Is it Worth it to Buy a 2021 Toyota Tacoma With a Manual Transmission?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There is a lot to consider when shopping for a new or used Toyota Tacoma. You have to figure out which trim level you need, in addition to which bed size and cab configuration. But you’ll also have a choice between a manual or automatic transmission. But is really better to shift your Tacoma yourself, or have the truck do it for you?

Buying Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission has its disadvantages

2021 Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission | Joe Santos

First things first, if you end finding a Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission, don’t expect it to be a sportscar. Yes, you can row the gears yourself and shift at whatever rpm you desire, but the gear ratios are long as is the stick shift throw. Having driven a 2021 Tacoma with a manual and automatic transmission, I can personally say that having the manual transmission only makes normal driving feel only slightly sportier.

Also, as PickupTrucks.com notes, the Tacoma with a manual transmission weighs about 20 pounds more and it doesn’t add any power to the equation. There’s also no crawl control mode on the manual Tacomas, so if you like to boogie on the rocks on a regular basis, then that could be a deal-breaker.

There are many upsides to shifting the gears yourself

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD going uphill
2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD going uphill | Toyota

The good part about driving a Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission is that it has a shorter 4.3:1 axle ratio versus the taller 3.909:1 ratio that you get with the automatic. That shorter ratio equates to quicker acceleration off the line and through the gears, which can even come in handy on the off-road trails.

Speaking of going off-road, although opting for the manual transmission emits crawl control, you can still make your hill descents easy by shifting into the lower gears. In some cases, you won’t need to shift much. And if you happen to stall while on a mountain and don’t want the hazard of rolling backward, there’s a “clutch start cancel” button on the dashboard. When this button is activated, it allows the driver to start the truck without having to push in the clutch. That’s pretty handy.

Additionally, if you’re into modifying your Tacoma, then you’ll be happy to know that the manual transmission can be modified to accept a higher gear ratio for even better acceleration. The manual transmission Tacomas are generally cheaper, too, but dealers might mark them up depending on their supply.

Is it hard to find a Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission?

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD going downhill
2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD going downhill | Toyota

Speaking of supply and demand, it can be relatively tough to find a 2021 Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission. After doing a nationwide search on Cars.com, we found 76 trucks with manual transmissions for sale compared to the 3,500-plus automatic ones. That’s a pretty small ratio, especially for Tacoma.

That being said, if you do find a Tacoma with a manual transmission for sale near you, act quickly and be prepared to possibly pay top dollar for it. However, if you enjoy driving a truck with a  manual transmission, then buying a Tacoma in this guise could be worth every penny spent.

RELATED: Why the Toyota Tacoma Still Dominates as the Best Truck

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New Spy Shots Show the BMW R Nine T Urban G/S Is Getting Serious About Going Off-Road

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The BMW R Nine T is one of the most exciting motorcycles to come in a long time, at least for certain kinds of riders. The line of vintage-inspired motorcycles perfectly blended the practicality of modernity with the undeniable beauty of vintage custom BMW bikes. From the Scramblers to Paris-Dakar Rally bikes, the BMW R Nine T line was something for everyone. Although the BMW Urban G/S looked the part of an 80’s style Dakar bike, it wasn’t really an off-roader until now. 

2021 BMW Urban G/S | BMW

The BMW R Nine T Urban G/S and Scrambler are finally getting some off-road chops

2021 BMW R Nine T Scrambler in green and brown with gold wheels
2021 BMW R Nine T Scrambler | BMW

MCN recently published some spy photos of BMW testing some new classy off-road bikes. The photos show a next-gen R Nine T scrambler and Urban G/S with what looks like a much more serious off-road package. 

Both the Scrambler and the Urban G/S have captured riders’ hearts with their unique retro looks. Despite the Scrambler’s name, it seems pretty clear that this was never really meant for desert sledding or anything else super scrambler-y. While the same is probably true for the BMW Urban G/S, it is a much more tempting bike to take off-road. Hell, it has the option to get knobby tires from the factory. 

Is the BMW Urban G/S good off-road?

