If you wish to own a car with manual transmission but do not know where to look, I recommend you explore Toyota vehicles with manual transmission. In today’s automotive industry landscape, where automatic transmissions have largely taken over, Toyota is one of the few automakers offering manual transmissions to the driving enthusiasts who hold this feature close to their hearts.
Sure, automatic transmissions are hassle-free, but nothing can beat the joy of shifting gears, having a direct connection with the vehicle, and having full control over it.
Thus, I bring you this beginner-friendly guide where we will explore what Toyota cars are manual transmissions in the last 10 years, why they stand out, what’s so special about manual transmissions, what future manuals hold in Toyota, and more.
So, are you ready? Let’s begin.
Top 7 Toyota Cars Featuring Manual Transmission In The Last 10 Years
Young drivers today prefer automatic gear shifting, eliminating the need to remove hands from the steering wheel to get the job done. However, there are still some old-school, hardcore driving fanatics who like to have full control of their vehicle and get a rush from shifting gears.
For such hardcore drivers, Toyota has been offering manual transmission in some of its most beloved models, including sedans, SUVs, pickups, and even sports cars. Thus, whatever type of ride with stick sift you desire, with Toyota you can get them all. Below is a list of all seven Toyota cars featuring manual transmission in the last 10 years.
1. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best compact sedans on the American automotive market. This synonym of ease, comfort, and affordability has kept the manual transmission alive for anyone who enjoys shifting gears themselves and prefers a more engaging driving experience.
The Corolla offers a 6-speed manual transmission, particularly in the sportier SE and S trims. This transmission enhances the overall driving dynamics of the model by providing quicker gear shifts and a more connected feel to the road compared to the CVT automatic.
The manual transmission models may have slightly different fuel economy ratings compared to their automatic counterparts, but they offer a more engaging driving experience.
2. Toyota Tacoma
If you are looking for a truck with a manual gearbox, the Toyota Tacoma is the best option. This Japanese pickup truck has been a consistent choice for people who desire complete control of their off-roader.
The Tacoma has been offering a six-speed manual transmission across various trims, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models, appealing to off-road enthusiasts who value the precision and control a manual transmission provides on challenging terrain.
The Toyota stick shift in Tacoma is highly favored by off-road enthusiasts because, via it, they get better handling over power delivery, which is crucial when navigating difficult terrain. In addition, Toyota holds a reputation for building durable trucks, and this strong reputation extends to the brand’s manual transmissions, as they are now known for their reliability in rugged conditions.
Furthermore, Tacomas with manual transmissions often retain their value better than automatic ones, mainly because of the demand for manual from the off-road lovers.
3. Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 is a sports car that has remained true to the purist driving experience by offering nothing but Toyota manual transmission. This model was a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, and since its launch in 2012, it has always been available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
This special offering has made the Toyota 86 a popular choice among driving enthusiasts who seek a responsive and engaging driving experience.
The combination of Toyota 6 lightweight design with a manual gearbox makes it a smart choice for people who enjoy driving on twisty roads or participating in track days. Not only this, this impressive Toyota sports car shares a spiritual connection with the iconic Toyota AE86, a popular car still hailed by auto aficionados for its rear-wheel-drive layout and manual transmission.
Also, the Toyota 86’s manual version is highly popular among the tuning community. Drivers can easily modify this version to get the desired performance.
4. Toyota Yaris
Although the Toyota Yaris is no longer available in the American automotive market, it offered a manual transmission option until its discontinuation in 2020. Toyota has offered Yaris with a five-speed manual transmission, which was particularly popular in base models for its affordability and straightforward driving experience.
The Yaris with a manual transmission was an excellent option for first-time drivers as well as for people who could not afford to spend much on a car purchase. The good news is that you may be able to find yourself a Yaris in the used car market.
The manual transmission in the Yaris made it particularly well-suited for city driving, where the ability to control gears proved advantageous in stop-and-go traffic.
Although Toyota has discontinued Yaris in the US, this model lineup with a manual transmission continues to be popular in other markets. This simply showcases how deeply Toyota is committed to providing diverse options on a global level.
5. Toyota GR Supra
When Toyota reintroduced the Supra in 2020, it was initially available with only an automatic transmission. However, with continuous demands from its enthusiasts, Toyota finally introduced a six-speed manual option to the Supra lineup in 2023.
This was Toyota’s way of catering to buyers who desire a combination of power and control in their Supra that is only possible via a manual option. The 6-speed manual in the GR Supra is engineered to deliver precise shifts, complementing the vehicle’s potent inline 6-cylinder engine and rear wheel drive layout and giving a highly engaging driving experience.
If you compare the manual GR Supra with its automatic counterpart, you are bound to get a different driving experience that focuses on driver engagement and control.
6. Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is a new addition to Toyota’s performance lineup and has quickly gained attention for its manual transmission offering. Introduced in 2022, this sports car comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, making it a thrilling option for people who crave a compact, high-performance car with a stick shift.
In a GR Corolla, the manual transmission is paired with a turbocharged 1.6-liter, three-cylinder engine, delivering over 300 horsepower. This pairing makes this Toyota ride one of the most exciting manual hot hatches available today. You get selectable driving modes that, combined with the stick shift, allow you to tailor the ride’s performance characteristics to your preferences.
The availability of a GR Corolla with manual transmission is limited, making it immensely appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
7. Toyota Camry
The popular Toyota Camry is not generally associated with manual transmissions. However, Toyota did use to offer a 6-speed manual option in Camry’s sportier SE trim up until the 2017 model year. This particular option was catered to drivers who wanted a bit more engagement in their everyday driving while enjoying the practicality of a compact car.
The availability of a stick shift in a mid-size sedan like the Camry is rare, making it an intriguing option for people looking for sedan practicality with the engagement of a manual gearbox. However, the manual option in the Camry lineup was eventually phased out due to low demand. It was a direct reflection of the broader market trends.
Even though there are no new manual Camrys, the older ones still remain a beloved option for their proud owners.
The Disappearance of Manual Transmissions
There are several factors leading to the decline of manual transmissions in the automotive industry. Advancements in automatic transmission technology, such as dual-clutch systems and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), have closed the performance gap between manuals and automatics.
Also, buyers’s preferences have shifted greatly towards convenience. More and more drivers are preferring the ease of automatics over the learning of manuals.
Further, regulatory pressures, mainly in emissions and fuel efficiency, have also played a role in the reduction of manual transmission offerings. Thus, cars with all-wheel drive and manual transmission or with only manual transmission are getting scarcer day by day.
Why Does Toyota Still Offer Manual Transmissions?
Depite manual transmissions loosing their footing in the modern automotive industries, Toyota continues to offer them in selected models. This showcases Toyota’s commitment to catering to a diverse range of drivers or buyers.
For the fanatics, a manual transmission is not just a mere car feature. Instead, it is an essential part of the overall driving experience, offering a level of control, engagement, and satisfaction that automatics can’t match.
The appeal of manual transmissions lies in several key factors encouraging automakers like Toyota to not give up on them:
- Better Control: Compared to automatics, the manual ones provide you with better control over your ride’s acceleration and deceleration, giving you a more precise and engaging driving experience.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: In some vehicles, manual transmissions can provide slightly better gas mileage than their automatic counterparts, especially when driven efficiently.
- Driver Engagement: Many fans enjoy the experience of shifting gears. They find it more rewarding and satisfying than simply selecting gear and letting their ride do the real work.
- Affordability: Manufacturing and maintaining rides with manual transmissions are often less expensive compared to automatic ones, leading to lower purchase and ownership costs.
- Resale Value: Manual transmission vehicles are getting rarer with each passing year. Rare models like the GR Supra with a stick shift generally hold their value better over time. In simpler terms, the GR Supra manual will give you a better resale value compared to the GR Supra automatic.
- Collector Interest: True stick enthusiasts and car collectors tend to seek out such models for their rarity and the driving experience they offer, making them a potentially smart investment for your future.
The Future Of Manual Transmissions In Toyota
When it comes to the future of manual transmissions in Toyota’s lineup, it is filled with uncertainty. With the rise of electric vehicles and the continued advancement of automatic transmissions, the demand for manual rides are going to decline even further.
Today, cars operating on manual transmissions have become a niche. Only a handful of people are asking for them, and only a handful of automakers are making them. But looking at how people are favoring automatics, it is going to be tough for manuals.
However, Toyota is committed to not letting the manual transmission die. The company is offering a manual option in its performance-oriented models like the GR Supra and GR Corolla, suggesting that there will still be a place for manuals but in a more niche market.
In Manual vs. Automatic, Which Is Right for You?
Now that you know everything about different Toyota cars with manual transmissions and their status in the automotive industry, the final thing left to resolve is whether you should buy yourself a manual ride or an automatic one.
Deciding between these two transmission types mainly depends on your driving style, environment, and personal preferences. If you seek an engaging driving experience, desire full control over gear selection, and do not mind the learning curve, a manual is definitely the right choice for you.
However, if you are all about convenience and prioritize it, especially in heavy traffic or urban environments, an automatic is going to be more suitable.
Conclusion
The list of manual transmission vehicles has shrunk over the years. Toyota remains one of the few automakers that continued to offer this option in its selected models. Whether you are looking for a practical everyday commuter, a capable off-roader, or a sporty coupe, Toyota’s lineup in the last decade includes some brilliant cars with manual transmissions that let you take control of the gears and enjoy the rawest form of driving.
