2021 Toyota Tacoma 6-Speed Manual Review - The Ultimate Enthusiast Truck?

[@Sauce516]

I love my TRD SPORT with the 6 speed. It’s new with that old school charm. Simple, clean and reliable and I can work on it myself.

[@wasing02]

Most reviewers who get vehicles from the dealership are afraid to say anything honest or negative because they don't want to ruin that relationship, and corporate p.r. people threaten to revoke their access. Well done being honest about the truck, both good and bad. You earned a sub.

[@DireWolf28]

If Nissan would get their act together and offer a manual and diesel option in the new frontier they would really give the taco a run for its money

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Still going to be a Nissan. Toyota needs to bring the Hilux over

[@assassinforce5637]

No, unreliable machines. Wouldnt compete with toyota

[@rubenmv91]

Nissan frontier with diesel engine is available on Mexico

[@thekin10]

But the resale value close the discussion if you buying. Leasing maybe you are wright.

[@RyanMcIntyre]

@@thekin10 Damn true. For some reason Toyota seems to be gaining equity 😂 you think I'm kidding look at the used market. 10 years old with 100k miles and it's only 5-10k under new prices. WTH

[@bg8302]

Thank you for doing a review focused on TRD M/T. Just bought a 21 TRD M/T and I love it. Totally agree that this is not for everyone and there are some stiff sacrifices buying the M/T, but it was almost 3k cheaper than several A/T I considered. After a short period of adjustment I have really grown to love driving the M/T and enjoy it much more than I would have had I purchased the A/T. In the end, it's a personal preference, some will love it, some will not. Pricing is out of control for all vehicles. I bought my 2004 1st gen Taco M/T for $20k new. That was only 17 years ago.

[@kevinnorris6558]

I wish that the safety features weren't standard and were instead optional. Keeping it standard causes the price to go up, while making it optional would make it a little cheaper and allow those who don't want the safety features to save a little money. I myself have no use for such safety features and would rather save some money.

[@djkenny1202]

What was price of the new one?

[@billmacc]

I bought a 2021 TRD M/T 4x4 Off Road in May 2021, and now have 6000 miles on it. From the first day the acceleration has been extremely erratic. For example. in 2nd gear if I stomp the gas pedal there is usually a 1-2 sec delay, then 2 secs of fast acceleration, followed by another delay, followed by different acceleration. How it reacts is completely random. It behaves as if I was pumping the gas pedal. The dealer says that's because of the computer control to the engine. I've adapted by driving completely to lessen then impact. Can this possibly be normal? I haven't seen any mention of it elsewhere.

[@aaronromphfexperience6819]

@@billmacc youtube: tacoma clutch accumulator delete. Let me know if that sounds like it could be the problem.

[@jeromep3182]

I love the 6spd manual truck drives amazing

[@mannyandel752]

I love my 6 speed too!!

[@dickbutt69420]

Lucky man, I'm hoping to get a '19 manual very soon

[@dano8012]

Where did you learn to drive stick shift?

[@Popwarner-x1w]

@@dano8012 just get one and wing it. 😃

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@Popwarner-x1w at 14 in a VW Bug 👍🇺🇸

[@dfb_guitars]

"And it's also quite reluctant to downshift unless you punch it like you're trying to keep it from having kids." With that line... SUBSCRIBED! Great reviews I want to get another Taco after departing from my 97 years ago.

[@jeffmunro7638]

Lmao agreed

[@270eman]

Automatic is great when it has a proper tune like OTT. Solves all of those issues. I am on 33" C rated tires and it drives great. No more wonky shifting or unresponsiveness. Gives you more HP and torque and shifts the power bands down low so you are not having to rev into the 4000s to get peak power.

[@d.s7741]

Leave that zero to sixty stuff for the Pony cars. A manual transmission 4x4 isn't about acceleration. and I know for a fact, that a truck with manual transmission will out-perform in the snow, and zero to sixty is the last thing you'll be worried about

[@libradrag0n]

Great review. Very comprehensive. You covered all the caveats with optioning a manual transmission Tacoma.

[@jmyers6175]

'21 Tacoma 4wd off road double cab 6 speed in army green. Lucky to find. 40K is the going price. The manual transmission is nostalgic for me. First truck wa s 4wd '83 SR5 5 spd. Then a '90 4wd SR5 5 spd. The current transmission is clunky at low speed but it feels awesome to shift. Not perfect but it's a manual in a truck. The automatic I didn't like constant converter lock and unlock and hunting gears. Have a great day.

[@bentstrider]

Definitely looking at one of these once I get my 2016 Silverado finally paid down. After years of dealing with automatics, it's time to give a manual a shot. I drive semi trucks as well and even most companies are moving onto autos as well. Got to keep driving fun to some degree. And after my 10 speed Peterbilt got switched with a 12 speed auto three years ago, it'd be nice to have something with standard controls again.

[@xeviuus]

First, I am so happy to find out that Toyota makes Tacoma with 6 speeds manual. That's why I have one. Now that I drove it for a while, a lot of issues that were mentioned on this video (which I agree except for 1 gear being long) can be resolved with Pedal Commander. Giving more throttle early on takes care of the feel of you have to rev out the engine to get up to the right shifting RPM range. I do recommend changing out the shifter knob to the TRD round knob. It has more weight and it feels more balanced when you shift. In the end, I am just glad that you can actually buy a stick on a pick-up truck.

