Manual Transmission question for TRD Off-road and Sport

Hey All,

The day has finally come where an access cab will no longer work (my wife is expecting our first in July 16'). With the help with some forum members, I found my beloved 02' back in 2011 and have put on 35k stress free miles. Alas, I'll need a DC and wouldn't think of owning anything other than another Taco.

This time around I'm pretty convinced I will go with a MT in one of the TRD trims. Looking over the brochure, it states I will lose the crawl control feature on the OR models but gain A-Trac. Nothing specified on the TRD sport models. Is there anything else I will lose going with the MT? I plan to add the Premium & Tech Package to either trim.

Thanks!

 

No JBL audio on M/T. Crawl Control is only available in the automatic OffRoad trim, but as a result of not having Crawl Control, you do get a sunglass holder lol

 

As already mentioned, no Crawl Control with a manual. No MTS. No ECT. No torque converter. No unwanted shifting. That's about it.

 

Manual FTMFW. Enough said.

 

This!

 

I think the info above pretty much covers it. I will get flamed for this but crawl control seems a bit gimmicky to me. Having the manual with direct gear to motor connection eliminate's the need for crawl control in many situations. Now before I get quoted ten times for that, there are situations where it might be nice to have. Although manuals have been around for a long time for off road use and did not need it before.

Atrac is basically a one speed version of MTS. Is MTS better? Maybe. However with lots of the bad AT reviews thus far it seems like the loss of CC and MTS is worth the effort of rowing your own gears and only having ATRAC.

Your mileage may vary, and plenty of AT owners do love their rigs.

 

I'll say this, I have a 2015 TRD Offroad Manual with Atrac, I would not have it any other way. Absolutely love the MT

 

@palmxp3 - also, MT gearing is slightly different and a little lower. Probably feels more "oomphy" with the MT. See here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-gear-ratios-at-awesome-mt-now-with-double-overdrive.387347/

 

Everybody loves more oomph...

 

In addition to what has been mentioned, the M/T trucks don't have push button start.

 

You don't get push button start either with the MT. But I wouldn't let those little things get in the way.

Edit: Guess I was too slow.

 

Damnit... 3 minutes... I was going to say push button start.

They also have 2 less cup holders.

 

If you've ever driven a M/T Tacoma in 4wd low in 1st gear, then you would get an idea of what crawl control is like. It's a gimmick and not necessary for those who know how to use a manual.

 

Thanks for the replies! I'm not up to date with the newest tech, can someone explain what ATrac is? Am I right in saying that the TRD Sports do not get this feature?

 

Since you want to know about the differences between trims, note that the off road has a locking differential whereareas the sport does not.

 

Exactly this!

 

ATRAC is advanced traction control that will basically act like a front locker. It will transfer power from front to rear and left to right depending on where the power needs to go. ATRAC will get you just about anywhere, and no the sport does not have it

 

This too

 

FTFY.

It applies brakes to slipping wheels. With an open differential power is sent to the wheel with least resistance. So when a wheel slips all power goes to that wheel but if brakes are applied to it, power will get redirected back to the other wheel that hopefully has traction.

I personally don't like electronic traction control assists... neither ATRAC or the auto LSD (does the same thing but at higher speeds... ATRAC doesn't engage except at low speeds in 4low I think). I prefer locked differentials.

I have wondered why Toyota does not at least option a front locker for the Tacoma... I would certainly check the box.

 

Manual is the way to go. I only miss the push button start. Seems friveless I know, but I'm used to it now on wife's Touareg and realized how convenient and practical it is. Tech package costs way less with MT because of these things.
Crawl control is cool but silly. I'd rather have my sunglasses holder up there.
And yes, the main sacrifice is going from 8 cup holders accessable from the drivers seat down to only 6.

Joking aside, after only owning European cars (about a dozen of them), having more than one is really nice. Who drives around with only one beer? Seriously...