As car manufacturers roll out new models, convenience and ease of use are high on the list of priorities for new innovations. Purchasers are increasingly looking for power windows, power locks, heated seats, and advanced infotainment systems that work seamlessly with their mobile devices. For many consumers, they also want driving to be easy. This is why you see more and more cars and trucks coming standard with automatic transmission.

There is still a group of loyal drivers who prefer a manual transmission, but this driving experience is increasingly hard to come by. If you are a manual lover, read on to find out if the Toyota Tundra is an option for you.

Centered on reliability

The 2020 Toyota Tundra won’t win any awards for its flashy features or cutting edge innovations. It can, however, be depended on to be reliable and good for regular towing and hauling. It packs in an impressive amount of safety technology and performs well off-road. The 2020 Tundra comes with some upgrades, including an improved audio system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and expanded availability of the TRD Pro trim that focuses on off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Tundra takes some decision out of your purchaser’s hands when it comes to power. The truck only comes with one engine option.  Any 2020 Toyota Tundra will come with a 5.7-liter, V8 engine. In the 2019 model, this engine was the upgrade option and a 4.6 liter V6 was standard. The smaller engine is longer available. The 5.7 liter offers 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque.

What about the transmission?

The 2020 Tundra offers bad news for those seeking out a manual transmission option. The only transmission available is a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The Tundra hasn’t offered a manual transmission since the first generation which concluded its run in 2006. Through 2005 the truck was available with a five-speed manual transmission which was upgraded to a six-speed in 2006. When the Tundra moved to a V8 engine in 2007, manual transmission became a feature of the past.

Automatic transmission vehicles have a number of benefits, the biggest of which is the fact that they are easier to drive. Automatic transmissions also offers more power because it reduces the opportunity for mistakes and poor timing. Because the distance between engagement clutches on automatic transmissions are so small, it can shift faster than any driver.

The benefits of an automatic transmission might not be enough to sway a dedication manual driver. Manual transmission puts the driver in control, allowing them to decide when to shift gears. Braking I also more smooth without the torque converter required for automatic transmissions. Manual transmission vehicles are easier to maintain as they are less complex, and they also provide better fuel efficiency. The icing on the cake is that manual transmission vehicles are often cheaper.

Choosing the right truck

The 2020 Toyota Tundra doesn’t come with a manual transmission option, so now what? First, you could try and hunt down a first-generation model that comes with manual transmission. Given that these date back to 2006, finding a truck in good shape might be a difficult task. If a manual transmission is your number one requirement, you may need to look to another model. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma comes with a six-speed manual transmission. In fact, Car and Driver has recommended that any new Tacoma purchasers opt for the manual version.

As you continue your hunt for the perfect manual transmission vehicle, you may want to consider joining the voices on Twitter who are advocating to #savethemanuals.