TEST DRIVE: Automatic 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro (Should I Buy Instead of Manual?)

[@RootedCactuz153]

Hey man. I had the same dilemma. I chose the Automatic 2020 TRD Pro. Let me help you out: 1. Application: If you need a truck for low speed high torque applications, it is better to dissipate all of that energy on a torque converter instead of a clutch plate. The clutch will wear with time. Say if you need to launch a boat, that clutch will wear super fast and if you have a boat or you are towing, better go with the automatic. 2. Environment: I live in a very cold state, and let me tell you, its cold. The automatic has Entune 3.0 with Remote connect, so you can remote start it from anywhere, once you get inside its already warm. IF temperature was not an issue, and since I am not towing for the moment, I would have picked the Manual. I love shifting into gear, thats just me. I love to control all driveability aspects of my truck. 3. Crawl Control/Multi-TS: I did not hear a word about you talking of Crawl Control, I presume you dont care about it. This truck was made to go offroading and Crawl Control is nice to have. If I went with the Manual, maybe the only regret would be that I never owned a truck with Crawl Control. This is something which I personally want to have at least at one point in my life. 4. Preference: You cannot go wrong with any, But to be honest, I chose the automatic only because there are so many more features in it, like the smart key, crawl control, multi-terrain select, Hill assist, remote connect, and this would make it sell a little better than a manual. Then who knows, maybe in 10 years manuals will be worth more because of the rarity of them. It's all about preference. Hope you make a good choice,

[@bluefe8545]

This.

[@getnautical9579]

I agree on all those points. Crawl control is great. I use a lot when beach driving.

[@C10sRule]

Well said.

[@chiggerx9407]

Cactuz153 I agree with you. My magnetic grey with auto is great Love the paddle shift, great in the mountains.

[@geese7484]

I went with an AT. I hate MT now. Maybe I’m just getting older, but shifting multiple times in traffic sucks where I live.

[@FourQed]

I had a 2009 TRD sport with v6 and a manual. Never thought I'd want an automatic. I bought a 2019 TRD off road with an auto. Love it, no problems, no issues. Best of luck to you.

[@koshnaranek8836]

I have ordered a manual TRD Pro and am willing to wait for it. It was the manual transmission's ability to rock the car which saved me in deep snow in the mountains last year.

[@dlg5485]

The crawl control and multi-terrain select features that come standard with the automatic would have easily handled that situation. In my opinion, there's no difference in capability between the 2, so it really just comes down to personal preference. That said, crawl control definitely makes steep inclines/declines MUCH easier to deal with. It just depends on whether you want easy or you want to be challenged. I'm getting old so I want easy lol.

[@koshnaranek8836]

@@dlg5485 "... would have easily handled that situation". Maybe, and maybe not. The entire North America is "getting old and wants it easy". The automatic transmission is definitely a North American phenomenon.

[@dlg5485]

@@koshnaranek8836 No, crawl control can definitely handle deep snow. That's one of the scenarios it was designed to handle. There are videos all over the web demonstrating how well these systems work. It's totally fine to prefer manuals, but stop pretending it makes you better in some way. It doesn't. It's just a preference.

[@koshnaranek8836]

​@@dlg5485 Disagree. Like in this example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4WmkJxmebWnZ7s The crawl control was helpless to deal with this simple issue. A manual transmission truck would be able to get out of this little snow hole even without a diff locker (speaking from personal experience). The crawl control is more of a gimmick, A-Trac, however is awesome.

[@TheBruces56]

So indecisive. I recall an instructor at the police academy saying "the roads are littered with the bodies of squirrels who couldn't make up their minds"

[@markum5094]

My 2018 automatic has no problem... smooth as silk...I enjoy not having to deal with the clutch on some of the terrain I travel. I cut my teeth on standard transmissions and never thought I’d own anything but a manual- love this truck

[@foote1967]

Software improvements for the auto? If so I would think Toyota would or should give the rest of us pre 20s auto trans the updates as well 🤔

[@boughtandpaidforautoreview1150]

They do have a tsb program flash that they can do. It didn’t help enough for me to keep my 2018 TRD OR. It still sucked and was well below mpg expectations. I drive like a grandpa

[@brianhoffman1475]

Manual All the way!!!!!!