2016 BMW Urban G/S driving off-road
2016 BMW R Nine T Urban G/S | BMW

Unfortunately, most riders say that although Urban GS its got “G/S” in the name and knobby tires, the “urban” part can’t be overlooked. These bikes certainly look the part, but they are really made for the street and maybe the occasional dirt road. However, these new changes might shift that spilt a bit more toward the “G/S” part. 

The first thing one might notice about these newly-improved BMWs is that the front wheel has been replaced with a more off-road friendly 21-inch spoked wheel, replacing the current 19-inch wheel. 

Although both bikes are being tested together in the spy photos with new off-road features, the BMW Urban G/S seems to be getting most of the new gear. One of the biggest off-road hindrances for the Urban G/S models of the past is the low exhaust and headers. The G/S pictured here has had its header pipes and oil cooler gathered higher and tucked for enhanced clearance and protection from stirred-up rocks and dirt. 

The BMW R Nine T Urban G/S, adding function to its form

2016 BMW Urban G/S driving off-road
2016 BMW R Nine T Urban G/S | BMW

The updated 2021 BMW R Nine T Urban G/S already got some more off-road-centric updates like handguards and a higher set scrambler-style split muffler. 

According to ADV Pulse, there are several additional adventure-ready bits for these dressed-down testers, such as more rugged levers and footpegs, including what appear to be removable passenger footpeg sets. Both seats appear to be new, too, with the G/S’s bench-style saddle looking ready to be strapped down with all manner of gear. 

The Scrambler and Urban G/S have added tech

The 2021 refresh for both bikes saw the addition of standard ABS, a revised rear shock, and optional riding modes for different terrain. Also, the front shocks for both bikes seem to have been revised to be a little taller, allowing for further travel and ground clearance. 

As the Adventure bike segment continues to grow, the R Nine T G/S is positioned to be a strong contender for light adventure riders. If these updates really help the G/S perform better off-road, it will be a clear choice for those who mostly need a road bike but want the ability to hop on a trail every now and then without having to ride a full ADV bike every day. Here’s to hoping. 

RELATED: BMW is Shows Off the 2021 R nineT Urban G/S In All Its Updated Glory

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The 2022 Ford Maverick FX4 Package Is Surprisingly Expensive

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It is possible to get a great deal on the Ford Maverick as a little work truck. However, if you want the 2022 Ford Maverick to have a little more muscle and be equipped for off-roading, the price could quickly climb. The Maverick FX4 trim comes with an expensive price tag. 

Is the 2022 Ford Maverick FX4 package worth buying? 

2022 Ford Maverick FX4 Package | Ford

Yes, the 2022 Ford Maverick FX4 package is worth buying. The FX4 package follows in the footsteps of other Ford trucks with reliable off-roading upgrades. It’s available with the F-150 and Ranger. 

If you opt for the Ford Maverick FX4 package, you get off-road suspension tuning. The all-wheel drive Maverick has a unique rear suspension that borrows a lot from the Ford Bronco Sport because they share the same platform. 

It has an independent multi-link trailing arm setup and monotube shacks with hydraulic rebound stops. It’s supported by a steel subframe with a stabilizer bar and cast knuckles. With all-wheel drive you get twin-tube units instead of monotube dampers. 

You also get 17-inch wheels, 235/65R17 all-terrain tires, skip plates, and hill descent control. Off-roading focused drive modes include Mud/Rut and Sand. The front suspension remains the same MacPherson strut style independent suspension with twin-tube dampers, a stabilizer bar, and cast knuckles. 

But it’s missing a locking differential, low-ranger transfer case, and trail control. If you want a compact truck for hardcore off-roading, then the Ford Ranger Tremor might be a better choice. 

How much does the Maverick FX4 package cost? 

The official price for the 2022 Ford Maverick FX4 package hasn’t been released. But here’s why we already think it’s expensive. The FX4 package is only available with the Maverick XLT or Lariat trims. 

The XLT trim costs about $23,775 to get started with, and the Lariat raises the price to about $26,985. Then you will need to add $1,085 for the 2.0-liter engine, and all-wheel drive adds another $3,305 on top of that. 

So, with the XLT trim, you’re looking at $28,165 before the price of the FX4 package is added. It could cost over $800. Also, on this note, if you opt for the 2.0-liter engine, then the towing package costs $745 to add. 

Can the Ford Maverick Hybrid go off-roading? 

