Did the 3rd gen 4Runner come in manual?
The 3rd-generation Toyota 4Runner could be ordered with a manual transmission in certain markets and trims, most commonly a five-speed manual paired with the 3.4-liter V6. In other regions, diesel variants also offered a manual option. Availability depended on market and year, rather than being universal across all 3rd-gen models.
In this article, we examine where and when a manual gearbox was offered for the 3rd-generation 4Runner, how common it was, and what buyers today should know if they’re hunting for a manual example from this era.
Market availability and options
Here are the key factors that defined whether a 3rd-gen 4Runner came with a manual transmission.
- Gasoline versions: Some markets and model years offered a 5-speed manual transmission with the 3.4L V6 engine (5VZ-FE).
- Diesel versions: In markets where the 1KZ-TE diesel was sold (such as parts of Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America), a 5-speed manual gearbox was commonly paired with the diesel engine.
- North American availability: In the United States and Canada, manual transmissions existed for the 3rd-gen 4Runner but were not universal; automatics were far more common, and manual-equipped examples are relatively rare today.
- Global variations: Japan and several overseas markets tended to offer manual options more readily, especially on 4WD configurations and certain trims.
Overall, manual transmissions were an available configuration for the 3rd-generation 4Runner, but they were not the standard across all markets or trims. If you’re shopping for one today, be prepared to search beyond the U.S. market to find authentic manual examples.
What to look for if you’re shopping
Before considering a purchase, keep these considerations in mind to verify you’re getting a true manual-equipped 3rd-gen 4Runner.
- VIN/window sticker verification: Confirm the vehicle’s documents indicate a manual transmission and the correct engine option for that market.
- Clutch and gearbox condition: With manual boxes, check for clutch wear, difficulty engaging gears, grinding, and leaks around the transmission and transfer case.
- Maintenance history: Manuals require regular clutch fluid/gear oil maintenance and timely replacement of wear items; review service records for transmission-related work.
- Market-specific parts availability: Depending on origin, some parts and service knowledge may be easier to source in the country of import or from specialist importers.
If you’re set on a 3rd-gen 4Runner with a manual, thoroughly inspect for typical wear on the clutch, fork, and linkage, and consider a professional pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the manual drivetrain and associated components.
Trims and regional notes
While not universal, a manual gearbox appeared in a variety of trims and regional packages. Enthusiast-focused or off-road-oriented configurations in certain markets were more likely to include a manual, especially when paired with the diesel engine. Exact availability depended on the year, country, and dealership options at the time of sale.
Summary
Yes — the 3rd-generation 4Runner could be ordered with a manual transmission, but it was not a global standard. The manual option varied by market, engine choice, and trim, with the 5-speed manual most commonly associated with the 3.4L V6 (and diesel variants in many countries). For collectors or buyers today, finding a true manual 3rd-gen 4Runner may require looking beyond the U.S. market and carefully checking documentation and drivetrain condition.
In the end, manual-equipped 3rd-gen 4Runners exist and are prized by some enthusiasts for their direct control and off-road character, but they are comparatively rarer than automatics and require careful verification to ensure authenticity and condition.
