Say you’re on the hunt for a new Jeep Gladiator, and you have some very specific requirements. Because, unlike other pickup shoppers, you’re after a Jeep Gladiator that’s equipped with a manual transmission. But is the Jeep Gladiator actually available with a manual transmission? Let’s find out.

The difference between an automatic and a manual transmission

Cars these days are often available with multiple transmission choices. First up is the manual transmission, or what many refer to as a stick shift. A manual transmission is essentially a gearbox that allows the driver to choose between different gear ratios. According to Edmunds, driving a vehicle with a manual transmission can make for an engaging driving experience. However, Edmunds reports, there is a steep learning curve to driving a car with a stick shift. 

While manual transmissions allow the driver to pick between different gear ratios, automatic transmissions are designed to shift gears without any input from the driver. It’s worth noting that some automatic transmissions do give drivers the option to select the gears manually. This is often done using either a shift lever or paddles that have been mounted behind the car’s steering wheel. 

Many newer cars are also available with a continuously variable transmission, which forgoes gears altogether and, instead, relies on a belt and pulley system. Basically, Digital Trends explains, when you own a car with a CVT, its transmission never actually shifts. 

What transmission is standard in the Jeep Gladiator?

As it turns out, this year’s new Jeep Gladiator is one of the few pickups that’s still available with a manual transmission. In fact, most new Gladiator models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Opt for the base model Gladiator Sport, and its six-speed manual transmission comes paired to a standard V6 engine capable of churning out 285-hp.

Unfortunately, some Jeep Gladiator models aren’t available with the pickup’s six-speed manual transmission. Take, for instance, the diesel-powered Gladiator. Opt for a Jeep Gladiator with its available diesel engine under the hood, and you can expect it to come outfitted with the Gladiator’s available eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The Gladiator isn’t the only Jeep with a manual transmission

The good news is that this year’s new Jeep Gladiator isn’t the only Jeep that can be had with a manual transmission. In fact, much like the Jeep Gladiator, the Jeep Wrangler is also standard with a manual transmission. Opt for a base model, which comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, and you can expect it to come teamed with a six-speed manual transmission. 

Is a Jeep Gladiator with a manual transmission worth buying?

If you’re set on buying a new Jeep Gladiator with a manual transmission, we recommend getting behind the wheel for a test drive before making any final decisions. After all, taking this year’s model out for a spin is the best way to find out whether or not it’s the right fit for you.