2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid XLT
2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid XLT | Ford

Most people are attracted to the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid because it has an MSRP of $19,995. But the standard hybrid engine can’t be equipped with the towing package or all-wheel drive. 

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor to generate 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 2,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,500 lbs. This all seems adequate. 

But with the more expensive 2.0-liter turbo I-4 engine, you get 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. You can also add AWD and the towing package. It can tow up to 4,000 lbs. So, we recommend picking this option to do real work with the Maverick, and we will keep you updated about the price of the FX4 package. 

RELATED: The Ford Maverick Squashes Bronco Pickup Truck Dreams

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The Terra Wind Amphibious RV Can Drive 80 mph on Land and 7 Knots in Water

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It sounds like a creation that could only exist in the details of a science fiction story. The Terra Wind is a vehicle that can move both as a camper and a boat. However, amphibious vehicles are a thing of the present, albeit at a considerable price point. These hybrid vehicles have come a long way in recent years as amphibious technology has improved, the most impressive of them being the Terra Wind from Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International (CAMI). Although there are still some restrictions to the products CAMI offers, they are still an incredible feat of technology and imagination. 

Amphibious vehicles have been around for a long time

The Terra Wind amphibious motorcoach RV model | Mark Gail/The The Washington Post via Getty Images

The first example of amphibious vehicles arose as early as the 18th century when royals used them as carriages and they first became motorized in 1805. Amphibious vehicles took another leap in the 1870s after the invention of alligator tugs, boats that could pull themselves over short stretches of land with the help of a winch. 

In the 1920s, these vehicles began to find more utility as a military tool as search and rescue vehicles. During World War II, the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, which had a top speed of 6 mph on water and 50 mph on land, popularized the concept. They were also used to transport important goods. 

The most popular amphibious vehicle for civilian use is the Amphicar, which entered production in the 1960s. In modern times, manufacturers such as Gibbs and WaterCar have created vehicles that handle much better and can reach more impressive top speeds. (Gibbs’ four-wheel ATV, the Quadski, is now out of production.)

However, none of them compare to the extravagance of CAMI’s Terra Wind.

CAMI’s Terra Wind RV is extravagant

John and Julie Giljam founded CAMI in 1998. Their company started by renting out personal watercraft from a LARC-V amphibious military vehicle. They soon got tired of that routine and sold off their rental equipment to start Cool Stuff Tours. The central piece of their new venture was the Hydra-Terra, a 49-passenger amphibious bus designed by John that managed to capture sales from all over the world. But their ambitions wouldn’t allow them to stop there. According to Jalopnik, the Giljans set out to make the Terra Wind an all-in-one RV and yacht.

The Terra Wind is 42.5 feet long, 102 inches wide, and has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. That makes the vehicle heavier than a school bus but lighter than a transit bus. The RV has a top speed of 80 mph on land and right knots on water. The Terra Wind can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 45 seconds, and while the right knots may not sound very fast, it is roughly the equivalent of a large yacht. 

The Terra Wind is fitted out with several amenities befitting the yacht comparisons. It has a large deck off the vehicle’s back that serves a dual purpose as a dock for personal watercraft. CAMI also goes the extra mile to ensure safety for people aboard the Terra Wind. It has a weather radar, sonar systems, onboard pumps, and inflatable pontoons to add stability. However, the main difference between a yacht and the Terra Wind is that the latter should not be taken out onto open water. CAMI recommends only using the vehicle in lakes and rivers. 

Other CAMI products include the Hydra Spyder, a four-seater amphibious roadster that has been speed-tested on land to 125 mph and reaches speeds up to 53 mph on water, and the Hydra Gator, a smaller vehicle in the style of a golf cart that is made for leisurely weekends with your friends. 

How much does the Terra Wind cost?

For all the features and capabilities that amphibious vehicles provide, the price to buy one for yourself is unsurprisingly steep. The Terra Wind is the most expensive example, starting at $850,000. Elsewhere, WaterCar products can be had for $158,000 or $198,000 if you want a custom job. These vehicles are readily available, but most of them remain out of the price range for most people. Amphibious ATVs represent a much more affordable option. For example, the Hydra Gator is available for about $60,000. 

RELATED: Modern Aquatic Amphibious Vehicles

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