[@asscherPaintWorks]

Hey mate, Does the U.S has MT Tacos'?

[@xeviuus]

@@asscherPaintWorks yes they do. Not a lot but they exist

[@BagpipekilR]

Hopefully picking up my manual taco this weekend... cheers toyota for catering to the purists!

[@bogiyt8746]

Did you end up getting it?

[@sramvokermvp278]

@@bufordard why tf would u compare a 2.7L engine to a 3.6L V6 and then get mad about fuel comp on the 3.6L V6? Are u on drugs? Also, the Tacoma is also in 4WD. U don't buy a fricking pickup truck and expect to have a gas mileage of 30 to 40 mpg... U think u living in disneyland or something? If ur that hell bent on gas mileage then buy a frickin Prius then, not a truck. I have a jeep gladiator that has a v6 engine too and it is nowhere underpowered as how u make it out to be in the tacoma and the fact that the gladiator is significantly heavier than the tacoma due to bigger tires, better and heavier suspensions, slightly bigger and longer overall, I don't even complain. I feel like ur comparing it too much to other cars and then complain a lot.

[@46rambo49]

manual all the way, with the current rash of chip shortages anything without another chip is a bonus, now if you could just build one I could wear my hat in

[@slocavky]

I have a 2020 trd sport manual and I LOVE it.. Thank goodness I work for Toyota at a factory and get a great discount. I got mine out the door on the road for $32k well I got no options really so, Well worth it. Oh speaking of royal south, my truck came from there but they did a dealer trade for it in Richmond Kentucky. NICE.

[@Realistick]

Wow, that is a really sweet discount there,it seems like Royal South gets more than their fair share of manual tacos, congratulations on the truck, glad you like it!

[@LewdGyrations]

How TF you get a trd sport for that much when I payed for SR base model for 33k?

[@LewdGyrations]

@Dale Macarena I live in Kansas and payed for it new, oh well, I would've like the off-road model though

[@djkenny1202]

@@LewdGyrations you paid way too much. Never pay more than below MSRP. 28k is attainable on a 2.7L with 4WD with discounts and negotiation. Is it at least 4WD with some seats that flip down and no black bumper?

[@LewdGyrations]

@@djkenny1202 it's the Sr V6 4wd double cab

[@alb1471]

My 21 6 M/T is fun to drive. Very hard to find but worth the wait. My 18 & 21 both had hill start assist and all the available options. Always reliable and excellent in snow

[@Lineman450]

How long was your wait to find it?

[@alb1471]

@@Lineman450 Two months. Dealer located one 200 miles away. Wanted loaded sport model. Had to settle on the available color

[@Lineman450]

@@alb1471 ok thanks. I have a feeling I will have to settle on color also. We are looking at an "Off Road".

[@86309]

How come some people say it has hill hold, and some say it doesn't....? is it optional? Like block heaters?

[@alb1471]

@@86309 Hill start assist on window sticker is listed under standard equipment. At 4400 lbs and on a hill it comes in handy.

[@datisme11]

Perfect, looking for a midsized pick up truck without a push button start, I like the Ridgeline for a daily driver but hate the push start, Tacoma with manual and physical key a buy for me

[@Realistick]

Out of curiosity, what do you have against push button start? I definitely do like the Tacoma's analog approach to things and Id personally take one over a Ridgeline too but I also do like just walking up to a truck and it unlocking and being able to start without having to dig in my pockets!

[@datisme11]

@@Realistick It's a nice feature and all, but I'm old school. Coming from 91 toyota pick up, 97 tacoma it's what I'm used to. Wished they had options either for a push start or physical key when you buy a brand new vehicle.

[@Realistick]

@@datisme11 Alright, I can see that, it would definitely be nice to make it an add on or something so people could save a little money too if they chose to do so!

[@thomasdalton1829]

Do yourself a big favor ..honda and truck just dont belong ..get a tacoma if you want a midsize truck..itll go everywhere the ridgeline wont and looks better

[@hvactec54]

I’m seriously considering buying a 2023 Tacoma TRD OR manual when they come out. My dealership alerted me they had a 2016 TRD Sport manual I could test drive to see if I like it. Overall I really enjoyed it, despite the tall high clutch engagement which left me at the red light guessing a few times. I thought the shift were predictable and very engaging. I haven’t owned a manual transmission vehicle in over 13 years but no problems here. I didn’t notice and clunking but the engine is sluggish which I assume is worse with the AT. I may need to drive both transmissions before making my final decision but as of now I’m leaning towards the manual.

[@firegiver]

I have a 2020 TRD OR with 6MT and I love it. I drove the 2016 with manual and hated it, and thought the AT was just ok. IDK why the 2020 one is so much better besides the adjustable seat but its awesome. I live in a big city and its not a chore to drive here and its amazing in the country. I drove the colorado and the ranger the same day before I bought my truck. I should add I came from a subaru WRX to this truck ;)

[@Realistick]

I feel like RCR said the tacoma trd pro manual was the car that WRX owners buy next. Congrats on the purchase too, I feel like it has also improved since 2016, the most notable thing to me was the brakes!

