Jeep Just Killed The Last American Pickup With A Stick-Shift

By Gary Gastelu |

Sep 18, 2024

The Jeep Gladiator is losing an ancient device. Ancient in automotive terms, at least.

Jeep has announced that the 2025 Gladiator will no longer be available with a six-speed manual transmission and will only come with an eight speed automatic for its 285 hp 3.6-liter V6.

It’s one of several small changes to the midsize pickup, which was just updated for 2024 and continues to be offered only with a 4×4 drivetrain.

Another is the loss of manual crank windows as all Gladiators will have standard power windows and door locks, which is also the case with the 2025 Wrangler SUV that the Gladiator shares its body with.

Phantom Blue and an olive drab called ’41 have been added to the paint color list, while a remote start ventilation system activated from a smartphone app is an option.

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Pricing has also been adjusted, with the entry-level Sport automatic’s dropping from $42,990 to $39,995, while the top of the line Mojave and Rubicon trims start at $52,995.

The departure of the Gladiators manual transmission leaves the Toyota Tacoma as the only pickup that can still be purchased with a manual transmission in the U.S.

The 2025 Wrangler is still available with one, but you have to get it with the V6. In fact, it’s the only transmission offered with the V6. To get a Wrangler with an automatic, you have to opt for the turbocharged four-cylinder, 392 V8 or plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain.

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The Wrangler also becomes the only vehicle from any of the American Stellantis brands with a stick-shift, as the Dodge Challenger that went out of production last year was the only other model that could be ordered with one.

Its electric two-door Charger Daytona replacement has a single-speed automatic transmission, while the gas-powered two-door Charger coming in late 2025 will have a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic.

Jeep Just Killed The Last American Pickup With A Stick-Shift

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