[@davidprice1339]

TFL did an interview with the lead engineer for the 2020 tacoma and it was mentioned that improved tuning was performed. The engineer mentioned tuning for the engine, fuel pedal and transmission to improve usable torque, throttle response and shifting on the highway due to complaints about constant shifting between 5th and 6th. Does anyone believe Toyota will offer these updates to pre 2020 third gen owners at the dealership? I believe they should as I am personally dissatisfied with the highway driving of my truck due to poor shifting and power output. Why should I have to spend $700 for a tune or almost $3,000 to re-gear my axles??

[@aaronclark5854]

Manual ! Not many trucks out there that you even have the option. If the manual shifts good then I’d for sure get it.

[@oregonskate]

I just bought a 2019 pro. I do not believe the auto is bad at all honestly. It is definitely a noticeable thing "hunting" for gears, however, I feel it is way over exaggerated by people. It truly is not much of an issue at all. If they improved the 2020s like they say then it has to be about perfect! I love my auto, first auto I have owned too

[@jmledesma1]

Love that army green, wish I would have waited for it! But I do love my 2019 VooDoo blue, the system has learned the way I drive. Also take that into account with the auto. Either way there’s no right or wrong in what you decide, have fun with what you end up with!

[@dlg5485]

I was faced with the same decision. I've been driving manuals almost exclusively for decades, but when I decided to get a 2020 Tacoma, I initially didn't want to give up the off-roading features that only come with the auto. Ultimately, I ordered a manual because I don't think I'd use the crawl control etc very often anyway and I'm saving a lot of money with the manual as well. I think the gutless 3.5 is a much bigger problem than the auto transmission's hunting and going with the manual allows you a bit more control over power delivery. Although the manual is geared very tall and has very long throws, as is typical of truck manuals, so it's definitely not a sporty drive. I don't care for the army green color myself, so I decided on a TRD Offorad crewcab 4x4 in cement with the manual and all the options, except bed cover. Very expensive truck, MSRP just over $43k, but I'm not paying anywhere near that . Plus I think I'll be happy with it for many years to come, so money well spent.

[@allenmcdonald4763]

I love manuals and really considered one for my new trd pro in army green, but you just lose too many cool features in the manual. 1. Push button start 2. Remote start 3. Crawl control I had to go auto ... and I have zero regrets!

[@ajalvarez8279]

I really wanted crawl control but couldn’t find a Tacoma in Inferno with black seats

[@terrancetatum7599]

The transmission on my 2018 seems to work fine under hard acceleration or constant speeds. However, it hunt gears when cruising at low speeds or high speeds when slight speed changes are made. For example, 25-35 MPH in heavy city traffic or 65-75 on the highway. Slight increases or decreases causes it to down shift and right back up again. Cruise control on the highway will do the same on slight inclines and declines.

[@dajahvue]

Same with mine.

[@j-manj-man-qb5eq]

Hi Neo, my opinion is to go with your gut. The manual is fun and you likely will not have any regrets. The auto will always be there in 2021, 2022... Unfortunately, young people in North America nowadays aren't learning to drive stick shifts and as a result manufacturers are not offering manuals on too many models. I waited 3 months after ordering my 2011 TRD Sport 6 speed and it was worth it. Take the manual, enjoy shifting as it is a way more engaging way to drive in my opinion. Save the manuals!!!

[@dlg5485]

I'm not a fan of this color, not sure why everyone is going crazy for it. I prefer it in cement or dark gray...with the blackout package. I like the Tacoma a lot and I'm even considering buying a loaded TRD Off-Road, but the price ($46,000) is giving me serious pause. That's as much as a comparably equipped F-150 XLT with the 2.7 engine which is very hard to ignore. Toyota has gone off the deep end with the Tacoma's price. I like smaller trucks, so the F-150 really isn't my preference, but I keep going back to the value proposition...and the F-150 is the better value, in my opinion. That said, I'll probably still go with the TRD Off-Road just for its known reliability, but I'm gonna think on it for a bit longer. By the way, if you plan to do any serious off roading, the automatic is objectively the better choice simply because you get extra features...crawl control, multi-terrain select, etc. I'm a manual guy all the way, been driving manuals exclusively for 30 years, but if I get a TRD Off Road, it'll definitely be the auto. My biggest concern about the Tacoma, aside from its absurd price, is its lacking power. Toyota definitely should have kept the 4.0 and just updated it to improve fuel economy because the 3.5 performance is so underwhelming, but at least it'll be reliable and that counts for something.

