Who makes the Toyota 6 speed automatic transmission?
The primary maker of Toyota’s 6-speed automatic transmissions is Aisin Seiki (Aisin AW), with Toyota providing model-specific variants and regional production collaborations where needed.
Context: how Toyota sources its 6-speed automatics
Over the years, Toyota has relied on a mix of external suppliers and internal development for its automatic transmissions. The 6-speed automatic, used across several Toyota and Lexus models from the mid-2000s onward, has most consistently come from Aisin AW, a longtime specialist in automatic gearboxes. The exact supplier and transmission family can vary by generation, market, and model, as Toyota evolves its powertrain lineup toward newer eight- and ten-speed designs in some markets.
Primary suppliers for Toyota’s 6-speed automatics
Below is a concise look at the main sources historically associated with Toyota’s 6-speed automatics. The arrangement can vary by model and year, so check your vehicle’s documentation for the exact source.
- Aisin Seiki (Aisin AW) — the dominant external supplier, providing a wide range of 6-speed automatics for Toyota and Lexus models globally.
- Toyota collaboration variants — for certain markets or generations, Toyota has worked on variant units and calibration to meet local specifications, though these are typically based on Aisin AW designs.
In practice, the vast majority of Toyota’s conventional 6-speed automatics originate from Aisin AW. For a specific vehicle, the exact source and transmission family are best confirmed by the transmission code or dealer/official documentation.
How to identify the exact transmission for your Toyota
Owners seeking to know which company built their 6-speed automatic can verify via a few straightforward methods. The following steps help determine both the transmission family and the supplier.
- Check the transmission code stamped on the side of the gearbox or on the tag near the transmission pan; the code identifies the family (for example, a code associated with a particular AW transmission or a Toyota-developed variant).
- Consult the vehicle’s owner's manual or service manual, which often lists the transmission type and relevant specifications.
- Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in a dealer or official parts lookup tool to confirm the exact transmission model and supplier for the specific year and market.
Knowing the exact transmission can be helpful for maintenance, parts sourcing, and understanding model-specific quirks. If in doubt, a Toyota dealer or qualified mechanic can provide a definitive answer based on the VIN.
Summary
Toyota’s 6-speed automatic transmissions are predominantly produced by Aisin Seiki’s Aisin AW division, reflecting a long-standing supplier partnership. While the core designs come from Aisin AW, Toyota has historically aligned certain variants to meet regional specifications. For any given vehicle, the precise supplier and transmission family can be confirmed by checking the transmission code, vehicle manual, or a dealer’s VIN-based lookup.
