2022 TRD Off road - Manual or Automatic???

I debated quite a while before opting for the auto. Previously, all my Tacomas and Toyota Trucks were manuals. But, I've found the auto to be really nice. OK, it's not perfect, but it's close since I do use the "S" function in many conditions when I want control. I don't regret buying the auto -- even after a year of ownership.

 

The Automatic shifts the gears for you

 

I agree with you about the automatic. For me it works fine! Of course, the 8.0 OTT Tune does help considerably!!!

It really depends on the owner which transmission they want to operate.

Sure, the M/T is great to have control over RPMs/heal & toe operability/application to the road. I enjoy that capability more so on a coupe or a vehicle that is more agile/sleek in those type of conditions.

City driving is tedious with a M/T...at least in my mind. I would spend a lot of time in neutral in between stop/go traffic.

My mother would tell me as a kid that a M/T would get better gas mileage over an auto...so I learned to drive a M/T with the gears on the steering wheel.

Good point on the "S" drive. It's better used for towing but if you want control, it's the way to go.

 

manual is a man-skill. If my old Tacoma ever died I'd replace it with another manual. I've driven an unloaded 3rd gen with an auto over a mountain pass and it was awful

 

I've driven manuals my entire life - trucks, sports cars, an early 70 Corolla. I bought a 2008 FJ Cruiser new that was my first automatic and never really bonded with it, though the automatic did work well. Switch to an F150 a couple years back, also an auto of course. Hated it and traded it in last week for a 2023 TRDOR in manual. What a pleasure to drive. Yes the lever throw is not particularly sporty and it takes a minute to get comfortable with the clutch, it is almost too forgiving and hence a little bit unpredictable.

Get the manual. In short order, driving it in all conditions will become second nature. And you will find yourself smiling every time you make that perfect shift. You will smile a lot.