[@anthonyrampino7734]

I recently test drove a 2019 trd pro and a 2020 trd off-road, both auto and the 2020 was much better.

[@tuanhng0]

Anthony Rampino Gears were tuned in the 2020 models. Thank God for that!

[@kevinhill.8]

Am I seeing dash warning lights while you are driving? ⚠️ We purchased a 2020 Pro in auto (replaced a manual Legacy), and very happy with it. Drove 1K miles towing a 2,000 lb off-road teardrop in northern CA; performed great, and still got 15mpg. Crawl Control, Push Button Start, and Remote Start are nice, and stick is PITA half the time anyway.

[@orangecrush1976]

I kind of think Toyota should bring back the 4.7 liter V8 and put it in the Tacoma. Any thoughts out there? I think it would sell.

[@CoelhoSports]

magnusson is coming out with a supercharger for this 3.5

[@ajax3706]

Yooo that's sick, you have the 1/2 & I have the 2/2!

[@avsguy01]

Just picked up my 2019 sport manual from driving a 2017 off-road automatic. I can say this vehicle is way more relaxing to drive manual only because of the upshifting and downshifting searching the auto partaked in with this under powered engine. I'd rather control gas mileage/power by shifting to my liking directly instead of using the etc button or sport mode.

[@montebeerbower7796]

I'm getting one and I'm going auto. I had an 18 pro in auto and new power seat now makes all the difference. Cant wait till my dealer gets one

[@danpatrick5944]

Thumbs up for manual!

[@mariom6759]

Stick with what your gut says - Get the manual!

[@icu5622]

At the end of the day, it’s your decision. Enjoy your ride no matter which transmission you choose.

[@russellmorash3816]

I've had twelve toyota trucks since 85 and they have all been manuals I have some deep seated thing about automatic transmissions and my latest one was a 2017 toyota tacoma sr 4cyl 5speed and it's most likely the last new truck I'll ever buy I'm glad they made manuals in the base trucks when the third generation they are definitely a dieing breed I'm not even sure if the fourth gen will offer them at all it's so strange to me that if you go somewhere that has valet parking and I have to park iy myself because no one can drive a stick I even had and oxygen sensor replaced in a truck a while back and even the mechanic couldn't drive it into the garage that really thrue me

[@ken1769]

Manual , less moving parts it'll last forever

[@angelocolafranceschi7836]

I am 60 years old have owned a new 79 Trans Am standerd 84 tempo by standerd learned how to drive a standerd at 13cyears old on a voxwagain beetle I am in love with a tacoma get the stick shift while you can.

[@Mjr1348]

Really a personal choice for you. I have a 2020 Pro also and it is better than previous years but all personal preference. Good luck.

[@RichDunn]

TRD Pro Auto in Army Green - it doesn't get better choice wise IMHO!

[@KyleSVT]

Manual is the only way to go

[@isaiahdunphy]

you should get a Tacoma 😝😂

[@KyleSVT]

@@isaiahdunphy haha too much $$$

[@jd3229]

You should get the auto , since its not for racing or burning rubber. Its a beautiful work/cruising pickup for daily use, congested traffic and all that stuff. Also considering that the auto has more features....

[@wyliecoyote5.082]

If you have the choice I would definitely go with the manual because that choice will soon be taken from consumers in the near future! Your hard pressed now to find a truck with a manual transmission . Also it's just more FUN to change gears!!!