[@bobbaran]

In the market now for a manual 4x4 Tacoma with a 6 foot bed and access cab (we have a camper). As mentioned these are really hard to find. Hoping the new one's match the reliability of our 2007 SR5 5-Speed 4-Cylinder 4x4 Tacoma which we still have.

[@frankburns8871]

"...except, wow...ew." Well said, buddy, my sentiments exactly!

[@douglascalhoun6471]

I have a 2017 sport with the stick. One of the best trucks for upstate New York in my opinion. Easier to control on hills than a slush box.

[@confidentlocal8600]

Fluid Film or Krown it yearly so it lasts! That's what I'm going to do when my 2021 arrives.

[@richiehoppie6945]

I have a 22’ Sx Access cab and i love it, it looks great and i also love the lack of “comforts/features” with just an appearance package (kind if a basemodel junky) and with that being said i think the Sx SRs are the perfect canidate for the manual transmission and it bothers me you can’t get one. It should be offered in any trim with the v6

[@triple6758]

I find the MT to be quite smooth when I do my part. Still getting to know each other. First is short, imo., But it is a 6 speed.

[@rampagedingo]

This is why I like a 5 speed manual, nissan makes good 6 speed manuals. The reverse is on the far right down. I really like that and I makes sense. But if reverse is on the far right, better go for a 5 speed. They're not that bad and have higher gear ratios.

[@planbparadise2046]

Not only will you get used to the bite point over time, it will also change and get more compliant as the truck is broken in.

[@BetaRacer24]

I have a Facebook group of 4500+ of Manual Tacoma owners. I traded my Tacoma off for a couple of reasons 1. It was the least comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. Im 6’3. I had to slouch to keep from hitting my head on the roof, and when I did my knees were in the dash. The seats were hard as a rock. 2. The gear ratios are absolutely absurd. 6th at 70 was 2k plus rpm, and 5th was a 300RPM drop. So it was useless. Also, reverse in the manual had to go 20+ mph just to be able to let the clutch out. I pulled a small tractor and tried to back up my driveway, had to put it in 4low and it still struggled. 3. that engine is BRUTAL. Its great above 3500 rpm but not what a truck should be designed for. Absolutely no power and MPG wasnt that great for the lack of power and that engine. 4. The driving position needs the wheel to extend about another foot. And that bad part is, I might end up buying another because I want a manual truck.... but I want a truck that can actually pull something and carry a load....

[@Realistick]

What year was yours, did you have the power seats? Those improved the seats a lot but everything else is definitely still evident in the new ones still unfortunately.

[@BetaRacer24]

@@Realistick 18 and no power seats, power doesnt matter when im all the way back and cant go any farther.

[@Realistick]

@@BetaRacer24 I'm 6 3 as well, they are 10 way adjustable so you can get lower and it improves support, I talk about them more in my full review, it definitely improved it as I have driven both quite a bit.

[@BetaRacer24]

@@Realistick I mean the seat makes a difference, but if the wheel does telescope more than an inch I cant go back far without arms stretched. Ergonomics are terrible

[@Realistick]

@@BetaRacer24 very much agreed there, the ergonomics are awful on these, it's crazy how little the wheel telescopes.

[@roadkingspecialmignone6200]

Got my 21 taco sport manual LOVE IT. compared to my 14 a 199 times better quiet shifts great new interior is great love this truck great great no complaints at all

[@wtbofnc7880]

Shifting at the right RPM will give you a better fuel economy than an automatic. Coasting on the downhills, etc, etc. The automatic doesn't utilize the 6th gear unless its in overdrive. They are promoting the automatic transmission with the stats.

[@zaks6]

Appreciate how critical you are with your thoughts on the the vehicle, but after owning a TRD off road 6m I don't agree with your thoughts on the handling and road feel off road. If I had a way to describe it, I would call it a dirt runner. A rally truck

[@johngalt7818]

The hand brake is there to keep you from rolling backwards on an incline

[@dannyfedoruk]

I didn't know Ed Snowden does car reviews now

[@dannylewandowski2822]

I have a 6spd manual 22’ sport access cab and I love it so far! 150 miles. Bought it Friday. I actually traded in my 2020 ford ranger. The first thing I noticed was how low the seating position is, and the the steering wheels seems like it could be pushed up slightly more. I have 5’9” and I’m comfortable. I’ve been adjusting the seat to be perfect more each time I drive. The curb weight Is about 4300 pounds. My favorite thing that I noticed, the engine felt kinda soft when I first got it but now it’s really powerful. Maybe the pistons settled in? The transmission is noisy I have noticed, but all manuals make noise when shifting gears. Also the rear axle ratio is 4.30:1 in the manual and 3.90:1 in the automatic, which is why auto lags so much…

[@Realistick]

Congrats on the truck!

[@wanderingdaze7018]

Been looking for a sport access cab with m/t but very hard tho find. I’m going to settle with an off-road with a manual

[@MsZhus]

How much u pay?

