For stick-shift purists, it’s another blow: Toyota has confirmed the new 4Runner will not get a manual transmission—not because it can’t, but because buyers simply don’t want one.
Despite sharing the same platform as the Tacoma, which still offers a manual, Toyota says there is virtually no demand for a three-pedal 4Runner.
Could Toyota Offer a Manual 4Runner? Technically, Yes
Speaking to Car and Driver at the 4Runner’s international launch, a Toyota spokesperson confirmed that a manual transmission is “possible”—but that doesn’t mean it’s happening.
With the Tacoma’s manual take rate at just 2% in 2024, Toyota doesn’t see the business case for offering one in the new 4Runner.
- Tacoma manual sales (2024): ~3,850 units
- Projected 4Runner manual sales (2024): ~1,840 units
While enthusiasts might love the idea, those numbers don’t justify production costs.
The Last SUVs With a Stick—And Why Toyota Won’t Join Them
Right now, only two SUVs still offer a manual:
✅ Ford Bronco
✅ Jeep Wrangler
The 4Runner hasn’t had a manual since 2000, and Toyota says customers haven’t missed it.
While a manual 4Runner would be a dream for off-road purists, the reality is that most buyers prefer the convenience of an automatic.
Is the Manual Tacoma in Danger?
With stick shifts dying across the industry, some might wonder: Is the Tacoma next?
While the Tacoma’s manual take rate actually increased in 2024, it still represents only 2% of total sales. As long as Toyota sees a niche demand, the manual Tacoma might stick around—but for how long?
For now, the 4Runner won’t be joining it, leaving the Bronco and Wrangler as the last bastions of the manual off-road SUV.
Would you buy a manual 4Runner if Toyota offered it? Or is the automatic just too good to pass up?
