaronbehindbars]

What a demamding job: flying hours to some remote island in the middle of nowhere just to drive a pickup truck. I bet Roman and Nathan were happy they didn't have to do that... I just got back from Kauai and miss it already. Next time I go out there, it'll probably be Maui.

[@ZepG]

I love manuals in a sports car (I daily drive a 6 speed manual) but I chose auto in my Toyota Fj Cruiser. Why is because I can put it in 4x4 low range 2-L and crawl over rocks with left foot braking. I've smelled the burning clutch when following manuals up a rocky trail! Just keep the gas peddle down an use the brake as a throttle and modulate power as needed.

[@brucetoews5107]

ZepG And you missed out on the lockable triple torsen driveline in the manual FJ.

[@ZepG]

Bruce Toews True, but I can keep a drink in my right hand while I crawl over shit!

[@gabrielshear4298]

What about on road where people do most of their driving ?. I hear the automatic transmission has a slight delay while it “hunts” for the right gear .. Love Toyota’s just trying to figure out which one to buy !.

[@Nunlikeyoman]

I love how long the throw is for the 6 spd manuals!

[@mriphone1000]

Prefer a manual cheaper in the long run, autos are aggravating not holding a gear,lag for days.

[@michaelkuzmadutton7879]

Bullion Forever and there more fun to shift.

[@LostNbound]

I traded in a 2006 base model cobalt 5 speed for a 2015 Lancer AWC. The AWC is only made in auto, and within a month I missed the cobalt even though the lancer is a much better car.

[@1FiftyOverland]

That's one of the things I like about my 2015 f150, I can lock out gears, if say I don't want it to shift to 5th and sixth, I just hit the negative button on the shifter and it prevents it from going into those higher gears. It's also great for offroading, able control down hill speed, even tho it also has Hil decent control.

[@Iam_Machines]

The 3rd gen Tacoma you can do this as well. If you move the shifter to the left into S mode (no its not sport mode, its Sequential mode) you can choose a gear and cap the tranny. It will not go above the gear you select.

[@lespaulguitarist92]

except for when you have to resell it.. because no one wants it. then you'll have to take a loss.

[@rzrdan]

Awesome!! Thanks so much for listening!!! You guys do great reviews! Now if you could only get them together in Colorado!

[@shepherdofelo1122]

Manual- 4.30 Gears Auto- 3.90 Gears From factory.

[@Nigriff]

During a water crossing, if you change gears with a manual transmission you risk getting water in the clutch which can cause issues in the future. With an automatic transmission, however, you can change gears or stop driving and no water will find its way into the gearbox. This makes automatic transmissions the better choice for you if you know you’ll be facing a lot of water crossings with your 4×4.

[@chriss8860]

I love my 2016 trd off-road 6 speed manual! great review!

[@Seannyg88sComputerRepair]

it extremely rare for a new trucj to have a manuel transmission

[@TFLtruck]

+Sean Ghertner This is why we are so happy to test a manual in the 2017 Tacoma.

[@Seannyg88sComputerRepair]

Carlos Villa its extremely rare for new trucks to have manuel transmissions im talking about brabd new trucks

[@gullf1sk]

Weird, it is extremely common here

[@shepherdofelo1122]

@@Seannyg88sComputerRepair In the U.S. yes. Everywhere else its common lol

[@canddmeyer]

I don't usually find myself off-roading with just myself in the vehicle. Usually I'm loaded down with passengers and equipment, easily 600lbs or more. I'd like to see how the vehicles perform when torque is needed to move the extra weight.

[@1guyin10]

For Tacomas in general; you will be lucky if the dealer has more than a handful on the lot. They sell almost as fast as they roll off the truck. Toyota just can't make enough right now.

[@leonardomateos5572]

1guyin10 and they will never make enough , they only build one of one is sold, they never over stock in any of theirs cars

[@macgyver03ga]

Yep. Which makes for awesome resale value. I had my taco for a little over 4 years and put 85k miles on it until I traded it for a Tundra. I got $3k less on trade than I paid for the truck 4 years prior. They put it right back on the lot and sold it in less than a week.

[@noreason2701]

Oh believe me they can make as many as they want. They're creating an artificial demand. They're making it look like so many people want them, in reality, they're deliberately keeping production down a bit to make people think they're more popular than they are.

[@leonardomateos5572]

Screwg oogle yes and no, they could make a ton of them but thats not how toyoda works. they only make enough, they never over stock on any of their cars like every other car manufacture does.

