Do any Toyotas come with manual transmission?
Yes, Toyota does offer several models with a manual transmission option. While the majority of Toyota's lineup now features automatic transmissions, the company still caters to driving enthusiasts who prefer the engagement and control of a manual gearbox.
Toyota Models with Manual Transmission
As of 2025, the following Toyota models are available with a manual transmission:
- Toyota Corolla - The compact Corolla sedan and hatchback offer a 6-speed manual transmission on select trim levels.
- Toyota 86 - This rear-wheel-drive sports car is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Toyota Tacoma - The midsize Tacoma pickup truck can be equipped with a 6-speed manual on certain configurations.
- Toyota Supra - Toyota's flagship sports car is offered with an optional 6-speed manual gearbox.
While the number of Toyota models with manual transmissions has decreased over the years, the automaker still caters to driving enthusiasts who prefer the engagement and control of a manual gearbox. These models provide a more visceral driving experience for those who enjoy the connection between driver and machine.
Reasons for Declining Manual Transmission Offerings
The decline in manual transmission offerings across the automotive industry, including Toyota, can be attributed to several factors:
- Improved Automatic Transmissions - Advancements in automatic transmission technology have narrowed the performance and efficiency gap between manual and automatic gearboxes, making automatics more appealing to the majority of consumers.
- Changing Consumer Preferences - As driving becomes more of a daily chore for many, the convenience and ease of use of automatic transmissions have become more desirable, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic.
- Stricter Emissions Regulations - Automakers are under increasing pressure to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, which can be more challenging with manual transmissions.
Despite these trends, Toyota continues to offer manual transmission options on select models to cater to the enthusiast market and maintain the brand's reputation for engaging driving dynamics.
Why is it so hard to find a manual transmission car?
It is hard to find a manual transmission car because of a lack of demand, as most buyers prefer the convenience of automatics, and manufacturers are phasing them out. Modern automatic transmissions are now more fuel-efficient and perform better than they used to, negating the traditional advantages of a manual. This has led to manuals becoming specialty, niche products rather than a mainstream option.
Reasons for the decline
- Low consumer demand: Most car buyers prefer the ease and convenience of automatic transmissions, especially for city driving, leading to lower sales numbers for manuals.
- Technological improvements: Modern automatic transmissions have become highly efficient, sometimes exceeding manual performance, and have eliminated the fuel economy advantage that manuals once held.
- Manufacturer focus: With fewer people buying them, automakers have reduced production and are willing to offer them only in a limited number of models or as a special-order option. This also allows them to save on production costs by not having to build and stock two different types of transmissions for every model.
- Shifting preferences: For many new drivers, the skill of shifting a manual is an unfamiliar one, as many learned to drive on an automatic.
- Rise of electric vehicles: Electric vehicles (EVs) don't have multi-speed gearboxes at all, further reducing the overall market for traditional manual transmissions.
What was the last year of the manual transmission in the Toyota Camry?
The last model year for a Toyota Camry with a manual transmission was 2011, though some sources note that manual transmissions were available as late as the 2017 model year. The 7th generation Camry, produced from 2012 to 2017, was the first to no longer offer a manual transmission option, but the 8th generation was also offered with a manual transmission option, making it a more modern vehicle.
- The last Camry to offer a manual transmission was the 2011 model year.
- Manual transmissions were available for the 7th generation Camry from 2012-2017.
- The 8th generation Camry was also offered with a manual transmission, but that was the last one to have that option.
- The Camry has been a popular choice for consumers since the 1980s and has been produced in the US and elsewhere.
- The 2011 model year Camry is the last generation to have a manual transmission.
Which Toyota models come in manual transmission?
Toyota offers manual transmissions in several models, including the Tacoma, GR Corolla, GR86, and GR Supra. The Tacoma is currently the only truck on the market to still offer a manual, while the GR models cater to performance enthusiasts.
- Toyota Tacoma: The 2025 Tacoma has a 6-speed manual option on the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims.
- Toyota GR Corolla: This performance hatchback comes standard with a 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT).
- Toyota GR86: The GR86 is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Toyota GR Supra: Manual transmission is available on certain GR Supra trims.
- Note on older models: Manual transmissions were also available on past models, such as the Corolla, 86, and Tundra, but are no longer offered on their current versions.
Can you buy a new Toyota with a manual transmission?
Beyond the Automatic: Toyota's Manual Sports Cars
In 2022, the Toyota 86 was rebranded as the Toyota GR86, and the manual transmission option was carried over to the new model. Another Toyota sports car that has offered a manual transmission is the Toyota Tacoma.
