With some parents wondering if it’s worth the effort to teach their teens how to drive a stick shift, it’s no surprise that automakers are on the fence about adding it to their latest and greatest. But there’s something about driving with a manual transmission while off-roading that just can’t be denied. Yet that’s exactly what Ford has done with the 2021 Ford Bronco Sasquatch trim. 

According to MotorTrend, Ford offers a Bronco with a stick shift, but it’s only available in certain trims. Even though the Sasquatch trim is made specifically for off-roading, Ford isn’t offering it with a manual transmission. But the automaker might be willing to change their mind.

The Ford Bronco Sasquatch trim is epic

With all the news coming out about the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco, it’s hard to keep up with it all. What makes it even harder is that the demand is so high that many people who have reserved a Bronco may not see it for several months yet. For owners who have been waiting impatiently, it’s more than a little frustrating, especially if they ordered the Sasquatch trim so they can go off-roading.

If you aren’t familiar with the trim levels, you may be wondering why the Ford Bronco Sasquatch trim is creating such a stir amongst the off-road community. It probably has a lot to do with the 17-inch Beadlock-compatible wheels wrapped in 35-inch mud tires that will make crossing treacherous trails easy. Or perhaps it’s the electromechanical transfer case, locking front and rear axles, larger fender flares, additional suspension clearance, and heavy-duty Bilstein shocks.

No manual for you in the Ford Bronco Sasquatch

If you want a Ford Bronco with a stick shift, you aren’t going to get it on the Sasquatch trim. What you will get is a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

For many consumers, that won’t be an issue. In fact, it might be a relief if they don’t know how to drive a manual. Many off-roaders love a stick shift, however, and aren’t pleased that they have to choose between the best off-road package, and manual transmission. It’s created quite the stir on Ford’s Twitter feed and might have resulted in a possible solution.

Ford might change its mind

Automakers don’t always listen to consumers, but it’s not totally unheard of. There’s a reason why so many automakers have plans to go either fully electric or hybrid. It’s because that’s what many consumers are buying at the moment.

Ford is currently trying to boost its customer base, and part of that is being open to listening. On Twitter, Mike Levine, a spokesperson for Ford stated, “[The Ford Bronco] Sasquatch is only available with the 10-speed automatic. We’re open to feedback for those that feel otherwise.”

This is rather hopeful news for those of us who want the best of both worlds, but is it really enough? Will Ford really keep their word to consider it? 

It seems so. There have already been several Twitter users responding to Levine, requesting that the Ford Bronco Sasquatch get a manual transmission. Some were hopeful, while one unhappy tweeter managed to draw more info out of Levine by threatening to stay with Jeep.

Mike Levine responded and said, “Stay tuned.”

While this isn’t exactly a binding promise, it certainly sounds hopeful. Ford wants to take on the legendary Jeep Wrangler, after all, and to do that, they have to give the people what they want. But for it is to happen, consumers have to speak up. If you would like to see a Ford Bronco Sasquatch package with a manual transmission, now is the time to take to social media. Whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, let your voice be heard.