[@TRUE_GR1T]

there is a dealership here that specializes in Tacomas. Cochrane Toyota - "Tacoma Town". There are always at least 25 on the lot, some of them pretty done up.

[@Shakerhood69]

The availability of a Manual was one of the reasons I purchased my 3rd Tacoma

[@fantabuloussnuffaluffagus]

I'm on my 4th Toyota pickup, all 4x4, all manual.

[@TommyboyGTP]

Manual FTW! Automatics are for RV's and buses. IMO if you can't drive a manual you have no business driving a car to begin with.

[@Gabez82]

Lol, k ease up on the Monster drinks bro.

[@TommyboyGTP]

Gabez82 Sorry I don't get the joke. I'm sure it's funny to those who understand it. Personally i don't like Monster.

[@exodusfivesixfivesix8050]

I’m biased. My first vehicle was a 92toyota pickup with 5MT. Learned how to wheel in that. When I took my wife’s 4Runner with auto it felt like I couldn’t control it. Been driving manual trans for all my vehicles except one. That one was the only one with transmission problems. XD

[@brandonhiggs88]

If I was in the market for a truck like this, I'd buy a trd pro because the raptor and power wagon don't come in a manual transmission. Good job Toyota!

[@macgyver03ga]

The mpg difference is because the 6spd trans is geared to spin higher rpms on the highway. I used to have a 6spd '07 double cab 4x4 taco. I would be spinning around 2700 rpm at 70mph on the highway, the equivalent auto trans taco would be spinning around 2200 rpm. I love my Crewmax Tundra but I still miss my taco...The 6spd was nice off-roading though. I could put it in 1st gear in 4low and just let the clutch out and it would crawl up and down steep inclines with very little if any throttle or brake pedal input.

[@mrjjthor]

It sucks that Toyota won't offer the Tacoma Off-Road long bed with a manual. Now if I want a new Taco, I'm stuck between the automatic with the long bed or manual with the short bed.

[@longtrangm1a]

So the trd pro in a manual transmission is basically a trd off-road with upgraded suspension?

[@80808O]

same with the auto as the trd off-road also gets crawl control and mts when you equip it with the slushbox

[@spacebear49]

And a fake hood scoop.

[@TheJoncic]

After driving both gen 3 auto and manual, I can say the manual drives much better. The larger rear end hides the 3.5's lack of torque pretty well off the line compared to the auto.

[@mrvwbug4423]

For most situations you're going to get a stock 4x4 into it is personal preference. At the truly hardcore level, lets just say there is a reason why basically all competitive rock crawlers and TTC rigs are automatics, the auto isn't going to stall when you're teetering at the limits of articulation in a situation where a stall may cause a rollover or endo.

[@AC1234m]

Does this truck come with the long bed? The short bed doesn't look as good to me.And also why doesn't the rear windshield come all the way down like in the 4Runner and the tundra?

[@TFLtruck]

+JAY WRX No, TRD Pro does come in a long bed or extended cab.

[@jevrolet]

You also can't get a manual in the Tacoma if you get the crew cab with a long bed. A colleague of mine wanted a 5 speed but really needs the 4 doors (kids) and a long bed. Toyota doesn't make that version of the truck in a manual. So he was FORCED to get an automatic.

[@arod8596]

I love my manual 2015 Nissan Frontier v6 4x4

[@UltimateCARNUT]

Southern Cowboy The Frontier ABLS is also a much better system than whats in the taco when used properly.

[@arod8596]

You are correct it acts just like if i have a lsd in both difs i have tested it and it works perfectly i have tested it on sugar sand and i always have both rear tires spinning at the same time. this is very good and it has gotten me out of sticky situations with ease.

[@Jtwizzle]

Hmm proof? Most people seem to love atrac in the tacos.

[@UltimateCARNUT]

joshua12345676 Atrac is good and all I am not saying its bad. But the Nissan ABLS kicks in quicker and smoother and it never cuts power from the engine. These trucks are pretty expensive so I feel like most people never get a chance to drive both people just kind of throw up the banner of whatever they have.. If they did drive both I think most would choose the Nissan. People forget that Toyota had pretty much been dominating every small/mid comparo for decades until the current frontier showed up back in 2005. This new taco is a small refresh more than a rework which is why the nissan has been edging out all these comparisons once the hype of the GM mid twins died out. Honestly I would be happy with either one... but if I was spending my hard earned cash I'd save myself the 10 grand and just buy the frontier.