[@MustafarRecRoom]

I’m getting one of the last TRD Pro manual Tacomas available in my area. Thought briefly about waiting for the ‘24, but…naahhhhh….

[@Rktman129]

I have a 21 sport automatic and it’s really annoying how it’s always looking for gears. Whether it be shifting up or down. I often find myself just shifting in the semi auto mode to try and govern the transmission to do it how I’m accustomed to. I’ve even gone as far as learned how to let off and get back on the gas to match the sound of a manual because I miss driving one so much. I think it’s safe to say after 60k miles that autos just bore me and I’m going to trade it in for a manual before they’re completely extinct

[@lc7192]

I basically liked and agreed with your video. I think the 2021 TRD Sport package with the automatic transmission is the best combination. It has great handling. The sort tuned suspension keeps the truck flat with little to no body roll in the turns but handles the bumpy roads without a jarring and sometimes bouncy ride that you get with the off-road packages. I drove both with and without the leather seats and found that you don’t slide around in the seat on a bumping, twisty road as you do with the leather seating package. The standard tranny has a clutch with a high or late engagement point that I didn’t like either. My choice to buy was the TRD Sport with the LED headlights and the technology packages. The price was $3,800 less than the Premium package. Besides the leather seats I didn’t like the moonroof that decreases the headroom by more than one inch. I had a moonroof on my last pickup that I rarely used. I can always upgrade the speakers and add a subwoofer with amp for much less than $3800. Oh, and I own a 2021 Tacoma with the auto tranny, with the TRD Sport package and have 8,000 miles on it. I drive about 90% of the time on the roads but have done off-roading with no issues. Mine came equipped with the 9.4 inch ground clearance that all the TRD models do.

[@Realistick]

The TRD sport is the sweet spot for me too, congrats on the truck! The LED lights are definitely worth it, I personally like the leather but you can get that put in for a grand aftermarket so I don't think I'd leap for 4k package either.

[@plops993]

I have the 2021 off road not the sport but was happy to discover that whatever gear hunting issue was happening with the 2020 seems to have been fixed with the 2021. My old 2011 frontier had a gear hunting issue so I know exactly what it feels like and I never encountered it in the automatic transmission on the 2021 TRD off road thankfully, So it seems it has been fixed

[@thomasdalton1829]

I got the 2020 sr5 access cab v6 automatic ..wish they wouldve offered a manual in it ..but i still love my truck

[@robinhoward7408]

Me watching this: "Wow this seems like a great truck I would definitely get this one" *drives a 2003 manual s10 and definitely can't afford a new truck*

[@Realistick]

That sums up my experiences reviewing cars pretty well

[@AznBbuilder]

dont sell that thing

[@jeffmunro7638]

Lol

[@trumpney3308]

my 2003 jeep liberty died 3 days ago, and now i am waiting in line for a trd sport. So theres hope for you yet!

[@thunderbear0]

Meanwhile in Australia we got 79 series pickups All are manual with very simple and basic they are true tough work horses love them

[@Realistick]

I wish they still offered something like that new in the states! We're stuck on full size work trucks though:(

[@thunderbear0]

@@Realistick it would be great specially if you're sitting in rural areas you can literally fix anything with your common hand tools if it breaks and America have to much bs in regulations and safties its impossible for toyota to bring that truck in US unless they upgrade it heavily to meet US standards

[@Realistick]

@@thunderbear0 Yeah, we can import old Hiluxes now, which is sweet but until everything is electric and emissions won't be difficult to get around, I don't think we will get much in terms of small workhorses

[@throwednoe]

This is my daily driver (plus a lot of mods) and I love it.

[@longhairwhocares]

Which mods?

[@CrowCreekOutdoors]

Your emergency brake is your hill assist in a manual. Set the brake when you stop on the hill. Release it when the clutch begins to engage.

[@Kuhlyedascope69]

Hey i agree with your driving impressions. I have a 2001 ford ranger 5 speed with 198k and the clutch are exactly the same grab - you gotta rev em up and land them otherwise its a carnival ride.

[@bikebudha01]

I really wish they'd offer the manual in the base trim...

[@Popwarner-x1w]

It would be cool to get one with a 4 cylinder engine and a manual transmission. Or a V6 and a manual transmission. I don't want a computer constantly deciding what gear that I want to be in. I want to be the one to decide

[@thomasr7552]

Wish I’d gotten the manual version. Bought a 2021 sr5 auto and don’t like the transmission. Towed a heavy trailer and it would do 80km/h uphill and nearly redline without shifting up. Same if accelerating hard on the highway. It would downshift to much and throw you forward before it gets going. Not pressing the pedal to the floor. We have a 2010 fj cruiser with the off road package that we bought new back then and it’s auto as well. Much better transmission and not having that problem at all.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Sometimes for a thrill i’ll use manual mode in my automatic Tacoma. Great truck either way. I hear a refresh is just around the corner?

[@doylee469]

Yeah but who wants the first year of any vehicle..the last year of any gen is the way to go.

