Will the 2025 4Runner have manual transmission?
In brief: there is no confirmed plan for a manual transmission in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Toyota has not announced any manual option for the next-generation model, and current information suggests the 4Runner will continue with an automatic transmission for 2025, consistent with the fifth-generation lineup.
What is known about the 2025 4Runner
At this time, Toyota has not released official specifications for a 2025 4Runner nor stated any intention to reintroduce a manual gearbox. The current fifth-generation 4Runner uses an automatic transmission across its trims, and there has been no public indication from Toyota that a manual option will return for the 2025 model year. Industry insiders note that there has been no credible leak or press release confirming a manual variant.
Industry context for manual transmissions in modern SUVs
Across mainstream SUVs and rugged off-roaders, manufacturers have largely shifted away from manual transmissions due to efficiency, safety, and production considerations. Automatics paired with advanced transfer-case systems, selectable driving modes, and electronic aids are now standard in many off-road-focused models. For the 4Runner, Toyota’s recent product strategy has favored reliability and off-road capability with automatic transmissions, rather than reintroducing a manual option.
The following list outlines key factors shaping this trend and why a manual 2025 4Runner is considered unlikely:
- Manufacturing and cost considerations: Automatics streamline assembly and parts sourcing, while a manual adds complexity to the drivetrain and transfer-case integration.
- Market demand: A relatively small portion of 4Runner buyers actively seek a manual, and the core customer base emphasizes consistency, reliability, and off-road capability over a pure driving-feel preference.
- Regulatory and fuel-economy pressures: Modern automatics often deliver better efficiency and emissions performance, helping meet evolving standards.
- Technology integration: Off-road electronics (crawl control, multi-terrain select, and traction systems) function most smoothly with automatic transmissions and electronically controlled transfer cases.
- Brand continuity and ROI: Major drivetrain reversals require substantial investment with uncertain return, making a sudden shift to a manual unlikely without official confirmation.
Conclusion: Given these factors and the lack of any official announcement, a manual transmission for the 2025 4Runner remains unlikely.
What options exist if you want a manual
If a manual transmission is a must-have, buyers should consider alternatives within the broader off-road segment or older model years, as there is no confirmed manual option for the 2025 4Runner. The following options illustrate the landscape for enthusiasts seeking a manual experience:
- Older-generation 4Runners with manual options: Earlier generations (pre-5th generation) offered manuals in certain trims, though these are increasingly hard to find in good condition and may lack modern safety features.
- Manual-equipped competitors: Some current models from other brands, such as the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, offer manual transmissions in several configurations, appealing to drivers who want a hands-on shifting experience.
- Used-market considerations: If a manual is essential, buyers might explore the used market for a well-maintained manual-equipped 4Runner from earlier generations, while weighing maintenance costs and parts availability.
Conclusion: While the 2025 4Runner is unlikely to offer a manual, prospective buyers have alternatives in older models or competing vehicles that provide manual transmissions.
Summary
At present, there is no official confirmation that the 2025 Toyota 4Runner will include a manual transmission. The prevailing expectation, based on Toyota’s current product strategy and industry trends, is that the 2025 4Runner will continue to rely on automatic transmissions with advanced off-road features. Buyers who require a manual may need to look to older 4Runner generations or to competitors that still offer manuals. For the most up-to-date information, monitor Toyota’s official communications and trusted automotive outlets as the model year progresses.
What transmission will the 2025 4Runner have?
The new 2025 Toyota 4Runner features a 2.4L turbo I-4 that produces 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Will the 2025 4Runner have a manual transmission?
The 4Runner hasn't offered three pedals since the third generation, and Toyota says that's due to a lack of customer interest. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner doesn't offer a manual transmission, an option that's otherwise available on its mechanical sibling, the Toyota Tacoma.
What 2025 vehicles are available with a manual transmission?
Every New Car With a Manual Transmission in 2025
- 2025 Acura Integra. 2026 Acura Integra / Credit: Acura.
- 2026 BMW M2. 2025 BMW M2 / Credit: BMW.
- 2026 BMW M3. 2025 BMW M3 / Credit: BMW.
- 2026 BMW M4. 2025 BMW M4 Coupe / Credit: BMW.
- 2026 BMW Z4.
- 2026 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing.
- 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.
- 2025 Ford Bronco.
Can you get a Toyota 4Runner with a manual transmission?
No, 4Runners do not come in manual transmissions, and the newest 2025 model has been confirmed to be automatic only. Toyota states that there isn't enough demand for a manual option, a decision supported by the lack of customer requests and the fact that the last 4Runner with a manual was the third-generation model that ended after the 2000 model year.
- No new models: The latest 2025 4Runner is only available with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Reason: Toyota has stated that a manual option was discontinued because of low customer demand and that there isn't enough demand for a manual transmission on the new model.
- Last manual model: The last time a 4Runner was offered with a manual transmission was with the third-generation model, which was sold up until the 2000 model year.
- Alternative: For those who want a manual 4Runner, the related Toyota Tacoma is still offered with a manual transmission option.