[@joma13344]

I have a 16 pro4x frontier, and I agree on the abls vs atrac point. I now think that the current frontier is better at offroading than the current Tacoma. The abls I think is better, and the engine is way better. torque for days.

[@NM-ix6hc]

Was there any situation where the crawl control got you out of a spot that you couldn't get out of with a manual? I'm trying to see if the crawl control is really that good, or if it just makes up for bad drivers and the loss of clutch control with automatics.

[@hyw079]

Finally! A video about this! Thank you!!!!

[@TFLtruck]

+hyw079 You are welcome.

[@Cobb]

The Fast Lane Truck Thanks for doing this, I've always wanted to know this, especially for this new generation with the crawl control on autos vs manual shifting and throttle control.

[@andrewyokem1091]

Cobb No crawl with the manual is not that huge due to the change in gearing. When off-road in the manual, by placing the truck in 4x4 low it has access to a much lower speed release of the clutch and slower crawling than the auto due to the gearing.

[@Cobb]

What about difficulty, is it easier, harder or the same for peddle work between the two (other than there being an extra peddle)?

[@fabianhernandez3126]

Great music, terrain, scenery, and best of all so far a taco at its best. I still would have to agree a taco is just a bit too expensive for me. One hell of a great truck thanks for the review.

[@archibaldvonfookface7364]

I admire Toyota for still putting a manual in their trucks. Honda on the other hand doesn't have a manual in their Ridgeline but a surprising amount of Hondas are offered in a manual. Even the HRV (smaller version of the CRV) comes in a manual. Kudos to both car makers.

[@travise5284]

I love manual transmission I like being in control and not to mention if you ever have a dead battery or bad starter if you can roll you can start it when I was young and broke I went 6 months with a bad starter in my prelude

[@geraldjr1000]

Wow 7 years ago 🎉🎉 time flys

[@-smp-scientificmethodpersp838]

@6:56 wait, so more control over the gearing is better than crawl control? What about in sand on the beach?

[@niborrandoacho]

Thank you for the clear shot of the manual stick 😒

[@mrlariata9290]

I have a friend named Manuel...lol. I grew up driving a stick shift and leaned to drive by driving a ford pinto 4 speed. I then had a 1972 ford and it was a stick shift, then had a 1964 ford custom 500 that was 3 on the tree with over drive. Then had a 1985 f150 that was a stick shift, then another f 250 diesel with a stick shift. Also a 1998 GMC 2500 stick shift. Now that I live in the city I would not want a stick shift because of stop and go traffic for what I do. Automatic is god for me. In 1999 I bought a new ZR2 that was automatic and it was over. I loved the automatic. Now that I will be in he market for a heavy duty truck, I will want an automatic because of the new technology and the automatic transmissions with exhaust brakes for diesel have better control than back in the day. I think the reason I always had a stick shift was because my uncle that was a mechanic said they are cheaper to fix and is better to control a load when we hauled wood in the mountains back in the day. Drive a stick shift in the city everyday downtown or in rush hour and you will change your mind quick to go with automatic. Automatics are better so you can text and drive hahahaha just kidding. I always get stuck in traffic and am looking forward to buying an automatic.

[@sinister0083]

This is so cool you guys are filming here on Maui where I live.

[@TFLtruck]

+Sinister Ikaika Maui is a wonderful place!

[@sinister0083]

Well, Maui is the Tacoma Capitol of the country. I bet you seen more tacomas here on Maui than you could count!

[@tacoman864]

My first taco. Love it

[@Bobbybeb]

Our local dealer has a nice selection in stock. However, the few I really liked last week are gone.

[@jeepduder]

Bobby0345 japans economy depends on it 😄

[@reidharris1638]

ive got an old 2002 tacoma 5 speed 4 cylinder motor and its got 228,673 miles on it and its still chugging along

[@renthal971]

I'll take a manual any day//

[@BoopSnoot]

5:00 That answer makes no sense. The question was appropriate, "is the gearing different". The highway cruising efficiency shouldn't really involve much if any shifting. So if 6th gear in the auto is giving 3MPG more efficiency than 6th gear in the manual, it seems likely that the auto is geared taller. A quick google on the TRD forums says the manual uses a 4.3:1 final drive vs the autos taller 3.9:1, so the reviewer's guess was right. Such a shame when manf. reps either intentionally spread misinformation or are too afraid to give the most honest answer of "I'm not sure, but can find out for you."