[@Iliketobrap]

So glad I was able to find a 4cyl single cab 5spd 4x4 before they got rid of them. I just love little 4 cyl 4x4 trucks

[@Kwat224son]

I found I would lose 3 car lengths shifting from 1st to 2nd when leaving a traffic light. In my 2020 Tacoma I would have to legit drag race hitting red line to keep up.

[@spacebear49]

Interesting. I think the only issue is 1st is too SHORT. But I'm fine with a lack of hill assist. I'm old school though. And my clutch is great. Maybe it's an individual thing.

[@Popwarner-x1w]

They don't want to sell us what we want. Instead, they tell us that the Tacoma truck comes with an automatic transmission. I don't want that. I will be looking elsewhere if I cannot find one with a V6 and a manual transmission. The customer is always right.

[@nayber2352]

No proximity start is such a positive feature for me though. I feel like people getting a manual truck tend to think that same way.

[@Realistick]

Some do, but I don't think they've ever owned a car or truck with that feature. My current car has this and it's extremely convenient! You never have to take your keys out of your pocket. I'm looking into buying one of these or a Bronco and that is one notable advantage to the Bronco for me. Everyone has different priorities though, I have just come to really enjoy smart keys!

[@jmin8400]

@Living in an Inverse Reality aka Clown World Who cares, especially being that the Tacoma is not without its own issues and the Bronco is not yet proven, compared to a Wrangler in terms of lacking reliability. Very tiring hearing the same repetitive drivel.

[@smitty2276]

As someone whos only driven a manual once a few years ago and i enjoyed it. I also live in a high traffic area would you recommend me to purchasing a manual Tacoma?

[@Realistick]

If you enjoyed driving a manual, id get one because it might be the last time you can get one in a brand new truck! It's not the smoothest one to learn on but it's not too bad either, I'd say go for it but I'm a little biased because I now have a 2nd gen manual tacoma!

[@davep4610]

Thanks for this review. I really hope to get a manual off-road-capable vehicle in the next 2 or 3 years (gotta see how the money goes). Hoping the next-gen Tacoma will either delay or continue the manual. Otherwise in about a year there should be Broncos available to test drive with the manual. Also, since the Bronco has that new 7 speed manual for the 2.3 turbo, I'm hoping that Ford might make that same engine / tran combination available in the next-gen Ranger. 20 years ago I had a manual Jeep Wrangler and loved that 4.0 liter engine with manual; I just have too many concerns about reliability to want to get a new Wrangler or Gladiator.

[@Realistick]

I'm really interested in the new Bronco as well, I actually have access to a 7 speed mt model coming in this year hopefully, I'm going to hop on that review super quick so stay tuned!

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

@@Realistick you are disabled. EPA estimates lie. If you drive below sixty this gets much better mileage as a manual. I can't believe you are so dumb. Read the actual EPA protocol. They test up to 89, and they never do wind tunnel, nor on road testing. It's made up nonsense on a dyno.

[@jmin8400]

Such a great channel, loving your reviews! ❤👍👍 Keep it up, as this channel is only going to get bigger and ideally be a full time thing!

[@Realistick]

I appreciate it. Thank you!

[@sebrace456]

I love my 16 trd sport with the manual trans. The only thing that would make this truck better is a bigger engine or added power in general. Perhaps a turbo or super charger.

[@Realistick]

I know, this would have been a ton of fun with the 4.6 v8 or a supercharger! I still want one either way, let's just hope they keep the stick for the next gen. Maybe they make a really sweet one as a swan song to the ICE Tacoma

[@johnmellyn2700]

I’ve got a 2010 trd sport with 66,000 miles on it , I bought it new December of 2009 and still love the freakin thing . I gotta admit , the new ones are so tempting , if I hadn’t dished out around $900 on new Michelin’s about 5000 miles ago I’d think about pulling the trigger. I love the fact that you can get heated leather seats, I’ve got a question, does it come with heated mirrors, living in the north east that’s one thing I don’t like about my 2010. I saw a KZbin video where a guy mentioned they do come with heated mirrors, but I can’t find that written anywhere

[@Realistick]

That's a good question, it does have heated mirrors! When I try to find nitty gritty stuff on trims I use online builders and brochures, you can find that information in the 2020 brochure (21 brochure is not released yet) at the bottom.

[@johnmellyn2700]

@@Realistick thank you

[@spiralingcrazies]

Jeezus...all these reviewers are like in a manual for the 1st time. Gear one and R are next to each other??? Duh? Yes, they've been that way on most for 20+ years! Especially in a professional truck, as this one clearly is, a MT for someone that knows what they're doing with it is essential and could even be a life saver.

[@grayman618]

As someone who has owned three Toyota Tacomas I can say honestly I would never buy a new one today. For $45,000 there's at least 10 other vehicles I would buy over this including a full size truck. It's just getting absurd what these pickups are costing the public these days. Furthermore the V6 motor has zero power under 4000 RPM making it a poor choice of engines to put in a truck. There are much better choices out there.

