Oh no! You can no longer have the Jeep Gladiator with a manual gearbox

Jeep has announced the removal of the manual transmission option for its Gladiator pickup truck in the 2025 model year. This development means that the only pickup truck currently available in the U.S. with a manual gearbox is the Toyota Tacoma, which offers a six-speed manual paired with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The Gladiator will now come with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, exclusively linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it boasts a towing capacity of 3,493 kg and a payload of 782 kg. The update also includes standard electric power windows and a new paint option called ‘Fathom Blue.’ As the market trends away from manual transmissions, this shift highlights a significant change in consumer preferences and automotive offerings. From a transportation perspective, the decline of manual transmissions in trucks reflects broader industry trends toward automated technology and ease of use. While manual transmission enthusiasts may lament the loss of options, the move towards automatics can also enhance safety and efficiency in urban driving conditions. However, offering at least one model with a manual option, like the Tacoma, helps cater to those who seek a more engaging driving experience. As the automotive landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers balance traditional shifting preferences with modern automation.