[@foskco87]

Less than 5% are sold with a manual because they often dont have any on the lot. People buy whats there. Im sure if they made more people would buy them. One of the biggest complaints I hear 4runner guys say about the newer ones is that they dont offer a manual. It took me 2 years to find my 2000 4runner 5 speed manual, which is the last year they offered it in the 4runner. I dunno in my mind you arent driving a true "yota" unless you've got the stick in one hand.

[@andrewyokem1091]

David I would have went with a pro 4Runner no doubt back in 2015 if they had offered it in standard shift. I ended up with a 6spd 2015 Tacoma TRD OR instead. I will say, i definitely have not regretted that decision and love every opportunity i get behind the wheel. I even have a 1997 Supra and 85 celiac gts with standards, but the amount of fun I get from my manual Tacoma far surpasses everything else.

[@foskco87]

Andrew Yokem Well atleast they still offer it with the tacoma! I fear the day you cant get a manual tacoma...

[@andrewyokem1091]

David I know, I love my standard. It just drives so well. I have mid travel adjustable suspension and no sway bar underneath. I would not be as comfortable with that situation if I didn't have the connection with my truck that a manual transmission provides. Choosing my gearing on the fly and using the clutch helps me feel much more able to control sway.

[@andyamysarizonaadventures5450]

I just got a 2018 TRD manual and I love it! my only complaint is first is a dog and it already wants 2nd just after 10mph making traffic behind you wait.I miss my 1987 4 spd😎

[@carter102]

The manual 6 speed is pretty good off road, and a lot of fun to drive, except in traffic jams. The automatic apparently is good too, but the gear hunting pisses some people off. Hard choice, but grateful to own one.

[@codyreeves2637]

So glad they still build manuals! Some of us like to drive

[@danielmeza4459]

Best review I've seen about the tacoma

[@rooster3019]

I grew-up with manuals and no AC. I was allowed to drive my Dad's 1950 Chevy PU on the farm when I was 10. I had to grip the bottom of the steering wheel and pull up in order to get enough "weight" to push the clutch down. All of my cars and trucks were stick or column manual until I got a Ford Expedition in the 1990's. Found out real quick that the auto was better given the traction controls. My Taco TRD was auto too, but not quite as good as the Ford. Then my 2013 F150 was auto, but not as good as Expedition either, similar to the Taco. Now, my 2018 Raptor is auto and it is pure bliss. I do not get the part about not having control of gearing in an auto when off road, I always shifted manually with the selector and then it could only down shift. The Raptor has the selector and paddles so I still limit the gearing to what I want. I always get AC now too. Autos are just better than manuals for light trucks IMHO. (Well, it is the clutch that usually fails ya when you least need it to).

[@tatsuo91]

automatic transmission have more sales just because no everyone can and wants to drive a Manual transmission, I driven manual since 16, I don't want an automatic on my life

[@glenparker7067]

Drove my '16 Toyota Tacoma Manual 70 miles the other day. Average MPG for the trip was 26.7MPG. It really depends how you drive it if you want good MPG.

[@danielq4411]

Glen Parker what was your speed during the trip? You must have been doing 45mph to get that good on an mpg.

[@glenparker7067]

55MPH 90% of the trip. If I'm doing the highway speed limit of 65MPH-70MPH, I only get 21MPG.

[@danielq4411]

Okay, that explains why your mpg was so good for that trip. I'm looking into buying one of these trucks, this is good feedback. Thank you!

[@glenparker7067]

Let me know if you have any questions. I tested both auto and manual. I went with the manual, even though I have never owned one before and I love it. The auto was nice, but the gear shifts were slow.

[@danielq4411]

Thanks. I actually test drove an automatic and a manual yesterday, I'm surprised I liked the automatic better since I've always owned vehicles with manual transmission. The truck with the manual transmission felt sluggish for some reason, the engine sounded different though, like there was something wrong with it, I'm gonna go to another dealership tomorrow and test the manual transmission again, this might have been a fluke or it might be the fact that I'm used to my Scion TC manual transmission being more responsive.

[@jagdeepkabarhwal8632]

I have 6 speed Manual FJ cruiser.. Best vehicle anyone can buy. Love my Truck. Enjoy Manual.

[@rifqiyudhon313]

Only in USA where pick up truck or d-cab using gasoline engine and auto transmision, where usually in the opposite, we use diesel because of the better torque and fuel economy and manual transmision

[@tohloc]

How does it get 3 mpg less on the highway? 6th is 6th. Even if the rear ended gearing is different from the auto to manual transmission you’d think they’d adjust the cruising gear for better mileage. It’s not like you’d need 6th for much else.