[@Realistick]

Thanks for the feedback, I agree with you from the perspective of someone who intends on using the truck for work or to tow somewhat regularly. A full size truck with similar equipment wouldn't be much more and is way more capable, plus the fuel economy is better in certain cases, however, I don't think the tacoma is meant to be a work truck. The people that want a work grade taco are sticking with models at or below the low 30k range. The major advantage that virtually no other truck has is the reliability/low running cost factor, which is big for a lot of people. Other trucks in the class have it beat in bedsize, capability, and handling, but they don't have that. Honestly, I don't think those things matter as much to taco buyers. People buy these because they DON'T want to drive a behemoth, they probably want a reliable truck that they can occasionally take to get mulch at home depot and take on a (slightly) off road camping vacation with no worries. Despite the Tacomas apparent flaws, for that person, I can't think of a better new truck. The TRD tacomas are aimed squarely at customers like that. I do definitely wish they'd put in a torquey engine, though, but that wouldn't deter me from buying one as a "lifestyle truck." Especially with the stick.

[@Baebon6259]

4Runner or Tundra are better alternative.

[@eg7381]

No manual transmission in a 4Runner or Tundra though.

[@staywhatyouare]

@@Baebon6259 not for people who like to have a pickup bed but also want a midsize truck 🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Arbyfig]

I want a manual, actually I like the overall look of the off-road the most, the only issue is the electronic braking being hard to modulate from what I have heard, I may get a sport down the road and just get the wheels and wrap overfenders or get new ones

[@Realistick]

That's cool, I certainly recommend it, the new one has pretty agreeable brakes, the issue with the brakes was really prevalent with this generation initially but it has since become pretty tolerable imo!

[@Arbyfig]

@@Realistick ah, maybe I may just try the newer off road if the issue is less pronounced, would def save the hassle

[@taeyoungmckaykang8035]

Appreciate the review. Been mulling for a taco 6spd

[@bradenbart9309]

Have trd sport manual with a “core shifters” hurst shifter. If anyone wants to unlock the true driver experience of the manual Tacoma…. Get the real short shift kit don’t cheap out. Also the whole reverse thing. Accidentally putting it in reverse, I was doing that when I first got the truck for about a week. Once I got use to the truck however. It’s been about a year sence that has happened, I doubt it will happen again also. I’m very use to the truck Also if you get the truck tuned. It turns it into a new truck. You can basically use the gears completely differently, way more low end torque, you can let the revs get a lot lower in each gear without having to down shift. Another tip if you take the “clutch accumulator” out and replace it with a 12” break hard line, it also fixes the clutch soft feel and gives you way more clutch feel…. To me every problem stated in this has been fixed on my truck to the point of feeling completely different from stock and better in my opinion.

[@bradenbart9309]

Also that said this manual truck is going to be worth ALOT of money in the future as it’s a dieing breed. And if you buy your truck for resale. Get a manual

[@hankhill3417]

Offer it in a base model regular cab 4x4 like in the past. No options except a/c and cruise

[@bigdan827_8]

I guess I'll stick with my 2007 Ford Ranger 4.0L 4WD manual. Call me old fashioned, but I like my manual windows and door locks, too. I felt no need to compare it to anything, even the many manual pickups I have owned in the past. I do like the Tacoma, but you really need to get back to basics if you're going to offer the people a great truck. My father used to own a couple of Toyota MT pickups and they were superior to what they offer today.

[@Realistick]

I think the closest thing to that recently was the 2019 frontier base 4 cylinder 5 spd or the 3rd gen tacoma 4 cylinder 5 spd mt from a few years ago

[@susanstrobel7296]

You just described my dream truck. Manual Everything! With no options.

[@confidentlocal8600]

I would have bought something like that if I could find one in good shape. Too much rust for too much money in our local market!

[@jacobbenns6090]

I love my 2001 ram 1500, short wheelbase 4x4 5spd powered by a built 5.2l v8 and manual everything inside and out lol

[@confidentlocal8600]

The fuel economy difference is in the gearing. A 7-speed manual with a taller cruising gear would address any highway fuel economy deficit. Or use the same diff as the automatic. As for me, I enjoy not having to beg the engine to wake up from 1,100 rpm to the power band when I'm doing 70 mph on the highway.

[@Realistick]

Me too, I don't want taller gearing and I don't care about the gas mileage but the government does! That difference in gas mileage might be causing its own demise so I hope Toyota does whatever they have to for the stick to stay alive. Although, a taller sixth gear with the Tacoma's torque curve would not be fun.

[@POGIAKO62]

It’s a TRUCK, not sportscar. I love the Tacoma manual transmission 🤟

[@270eman]

Sucks you can't get a double cab longbed SR5 with a manual. I just got mine tuned after 5000 miles with OTT and it drives fantastic now on 33'' tires. It moves all the power down low and gives it back that truck feeling and instant responsiveness.

[@TheGreatBender]

4:41 What is a 30-60 view camera? The rest of the truck looks great

[@micahtarantino111]

I have a 2015 TRD pro. Can I convert that to a manual? Is it possible? Is it worth it?

[@MustafarRecRoom]

Anything’s possible….how much do you want to spend?

[@chrisdakins2010]

Excellent review! Good job man!

