Should I buy an automatic or manual Tacoma? (2021)

Sorry for asking a question I know has been beat to death. Searching the forum yielding some results, but not really my specific situation.

I'm going to be buying a truck soon and the Tacoma is the current frontrunner in the search. I'm trying to narrow down exactly how I'd spec one out so I can get a feature list and price to compare to other trucks.

The two configurations I'm considering are SR5 DC/LB 4x2 versus the TRD Sport Access Cab 4x4 with the manual transmission. I believe this is the cheapest configuration possible to get a manual transmission (in the US market for 2021 at least) please correct me if I'm wrong. In this scenario the manual trans will cost me about $2,000 more and will require hassle to obtain.

As for the use case, it'll be a daily driver (so the double cab and fuel economy of auto with 4x2 is strongly desired). When doing work I anticipate it'll be hauling maybe an upwards of 800 pounds occasionally. Towing would likely max out at 3,000 pounds, on fairly flat land most of the time. My big concern is the 4.3 versus 3.9 rear end gearing. The manual trans is much better geared for hauling, but I've only owned one truck before so I don't have much personal experience to compare it to. I'm sure the automatic would handle the job, but would the manual be noticeably more proficient?

I don't care about any of the added features in the TRD Sport, and I 100% don't need 4x4, so is the added $2000, reduced fuel economy, and reduced cab worth it? I extremely rarely have more than 1 passenger so I can sacrifice the double cab. I have a slight preference for driving a manual and the 4x4 would likely be totally unused, but it does theoretically leave some doors open for the truck in the future.

It's tough to sift out useful information with all the demonization of the automatic and all the manual zealots talking big game about the stick shift.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and insight.

 

Thoroughly test drive both.

 

I own a manual 2020 and after reading many people's troubles with automatics, I wouldn't want an auto. I like driving a manual, haven't owned an automatic since my first car.

As for the body you want, I don't believe you can get an access cab with a manual. DCSB only. I put a Polaris Sportsman 500 4-wheeler in the bed and towed a 1992 Toyota pickup 800 miles with my truck. No complaints considering it is a "mid-sized" truck with a 3.5l engine.

 

I’m going to throw this out there just to lose more friends; take a look at the Nissan Frontier KC 2wd. Good luck in your hunt!

 

What traffic conditions are you driving in?

There's not a chance in hell i'd buy a manual Tacoma in heavy traffic conditions.

 

Sport comes in Access Cab MT

 

There's only two manual tacomas anywhere near me, and I doubt dealers are going to let me do some test towing, not to mention being unable to bring a trailer to the dealership anyway.

 

Id say if u can drive a stick go manual

 

I needed a DCLB so the automatic is the only way to go. I am super happy with the setup.

 

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Neither is perfect.
Try both, buy what you like.

 

Make sure you test drive the AT then because there are an overwhelming amount of threads on here with complaints of how it shifts.

 

Had 2018 manual that I just traded for a 2020 automatic a few months ago. Neither is perfect.
The manual was fun for short trips, but the automatic is more practical.
Towed with it in ECT and it's fine.
Gas mileage is the same.

 

I don't trust the new powertrain in the 2020 Frontier yet, it's also due for the design soon so it's a bit silly to buy one right now. I'm also really looking for a crew cab/long bed, so in that configuration it isn't much cheaper than a Tacoma, isn't any more capable, and has lower ground clearance. Only considering the access cab for the Tacoma to get the manual transmission, and I'd rather sacrifice cab space over bed space.

I also used to own a Frontier with the standard wheelbase and it has the turning radius of a cruise ship. The long wheelbase adds about 4 feet to that and it may make me go insane.

 

Ive owned a few, as well and never had or seen one on the back of a tow truck and for thousands $$ less

 

You've done a better analysis than most. The end game is up to you though. As others have said test drive both. More than just around the block. No, you won't get a tow experience, but that's not the deciding factor on a daily driver anyway. Especially at the weight you specify.

If you are a long term owner, forget what any resale impact of your choice of transmission may be. In 10-15 years there will be folks dying to find a clean example of either of your considerations, and the price delta will be zilch. 4wd OTOH may well be more sought after.

I know you say you don't need 4wd (I don't either) but ignore that as part of your short term consideration (outside of initial cost). You'll get the same MPG; there are no other downsides. The diff gearing delta is miniscule and matches up with the transmission it backs up very well.

 

MT for me, but to be fair my Taco is not my daily driver.

The only practical complaint I’ve had about the MT in my Taco is that Reverse gear is too high and make reversing with a trailer even up a small incline difficult. That said I’m still happy with my choice. Adding a front-mounted hitch which allows me to ‘push’ my trailers using first gear instead of Reverse made a big difference.

 

I’ve owned a 2nd gen manual (OR 4x4 DCSB) and a 3rd gen auto (OR 4x4 DCLB). I like my new truck better overall, but much preferred the powertrain of the 2nd gen with a manual. Guessing the 2nd gen had a LOT more low rpm torque which paired nicely with the manual.

For your purposes, I’m going to guess that both transmissions will disappoint, in part due to the lack of low end engine torque. Hopefully the auto you’re looking at has the ECT button which slightly improves functionality.

 

That's a question that you should decide on, now days it's not necessary to drive stick its more of a personal preference.

 

Manual! Get better gearing with the manual, and are more in control with driving. Also, fewer possible problems.

Trd sport access cab with the 6ft bed is all you need. You might not want the 4wd, but when it comes time to sell a 4wd truck has a premium to it, and you'll get more of your money back in 10-15 years than a 2wd truck imo.

 

Daily driver I would go automatic all day. I do about 32-35K in miles a year with work and traveling back and fourth to the beach. Manual if you off-road, use as secondary vehicle or don't do a lot of driving. Ultimately its your decision, so just go with your gut. I have my old Pontiac that gives me my four speed fix.