"...lacks a manual because nobody's asking for it"

[l008com]

I was googling around, like I do periodically, looking to see if there were any manual 4 runner rumors floating around.
The number one result was a reddit post linking to a car and driver article where a toyota exec claims that the reason they don't make a manual 4runner is because nobody is asking for it.

I read that and thought to myself, asking who? Who can I ask, that will get the word back to execs? I can't think of anyone. I don't think they're reading reddit posts, or *this* forum. When you express desire to buy a manual 4runner at the dealership, I highly doubt that gets back to toyota corporate either.

So I did what any crazyperson would do, and opened a support ticket on their "Brand Engagement Center" website page:
https://support.toyota.com/s/questions-comments

And I simply expressed my desire to buy a manual 4runner. I would MUCH rather buy a manual 4runner than a manual ford bronco.

If you would love to own a manual 4runner, maybe you should tell them that too.

Will this get them to actually start making one? Probably not. But maybe. I'm holding out on buying a new SUV as long as I can, hoping that maybe, just maybe, they make one.

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[Nodak]

for every person that wants a manual there is 10-20 people that have no clue what a manual is.

personally i know how to use a manual from friends trucks. funny story, friend had a 4x4 tacoma in the 90s. we were going down the base road to a stop sign. started slowing down about 200-300 ft from the sign. it was pure ice (we had a nice storm the night before). he hits the brakes to lock up the tires, popped it out of gear and thru it into reverse. the funniest thing in the world. but it worked.

personally i would never want a manual. just too lazy. and dont get me started in living in big city stop and go traffic when i was a teenager. that drove me mad the few times i had to do it, and getting rides from friends and seeing the work you get from 1, 2, 3, 4, then repeat in a block for 10-15 blocks.

yeah you can have that fun, im too old for that crap now a days and i stop caring about manuals once i got out of high school.

 

[Joestac]

You'll get that around the same time you'll get a V6 back.

 

[detamble13]

Well good for you reaching out and attempting to have your voice heard. I imagine it would take a lot of customers doing the same for Toyota to consider a manual option though. Its available in the Tacoma which shares the same engine so its really not a crazy ask.

My car is a manual and nothing beats the driving experience. The 4Runner is my wifes so a manual is not an option.

 

[127.0.0.1]

it's never gonna happen

time to search for non-salt belt antiques if you want a manual Toyota

 

[Dougp1313]

I would have bought a manual if it was available. I've been shifting gears in my daily drivers since 1989. Driving an automatic is just "sitting and steering". Getting used to an automatic on a daily basis is an adjustment. I find myself unconsciously reaching for the stick shift when coming to an intersection. Whatever, still VERY satisfied with my purchase.

 

[4RunnerTony]

A manual transmission is a good anti theft device.

 

[kekecarioca]

I think the last year of a manual 4Runner is 2000... I own a 99' manual myself and DD it for 8 years.
Deep inside I wish they offered a manual now, but honestly I'm kind of glad they did not on the 6th gen because I would have been thorn about deciding....
Getting older myself, an AUTO is very nice for the long run as i foresee driving the 6th gen for a whiiiiile....

 

[4Everest]

Its available in the Tacoma which shares the same engine so its really not a crazy ask.

This is what makes it at all possible. Toyota already has it in the parts bin; it'd just be a matter of making the configuration available. That said, IF Toyota decided to do it, you'd probably only be able to get it on the SR5 trim.

 

[l008com]

...IF Toyota decided to do it, you'd probably only be able to get it on the SR5 trim.

That works out perfect for me. Although because I have the kind of luck I have, if they did make it, they'd probably go the other route and only make it an option on the $60,000+ models.

But a manual SR5 4x4, I'd have to DIY an aftermarket heated seat kit and i'd be golden for the next 10 years.

 

[BRunner]

When I was shopping around last December for a manual Tacoma I couldn't find one in stock or incoming. My last manual was a 2009 Reg cab Tacoma. 4Runners are hard enough to get up here in Canada, I can't imagine the rarity of manuals if Toyota ever made them again. I'm still patiently waiting for my 4Runner to show up. It would be nice if the manual was an option considering it is in the Tacoma.

 

[bakutheleo]

I started with manual, no issues driving them. They are not as fun on larger vehicles than small cars as they are stiffer, but otherwise no problem. However, on a 4x4 especially I would not want one--and, really, probably any other vehicle either. Why?

1. Unlike the old days, automatic transmissions are about as efficient as manual--probably more so.
2. Much better off-road. Safer, as you do not have to be in neutral briefly (to change gears). Also you can gradually add power without wearing out/heating up clutch plates. I know, on granny low you may not have to do that either, but we do not always use the super low gear.

As others have said, they are unlikely to do it, as way more people want auto than manual.

 

[Nodak]

toyota has moved away from manauls except on the lowest end trims. most people want a auto if they are expecting luxury features in the higher trims.

i mean even toyota got rid of the SR trims since no one wanted a stripped bare bones truck at an extremely low price.

the lowest trim now a days for a BoF is an SR5, for unibodies its usually the L/LE series

 

[ACJ]

I do not believe they can meet CAFE Standards with a manual transmission. I drove manual for 30 years but 8 on the floor would be a pain.

 

[Joestac]

I do not believe they can meet CAFE Standards with a manual transmission. I drove manual for 30 years but 8 on the floor would be a pain.

You could finally shift like they do in F&F.

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