# Why is Toyota Promoting Manual Transmission in the 2020 Corolla? *By James Hills — Updated March 2019* I had an interesting experience recently when Toyota invited me to drive the all-new Toyota Corolla during their launch event in Savannah, GA. For some reason they were excited to make sure we experienced it while driving stick. While other manufacturers are promoting how they have 9 and 10 speed automatic transmissions and ever faster and more efficient technology, Toyota seemingly wanted to drag me back in time. What's even more shocking is that the model that featured a manual transmission wasn't even the cheapest base model. It was actually pretty well equipped with style and comfort. So why should you care about a manual transmission car in 2019? Let's take a look. The simple answer is ... ***it's fun to drive!*** That's it. It's simply about having fun while driving ... ### Five Ways We Used Cellular at Sea Cruise+ on Our Canada and New England Cruise Cellular at Sea Cruise+ offers practical alternatives to cruise WiFi packages. Seven-day test of Verizon, AT&T, and GigSky options reveals secure, cost-effective connectivity for voice and data at sea. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/deKwQ6Z4Q0b2Ymd49ddtnQ.378) ### Awesome UAE Mancation Ideas in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Beyond Here's why the United Arab Emirates (UAE) makes a great place for a mancation. Legendary cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai have everything guys could imagine. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/deKwQ6Z4Q0b2Ymd49ddtnQ.1104) ### 7 Days Private Guided Tour in Sri Lanka A 7 day private guided tour of Sri Lanka weaving history, culture and adventure with hidden gems, ideal for curious travelers. Viator (affiliate) [Book on Viator](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/deKwQ6Z4Q0b2Ymd49ddtnQ.1815) ### Vietnam and Thailand Adventure in 16 Days A 16-day Vietnam and Thailand adventure covering Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, ideal for culture and nature lovers. Viator (affiliate) [Book on Viator](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/deKwQ6Z4Q0b2Ymd49ddtnQ.550) Sponsored The rationale for having manual transmission in the past was that it was more fuel efficient, faster to hit shift points, and simply cheaper. Today though, none of that applies. That's ok though and I applaud them for not only embracing an essentially "retro" feature but also working to make it as easy to get into. While they aren't the only manufacturer offering a compact with a manual transmission - others essentially shun those that don't already know how to drive manual. Instead, Toyota welcomed those like me who were curious about the unique driving experience a manual transmission Corolla might offer. Toyota hasn't forgotten about the folks that simply want to have a fun car to drive and that's a welcome attitude.  What's cool for new stick drivers like myself is that they've made it super easy. As you saw in the video above it's almost idiot proof and I was able to pick up the fundamentals very easy. Corolla features a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission that features close-ratio gears at the lower end for quick acceleration and then taller gears at the top to allow for optimized fuel economy while cruising on the highway.  It also features an intelligent rev-matching feature to help reduce transmission shock when downshifting. While I clearly was skeptical going in, I can see why this would be a fun option. This is especially true for someone looking for a fun "first car" or a guy who wants something that feels sportier than it actually is to drive back and forth to the office. Manual or Automatic transmission, the all-new 2020 Corolla handles really well and has styling that belies its $20-25,000 price tag depending on trim levels. When you combine those factors with the reliability Toyota is known for and the fact that Toyota Safety Sense is standard on all models then this is an easy choice to add to your shopping list. September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/S4aHbQN8BgKy7uDgqgqMFQ.2144) [August's Pick Gorilla Carts Heavy Duty Garden Wheelbarrow, 1200 Lb, Yellow $174.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/S4aHbQN8BgKy7uDgqgqMFQ.2143) [July's Pick Amazon Fire TV Stick HD with Alexa Voice Remote $17.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/S4aHbQN8BgKy7uDgqgqMFQ.2136) [June's Pick Google Chromecast with Google TV 4K HDR Streaming Player, Snow $109.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/S4aHbQN8BgKy7uDgqgqMFQ.2139) Sponsored Details Written by: James Hills Published: 01 March 2019 Last Updated: 01 March 2019 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Best Places In America to See Bald Eagles Jul 04, 2023 [Best Places In America to See Bald Eagles](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/best-places-in-america-to-see-bald-eagles.html) #### Rediscover Yourself: Five Things to Do for the First Time on a Solo Guys Trip Oct 11, 2024 [Rediscover Yourself: Five Things to Do for the First Time on a Solo Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/things-to-do-for-the-first-time-on-a-solo-guys-trip.html) #### Mancation Ideas in Ireland's Ancient East Dec 28, 2018 [Mancation Ideas in Ireland's Ancient East](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/mancation-ideas-in-ireland-ancient-east.html) ### Related Articles #### Testing the 2026 Nissan LEAF: First Impressions of Nissan's Redesigned Electric Crossover [Testing the 2026 Nissan LEAF: First Impressions of Nissan's Redesigned Electric Crossover](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2026-nissan-leaf-first-impressions.html) #### 2025 Toyota Corolla FX Special Edition Review: Sporty Heritage Meets Modern Technology [2025 Toyota Corolla FX Special Edition Review: Sporty Heritage Meets Modern Technology](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-toyota-corolla-fx-special-edition-review.html) #### 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs [2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-chrysler-pacifica-pinnacle-review.html) #### 2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade Review: This Sophisticated Sedan Gets the Balance Right [2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade Review: This Sophisticated Sedan Gets the Balance Right](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-toyota-crown-nightshade-review.html) #### 2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo Review: Stylish Compact SUV With Turbocharged Performance [2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo Review: Stylish Compact SUV With Turbocharged Performance](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-mazda-cx-30-carbon-turbo-review.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Why is Toyota Promoting Manual Transmission in the 2020 Corolla?](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/manual-transmission-in-2020-toyota-corolla.html)* **Tags:** Cars