[@silverhorder1969]

If you do a lot of stop & go driving in traffic you’ll appreciate the automatic. I bought a 2017 2.7 5 speed manual access cab because I test drove the v6 6 speed and it didn’t really feel that much more powerful to me. I also don’t need to tow anything. Plus I think the inline 4 will just last longer than the v6. You also don’t have to worry about transmission problems other than replacing the clutch if it needs it. Not sure about 2020 models but in 2017 the 6 speed manual also came with an actual key and not a key fob. If the push button start ever goes out which they can, Ive heard they’re over a grand to replace! I just like having a key & a manual. If the battery ever dies you can also push start or roll start a manual also! Lol

[@gvsukids]

I'd like to see more driving where the transmission needs to be quick such as lane changes on the highway or slowing down and then accelerating quickly

[@MrSalaz042]

Did you have to special order the manual in the pro edition? I want to buy a 4x4 off road 6ft bed but I heard they are not producing them. Is there a way to special order one?

[@CoelhoSports]

6' bed double cab? you can buy an OR access cab off of any lot.

[@MrSalaz042]

@@CoelhoSports thanks for the info. I'll have to decide if the access cab will work but, I appreciate the info.

[@CoelhoSports]

@@MrSalaz042 you can get the sport double cab with the 6' bed but no locker or crawl control and more road tuned suspension. does have 4x4, though.

[@MrSalaz042]

@@CoelhoSports will definitely look into that option also. I hear 6 speed manual transmission Tacoma's are hard to find. So I have accepted that I will have to go with an auto. Thanks again for the help with this!

[@SGT_STOIC]

Go Manual, what's the wait time?

[@kari07tacoma]

I didn’t know Tacoma’s still came with manuals. I had to special order my 2007 in a 6-speed and it took weeks to get. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@CoelhoSports]

the 2016's and 17's still had the 5spd manual mated to the i4 available, sr5 only had auto, and the trd's had the 6spd manual avail, but it looks like the manual is becoming more of a higher trim specialty than the basic trim option the way it used to be.

[@mikeeihusen5194]

LOVE THIS COLOR.

[@bm3turbo10]

Just push the ect power button it's so much better

[@brents1643]

How much weight can these tow???

[@joshuakisa6774]

When you get the manual, you sacrifice the keyless entry

[@timfrancis6774]

Just bought a 13 sport, auto in grey coming from a ranger. love it so far. still getting used to it

[@offthewallsurfer1]

The 2013 is the 2nd generation Tacoma with a 4.0L V6 and a 5 speed automatic, vs the 3rd generation Tacoma with the 3.5L 6 speed automatic, two completely different animals, in the 2nd generation, your setup is a perfect match, my Tacoma is the 3rd Gen with the manual and it suits me very well.

[@epicone2449]

What’s the gas mileage on auto?

[@shawnbrodrick8673]

What was the price of this truck?

[@tammydickerson9196]

Wish I lived there, I’d go buy it, still haven’t came to us yet

[@kyle76262012]

Tammy Dickerson where are you located?

[@tammydickerson9196]

Kyle Wilson bout 40 miles outside Atlanta

[@kyle76262012]

If you want tomorrow I can look on my dealer tracker at work and find the nearest one to you

[@tammydickerson9196]

Kyle Wilson that would be nice, I hear they are sparsely coming in, in different colors, no real inventory yet

[@kyle76262012]

Tammy Dickerson send me your email address and I will look into it tomorrow for you!

[@270eman]

I got the 23 auto and tuned it.

[@jskaggs8188]

You didn’t really give it a thorough enough test drive to experience the majority of daily driving conditions. That truck exhibited similar shifting as my 2019.

[@jmichael99]

Automatic and the orange virus tune is the way to go

[@BDevi0us]

I have a 2019 trd pro manual voodoo blue and I love it! I wish it had keyless entry. It's my only gripe. 🤬

[@Twize]

Same here. Test drove both and got the 19’ TRD Pro 6MT. Wish it did have keyless entry but I’ll settle for that MeSo Flip Key Fob if it ever comes out. I have my other vehicles if I want to drive in Auto.

[@steve-br5hl]

The fact they need to keep improving the automatic should tell you to get the manual, it was right from the beginning. Why have an automatic with a manual mode? Just save the $ and get the manual. You’ll have an army green Pro, fairly exclusive, and with a manual, Really exclusive! If you have the choice, choose the manual. Automatics are a dime a dozen, plus you beat that brand new one up, so you don’t want that one... Someone will want the manual if you really don’t like it, an auto will be easier to find. You won’t lose ...

