Can you still get a 4Runner with manual transmission?
No. In North America, the Toyota 4Runner is not offered with a manual transmission in any current model year; today’s lineup is auto-only. If you’re set on a manual, your best option is to explore older, used generations or other Toyota models that historically offered manuals.
Current availability for new 4Runners
What you get with a modern 4Runner
As of 2025, the 4Runner in North America is sold exclusively with an automatic transmission across all trims (SR5, Trail, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro). The transmission is paired with Toyota’s part-time four-wheel-drive system and a two-speed transfer case, but there is no factory manual option in the new-vehicle lineup.
Before you review options, note the following:
- Transmission: automatic (the 4Runner’s current lineup is auto-only).
- Drivetrain: part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case is available across trims.
- Factory status: no manual-transmission option in new 4Runners in North America as of 2025.
In short, if you’re shopping new, a manual 4Runner isn’t on the table. If you want a manual-only experience, you’ll need to consider alternatives or a used older model.
Exploring the used market: finding a manual 4Runner
How to pursue a manual-equipped example
If a manual transmission is non-negotiable, you’ll need to look at older generations and verify the exact configuration before purchase. Here are steps to guide you in the used market.
- Target earlier model years known to offer manual transmissions in some markets (generally pre-2010s). Do not assume every year had a manual; verify the specific trim and transmission code.
- Verify the transmission type with the VIN and service records. A clutch inspection and test drive are essential to assess wear.
- Have a qualified shop inspect the drivetrain, clutch assembly, and any transfer-case components for wear or leaks.
- Factor in potential maintenance and parts costs for older manuals, which can be higher if the vehicle has higher mileage or hard-to-find parts.
- Check for accurate documentation of prior modifications or conversions; avoid vehicles with undocumented transmissions or suspicious history.
Bottom line: manual 4Runners exist in the used market, but they’re increasingly rare and require diligent vetting. If a manual is your top priority, be prepared for a longer search and potentially higher ownership costs.
Alternatives for enthusiasts who want a hands-on experience
Other options to consider
If you’re chasing a hands-on, engaging driving experience but can’t locate a manual 4Runner, these routes can help satisfy that taste without compromising too much on capability or reliability.
- Manual-transmission Toyota pickup options (older Tacomas) or other Toyota SUVs that historically offered manuals. Availability varies by year and market.
- Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco—modern off-road SUVs that offer manual transmissions in some trims, as alternatives to a Toyota chassis.
- Modern automatics with “manual mode” or paddle shifters—these provide simulated manual control and can offer a more engaged feel than a standard auto.
- If you’re flexible on the model, a used, older-generation 4Runner with a manual (where available) combined with a thorough inspection can be a viable route.
Each alternative comes with its own trade-offs in reliability, parts availability, and resale value. Weigh what matters most—driving feel, off-road capability, or long-term ownership costs—before you decide.
Summary
For new-car buyers, a manual 4Runner is not available in North America. If a manual transmission is essential, you’ll typically need to search the used market for older generations that offered a manual, or consider alternative models and brands that still provide a manual option. Expect a longer, more selective search, and be prepared for potential maintenance considerations with older vehicles. For many buyers, the modern auto-only 4Runner remains a reliable, capable off-road SUV with a proven track record.