[@bige859]

Manual is always better in trucks

[@seantaylor2683]

Manual is better in everything

[@bige859]

Sean Taylor True

[@titakristengco]

Yeap that true. If you want to be Expert in Off Roading The Manual Transmission is the best for beginers.

[@advicer1]

I wish I would have seen the host go more in depth than just provide basic information. He really didn't go into detail why he prefers the manual over automatic. I just wish he would explain how all of those automatic bells and whistles compare vs a manual.

[@bethoughtprovoking]

The problem in videos that compare a manual to an automatic is that we are invariably reminded of the “difficulty” associated with the former; the automatic is extolled as the easier of the two and the manual always deprecated as inefficient or a relic of the past. It appears to me that if learning to use a manual for off-roading is ‘too difficult’, then maybe you shouldn’t be off-roading in the first place. A manual truck with a Diesel engine is king off-road - in any situation. And, believe me, I’ve been in all of those adverse situations. Americans have been taught to be lazy and inept; instead of developing driving skills, they’ve developed an aptitude for relying on technology to get things done. My advice to people of this kind? STAY IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, DRIVING ISN’T FOR YOU!

[@fixitmann6685]

Don't worry, in America, in a few years, all new cars, including off-road vehicles, will be self-driving electric. No driver allowed. Oh, and off-roading will probably be prohibited. Mark my words.

[@spensierilawnlandscape2970]

please review 2.7l Tacoma

[@tsnorquist]

Boy, Toyota is really putting a lot of money into the marketing to sell these $50k mid size trucks.

[@catfishmudflap]

I don't get this. Why would you have "more control" with manual? Everyone says this without explanation. Why would you be in any other gear except first gear in those off road situations anyway? I can shift into low gear and use low range four wheel drive and go off road so the manual transmission is just a he-man thing.

[@Nonamguys]

Paul Montero is it a preference? Yeah, but the control of it comes many fold. 1. You have direct power to the wheels, no delay for the transmission like there is in an auto. There may be much less now days compared to back when, but there will always be some. With a manual, it is straight from you to wheels which can give you an edge and makes driving the vehicle more safe and controlled, especially in tough terrain like ice or on rocks. 2. Each gear gives a certain power curve throughout the rev range. If you learn your vehicle, you'll know that power on both, but you can take advantage of it in a manual so much more. You aren't wrong about the first gear comment, you will leave it on 1st slot, but you have the option of other great if you want more controlled power. Finally the biggest advantage for control that can be appreciated by any driver is the clutch and the availability to go into neutral at an instants notice as well as being able to control power in the low rev range even in first gear. The biggest deal is neutral, which is insanely useful when trying to determine how much power is needed, and can be an invaluable tool when navigating ice or rocks, as you can instantly remove all power from the wheels which can help you stop from being stuck, help you get out of ruts, and so much more. The clutch is a tool that , when I don't have it, I sorely miss and never want to give up.

[@catfishmudflap]

OK! Thank you.

[@andrewyokem1091]

Carlos Villa Actually he is pretty spot on to what I like best about my 15 TRD OR, so why don't you keep your opinion to yourself there. He definitely is not full of shit

[@TheArcWelder]

Some vehicles will force the transmission out of 1st or 2nd in an auto when it thinks it "should" be shifting. Its not the same as being in 1st or 2nd in a manual. You can actually mat it and apply the power better. Youd just have to see for yourself

[@PatrickRich]

I desperately wish a manual was an option on my cruiser. The auto has its perks (torque converter multiplication and left foot braking) but even though i drive 1000 miles or so a year off-pavement, I drive 9000 or more on and it sure would be nice to be able to choose my own gears there.

[@s.centralkeystone558]

Great video Andre! I would love to see some additional footage from this event. Perhaps you could put something on TFLnow?

[@dbarton8651]

I've achieved 27+ mpgs on trips many times in my 16 dblcb 4x4 auto....so yeah I'm ok with it.

[@FishFind3000]

filthytaco the autos car faster shifting and there's really no power loss vs manual. Only when the first came out.

[@Silentway247]

How. I have a 2017 doblcab 4x4 auto and even on cruise control for 400 miles it averaged 17.5. Never seen it above 19.4

[@dbarton8651]

Marcus Sullivan also has to be near perfect conditions... I did mine at 55 mph with cruise control on and fairly flat roads FYI

[@nathanfisher4116]

I would hands down get the manual but its not offered with the longbed for some reason so the compromise is worth it