[@kelvin6038]

I really wish Toyota would put a lock for the reverse gear kwa the six speed manuals za 4X4. Just like in Corollas. It's devastating when you aimed for 1st gear then cars behind you are shocked you're reversing suddenly..😬😳

[@tanner6859]

You may have addressed this in another Tacoma video, but how is the headroom with the sunroof in the premium package? I am waiting for my order on a 2022 off road, 6 speed manual, premium package. I basically wanted the nicest, potentially last manual truck I could afford before the 4th gen comes out. I’m nervous about the premium choice with the sunroof as I’m 6’2”. Realllly wanted the “leather” though.

[@Realistick]

I drove a Limited spec in the full review for the 21 tacoma and I fit with a little left to spare so you should be good! Awesome truck, it's the best time to get one.

[@Snappydadshoes]

I'm 6 foot 3 with the premium pack in my 2021. I have like 3 inches of head room left (it's not huge, but no issues). I also have my seat up pretty high cause I like being up more. You can lower it probably a good 2 inches. The power seats make a huge difference. You should have plenty of head room.

[@MRGTOLS1]

Give praise that it does not have the dreaded skip shift

[@97I30T]

Thankfully the Tacoma is nowhere near powerful enough to have skip shift. Going from 1st straight to 4th in a Tacoma would make it pretty much undriveable.

[@saifeddinezouini8688]

Toyota Tacoma with 6 speed manual and d4d engine like the Hilux could be cool

[@samsoncosta83]

Great video! I have a 2020 Sport access cab and agree with everything you said! I love my Tacoma with the MT but wished it had some more low end torque for sure. I guess there are "tunes" out there that can change this dramatically (like OVTune). Also, I can comfirm that the Sport model does have the 2 second brake hold when you release the brake on a incline. I believe they kept this off the Offroad and Pro because if you get stuck in a offroad situation you can rock the truck going from 1st and reverse. This is probably another reason they have reverse next to 1st.

[@Realistick]

That's actually insightful, I didn't think about the offroad pros to that setup and not having the auto hold, I still wish it was there with a button to shut it off though. I'd love to try one out with a tune!

[@confidentlocal8600]

I ordered a Sport but didn't activate hill hold on my test drive. When I drove the Off-Road, it rolled back like I expected, and I used the handbrake like I always do. I preferred the ride of the Sport and ordered one, not realizing it had a hill holder. I don't have the truck yet but, it sounds like hill holder could be annoying. Subaru's hill hold has caused me to stall a few times on test drives. Is there a way to turn it off like in Techstream?

[@samsoncosta83]

Agreed! A button to turn that feature on and off would have been great idea.

[@samsoncosta83]

@confident local the hill auto brake feature usual works once on a single hill. Say I let go of the brake and the auto brake turns on once it releases it seems to stay off until I drive off and get to another hill. Not sure if that makes sense. Also, it doesn't always turn on when stopping on slight incline. It has ALWAYS worked on any incline when starting the truck though. So for me it has worked perfectly. I did get stuck in a off road situation once where I have to rock the truck back and forth using reverse and first and it stayed off from what I remember.

[@dewildeworld6766]

New sub here. Loved the in-depth review very informative.

[@susanstrobel7296]

Oh my gosh! Can anyone make a 6 cylinder, manual shift truck without all the luxury options? I just want a good ole work truck that I won't have a heart attack over if it gets dirty. Is it just me?

[@Realistick]

I think your best bet for that is a Gladiator sport 6MT, if you don't mind double cab only.

[@RyanMcIntyre]

@@Realistick Or that it's a Chrysler/Fiat product

[@J.Young808]

@@RyanMcIntyre now Stellantis

[@callofdutyguy9]

You can get a used RAM 2500/3500 HD regular cab with the Cummins and G56 6-Speed .

[@lorenzoronpedrique2952]

Save the Manuals!!!

[@Jayenduro]

Jst got my 2022 trd offroad manual. Only put 50 miles. Enjoying it so far but still feels akward shifting from 1st to 2nd because it just throws u. Everything he said about the manual is true trans could’ve been better. Regardless still glad i bought the manual

[@Deeplysorry4u]

Earned my like on the back seat shot lol

[@joshburts1044]

I would love to see the 6 speed manual paired to a diesel, like the over seas models

[@Realistick]

We can only dream I suppose

[@richardvalitalo3670]

@@Realistick or import one.

[@dannylewandowski2822]

Not going to lie. It does feel strange driving a manual truck with fully loaded options down the road 😂

[@aswinr2848]

Kudos for toyota for giving us the option to choose the manual like the hilux which has the manual trans !! But it has the same problems as the 2nd gear is always hard to engage it properly!

[@justinstewart3248]

Is this particular truck rear wheel drive? Seems he was slipping the back tires.

[@russellmorash3816]

My 2017 tacoma sr 4cyl with a 5 speed manual I don't understand why toyota stopped that

[@markparent7999]

Truck probably needs a small turbo 4 cyl like the Ranger (in combination with 6sp manual). IT would fly and have low end torque.

[@rednekroketsci]

Can you really get adaptive cruise control with the manual? I thought it only came on the automatic.

[@Realistick]

According to Toyota you can, I can't remember if I used it in this one in particular but it's a fairly common feature to have with a manual trans these days and usually works pretty well. You just shift when needed and it picks back up when you release the clutch

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Toyota actually hosed you by not offering a long box double cab manual transmission and etc!

