Liviu Marcus
Toyota admits a stick shift equipped 4Runner is feasible As you may know, the Toyota 4Runner is currently only offered with an automatic transmission and many people have asked if it is possible to get a manual transmission for it.
While today’s consumer shift focuses on the latest gizmos and creature comforts that may sometimes interfere with raw driving enjoyment, recent comments by Toyota on the potential future of a manual transmission in the 4Runner have created some buzz among automotive enthusiasts. Even though there is a move from the traditional automatic transmission within the automobile business, the thought of having a Manual 4Runner has an old-school appeal. However, while technically possible, it looks like Toyota will not bring back this feature in the immediate future.
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A Summary of Toyota’s Transmission Evolution
Basically, the Tacoma is the last pickup truck in America that offers a clutch, and thus Toyota’s determination to contribute to manual transmission. Manual transmissions experienced only a marginal lift in 2024 with a 2 percent take rate. Although it increases to 1.4 percent in 2023, indicating that while it may be a rarely seen phenomenon, there is still a clear trend among some drivers. Nevertheless, this interest is not reflected in the large spectrum of SUVs, which can be explained by the described situation with the new 4Runner without a manual gearbox option.
Mechanical Feasibility of a 4Runner
Since 4Runner shares its platform with Tacoma, it means that it would not be hard to fit a manual gearbox because Toyota has importantly invested in developing it. Nonetheless, Toyota representatives have been quick to explain that the lack of the manual type is not for technical reasons but due to market necessities. In an interview during the vehicle’s global unveiling, a Toyota official told Car and Driver that even if a manual 4Runner “could be possible,” there are no plans for it in the near future.
Market Demand: The Driving Force
It may not be popular to exclude a manual transmission in the new 4Runner, but it’s consistent with market trends. In other words, last year about 3,850 Tacomas were sold with a manual transmission, while the 4Runner with a 2% manual take rate has the same mechanical layout. However, the same percentage for the 4Runner gives almost 1,840 units, which is less as compared to the larger demand.
Further, this fact is even more captivating given the fact that there are few SUVs in current markets equipped with manual transmissions. Currently, this feature comes standard with only two vehicles: the Ford Bronco, which appeals to a small but dedicated fan base who wish to have more control over their vehicles rather than convenience, and the Jeep Wrangler.
The Future of the Manual Transmission
Despite the conventional manual 4Runner likely attracting the fervor of aficionados, the company cannot expect to bring back this particular model without seeing an overwhelming shift in demand. Toyota ceased providing a manual 4Runner in 2000, and, based on the yards of patronage not exhibited for years, a demand-driven reincarnation is highly unlikely.
Still, it can go either way. The same applies to the gist of automotive technology since consumer tastes continue changing as technology advances. Popularization of electric automobiles as well as sophisticated autopilots may lead to increased demand for manuals as a result of reactions from fans and purists.
Personal Perspective
If there is one thing that a self-proclaimed car enthusiast loves, it is a manual transmission. The manual is fun to drive; there is something special when you decide to row through the gears on your car instead of letting the automatic do the work. However, it is important to explain the reasons for the market-oriented decisions made by Toyota. This company must act according to enthusiast needs yet also consumer wants and needs, and in this instance, higher instance data insufficiency shows that the appetite for a manual 4Runner is not there enough for the manufacturer to make them.
Thus, it is important to make one last note that although it is technically possible to build a manual 4Runner now, this reality leans on the consumers’ desire. At least for now, the strategy of Toyota to specialize in automatic transmissions corresponds to the present-day situation. However, if you are one of those people who consider stick shifts and manual gears as the only correct option for cars, there is still a chance that some advancements in the future will wake up interest in such solutions.
