Thread: New Hilux auto vs manual

Good to see you back GB.

A year ago, I was asking myself the same question ‘should I go for an auto instead’. I couldn’t decide on paper so gave both a decent test run where the vehicle in question was a 2023 4x4 Hilux SR – the poverty pack model.

Firstly, I had only ever owned manual, preferred it, and could never see myself buying an auto so I was almost certainly going to buy a manual. After a few days in different Utes, I ended up in an auto and have never regretted it......

Quick notes:

Auto has noticeably more torque, was better climbing hills loaded and towing.

Manual is a 6-speed box, takes some adjusting if your used to 5 and gear ratio’s felt like I was forever changing gear. Even though I like driving, it become tiring continually shifting cogs.

I almost always use the tiptronic do hicky to control what gear I’m in for anything other than crawling around town. Response wise I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest there’s not a lot of difference between a manual box. Theres a saying that they don’t make them like the used to and in this case, and when it comes to automatic transmissions, I say thank god for that! But these newer ones seem to be pretty good at changing when you want them to.

Theres a power mode switch on the new ones that really wake it up, combine with the Tiptronic no manual version will beat it to 100kmph (if that’s important to you)

I was skeptical/concerned about the increased fuel consumption but that hasn’t really eventuated. After 35,000km I’m averaging 8.9l/100 and that includes a considerable amount of towing and 4WDing.

I reckon you won’t be disappointed with an auto, but get in both and give them a run at the dealer if you can.