[@longapathy6949]

That’s all I want..

[@97I30T]

Long bed Tacomas are pretty unpopular so it doesn’t make much sense for Toyota to offer that with the manual transmission.

[@BernonCars]

I’d definitely get the 6mt if I had to get a new Taco, buttt, I’ll keep my 97! 😋 hehe

[@adamsmidkiff1]

I've got a 2021 TRDOR MT and got to disagree on the review. Clutch engagement is fine, it's the throttle lag that kills it. From idle it can take a full second for a throttle input to register in the RPMs.

[@proteus5]

Your backup camera popping on didn't clue you in to the fact that you had put it into reverse by mistake?

[@Realistick]

I don't think you understand the context of that problem, people have that issue when they just go to first quickly at a stoplight. The backup camera doesn't have time to even open. Usually it's if someone has come from a car with a different shift pattern as well.

[@barsaf9989]

I've heard of people doing the accumulater mod to the clutch. I would like to drive one of those to feel what it's like.

[@W0RLDSSMALLESTVI0LIN]

I hate that damn accumulator on my 23 OR. It's absolute garbage. Plan on deleting it soon.

[@MatthewGlenn26196]

Very nice review!

[@sbbeowulf8296]

I don’t necessarily like Toyota but just having the Manual makes me love the Tacoma I wish there was a little more competition out their though

[@Milkytron]

The number of times you went the wrong way in a one way 🤣

[@aaronromphfexperience6819]

sooo... you said this 2021 tacoma sport m/t does not come with rear wheel drive. ive been waiting for my 2022 tacoma trd pro m/t for about 7 months now and this video had me on the phone to the dealership immediately! so my confusion was that well, if im not in 4 wheel drive then what am i in? front wheel drive??? or were you just saying that you cant get it in strictly rear wheel drive with no option to have 4 wheel drive? my heart was set at ease when i was told by the dealership that WHEN IT IS NOT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE IT IS IN REAR WHEEL DRIVE. ; )

[@Realistick]

Yes, like 98 percent of 4wd trucks, it's part time 4wd.

[@aaronromphfexperience6819]

Not my concern. My concern was you said that truck, unlike 99% of trucks, is not available in rear wheel drive.

[@Realistick]

@@aaronromphfexperience6819Yeah, the manual isn't available in rwd. I'd elaborate if it was something that bucks the status quo like the land cruisers permanent 4wd or the fj cruisers permanent 4wd with only the 6 spd mt, but yeah, there's not a single 4wd body on frame truck that is front wheel drive until you select 4hi or 4lo. I'm confused, did I say something that implied anything else? I'm pretty sure I said the manual comes only with the 4wd system.

[@aaronromphfexperience6819]

@@Realistick I’m a little confused myself. Also I apologize if I came off rude. So the knob that switches from 4hi, 4lo, 2wd. When in 2wd it’s in rear wheel drive. Or am I wrong.

[@Realistick]

@@aaronromphfexperience6819 correct!

[@andrewvalentin6228]

I want the 23 model, you don’t need hill assist with the handbrake. Some thing they don’t teach anymore

[@jonathanfrey6144]

Are you sure about that payload figure you gave with the TRD Sport trim? I can't find any Tacomas with the V6 that have a higher payload figure than 1,155 pounds.

[@Realistick]

Yes, well kind of, the TRD sport manual Access cab does haul more, 1275 to be exact. I misjudged that one though because I wasn't comparing the crew cabs amongst each other, in which case, they are the same. Summary, highest manual payload goes to manual Access Cab! SR and SR5 v6 auto rwd blow them all out of the water with the i4 actually having the highest!

[@jonathanfrey6144]

@@Realistick wow thank you for the quick response! Right, basically the more equipment you have the higher your curb weight and the manufacturer doesn't adjust the GVWR by beefing up the suspension or anything. So if get get the crew cab and the V6 engine your payload will go down. I would love to get a new tacoma, V6 manual transmission either TRD Sport or TRD Off Road, but I want to eventually be able to tow a small travel trailer with it as well.

[@ericochoa4271]

I would like the manual but toyota doesn't offer it on the crew cab with 6ft box which I need

[@Realistick]

It's quite unfortunate too!

[@peterwhite9546]

i have a 2010 camry with the 6 speed and i have never had an issue with the reverse lockout, then again i guess its a different transmission

[@ryanrust6244]

99% sure the shifter is not cable actuated. The shift lever goes directly into the top of the case.

[@Realistick]

A lot of cars are the same way but still have shift linkages. I can only find things that suggest this has cable linkages like most toyotas, RCR talked about this too for his review of a 3rd gen trd pro. Here is something referencing it, there is limited info out there but I'm not super confident on this because I'm not seeing much information on it so I am just going to cut that part out. itstillruns.com/signs-symptoms-bad-shifter-cable-8623726.html

[@Mityob67]

Love my 17 6spd Taco Sport, and thanks for the review. Gotta say that at no time was I interested in a Bronco, Crosstrek or Jeep because they come in a manual. Those are very different vehicles compared to the Taco and not on par with reliability or resale value. Just saying. Thanks again.