The Toyota Tacoma is now the only truck in the U.S. offering a manual transmission
With Jeep announcing that the 2025 Gladiator will only come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, there’s now one less manual pickup available. This leaves the Toyota Tacoma as the last truck offering a manual gearbox.
It’s both disappointing and confusing that the 2025 Gladiator will only be available with a powertrain that has recently been phased out in the 2025 Wrangler. In the Wrangler, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is now paired solely with a six-speed manual transmission, while the eight-speed automatic is reserved for the four-cylinder, Hemi V8, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
In addition to discontinuing the manual transmission, Jeep announced a “price repositioning.” Although this move was needed given that the Gladiator was significantly more expensive than other mid-size pickups, the price has only increased from $37,895 to $38,100.
While it’s not ideal, the price increase is offset by the fact that the automatic transmission, which previously cost $2,500, is now standard. Additionally, like the Wrangler, the Gladiator will no longer offer manual windows; power windows and locks are now standard features.
In addition to the new equipment, the Gladiator will now be available in two new colors: Fathom Blue and ’41, the latter being an olive drab-inspired shade that honors Jeep’s military heritage. The truck also introduces a new Active Cabin Ventilation system, similar to the Wrangler, which allows users to remove hot air from the interior via the Jeep Connect app.
While some customers may be disappointed by the discontinuation of the manual transmission, there’s a new powertrain option on the way. The company has confirmed plans to introduce a Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid as part of their goal to offer an electrified variant of all Jeep vehicles sold in North America by the end of 2025.
This new model is expected to mirror the Wrangler 4xe, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and an electric motor. It will deliver a combined output of 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque, with an electric-only range of 21 miles (34 km).