[@scrappyjackalope9558]

You are getting the manual as you should. You would have left with it In this video if not...get the manual!!

[@rlaracue]

Automatic. You could be enjoying the truck right now.

[@jacoe33333]

thank you for that. they need a diesel engine like in the hilux.

[@bootsniffer1]

Hold out for the MANUAL transmission!

[@brucemazerall5055]

Manual,it has MAN right in it!!!

[@erictech201]

I have a 2022 Trd off road it’s even better than the 2020 transmission is flawless toyota is awesome!

[@Blindsyde5762]

Let me help you ........ Do you enjoy shifting?....or having a truck shift for you , more ?

[@thomashernandez2394]

Manuel is a lot a better I have a Manuel and love It

[@ridgview]

If you care about resale value, then get the Automatic. If not, then go with your heart...it's yours to choose.

[@laramie_1944]

My dilemma with the Taco is the rear brakes...drums! C’mon man?

[@j-manj-man-qb5eq]

I just want to add, if you take the manual, you also will have an extra 2 grand to get some extra goodies on your truck or keep in your pocket :-) Save the manuals!

[@jhgt6]

Get the auto dude you'll love it

[@starvinmarvin7964]

Take care of your knee and hip for the long term. The clutch is too much repetitive load on the knee joint. Your health is more important.

[@Blindsyde5762]

With a sporty car , manual all day. Truck ...auto is fine by me.

[@kurth.8599]

I really like that truck. The automatic will break into your driving Style. about a thousand miles. It'll only get better.

[@speterbilt]

Bump them gears in manual mode. The auto works grest for mountain passes

[@Troystoy]

I'd say automatic unless u like shifting gears all the time ,your call though just my personal opinion

[@stolikat]

Don't do it. Wait for the manual.

[@Kevin83184]

Kind of over priced to smash it up off road but nice color for sure!

[@kyle76262012]

Get the manual ;)

[@williamheinsinger7390]

ARMY GREEN ROCKS 💪👊👍

[@lespaulguitarist92]

Manual for a sport car, Automatics for trucks. You'll severely shortened the life of your clutch if you try to take a manual truck offroad.

[@charlesbish1]

Better trucks out there for 50k. Small truck, small bed, can't pull much.

[@kevinkidneyy]

Hahaha I have a 2021 Tacoma and I still watch Tacoma videos aha

[@poordave9102]

2019 herd they will tune it electronically

[@mstumpf1390]

Automatic hands down.

[@Junior-zf5ed]

Manual all day

[@brandonin_ny]

you had mentioned that if you wait for the manual that it could be up to 8 weeks. that would kill me. good luck with your choice.

[@offthewallsurfer1]

Manual all the way!!

[@nick_3771]

Get the auto!

[@sbeast1216]

Yes...but you won't do it 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@MrTophatter]

neat

[@jacoe33333]

You just made a video of my exact experience. Still wont buy it.

[@michaelharris8228]

You'll regret the manual in your first traffic jam!!!

[@sampsonp6581]

City = automatic Country = manual Manual is a lot more fun off road.

[@herpderp1662]

Get the auto. OVtune 2.0 fixes all the bullshit.

[@uwhusky112]

Go automatic!

[@taaulom7391]

Gay

[@wlew3499]

All trucks are auto's soon no more MT's. If you 4 wheel in Moab and your engine throws a rod, you will need a tow. If you tow an auto the auto trans will be trashed. Can also push start a MT. Auto's are urban if you want a pussy truck go auto.

[@Steve-sz4bh]

Get the automatic.

[@franklinbatista1086]

Automatic

[@Steelviper61]

Hey Toyota go to an 8 speed transmission. Gear hunt over.

[@AUTOTVO]

Auto is better

[@raulmillan5010]

Manual

[@RegBell]

auto is way better

[@hauslenorgermanshepherd926]

Save your money use your rager? Lol...

[@mikedefelice65]

Stick ... auto for people who can't drive stick.

[@jasonsmith1143]

nothing is perfect

[@vesterlettucetoke3037]

Only sheep get autos. Don't follow the herd.

[@JPE_DRAEB]

That is the ugliest puke green I ever seen!