2020+ pickup automatic trans w/manual control

[Farmer495]

I'd prefer to have a manual transmission...but everything is automatic now.

My current 2011 F150 with 6R80 has "M" on the shifter. Using "M" the transmission behaves like a powershift tractor with instant, firm shifts, up or down, when driver wants using +/-

Looking at 2020+ model year, gasoline power and able to tow close to 10,000 lb and have factory tow mirrors and trailer brake control.

Which 2020+ automatics have a decent manual control selection?

 

[ericm979]

The truck automatics I'm familiar with (GM and Toyota) have a manual mode that simply limits how high a gear the trans will shift into. I.e. if it's a 10 speed and you put it in L5 it won't shift past 5th but it can still use 1-4 as needed. The Toyota didn't change the shift programming. The GM might but if it does it's subtle. Both of them do pretty well in automatic mode, holding gears as needed and downshifting readily. I only use the manual mode for steep downhills. The GM even handles moderately steep descents pretty well in automatic mode, downshifting to hold speed all on its own. The Ford I drove seemed programmed to head towards high gear ASAP and then try to stay there longer than I would like.

 

[Farmer495]

The truck automatics I'm familiar with (GM and Toyota) have a manual mode that simply limits how high a gear the trans will shift into. I.e. if it's a 10 speed and you put it in L5 it won't shift past 5th but it can still use 1-4 as needed. The Toyota didn't change the shift programming. The GM might but if it does it's subtle. Both of them do pretty well in automatic mode, holding gears as needed and downshifting readily. I only use the manual mode for steep downhills. The GM even handles moderately steep descents pretty well in automatic mode, downshifting to hold speed all on its own. The Ford I drove seemed programmed to head towards high gear ASAP and then try to stay there longer than I would like.

So both have "range" mode, my Ford will do that in D using the +/- switch. Fully automatic in the range of gears i.e 1-4 but you can't force an upshift, just a downshift. I've only towed in "M" so couldn't even comment on how the tow/haul etc even works on mine.

 

[RjCorazza]

So both have "range" mode, my Ford will do that in D using the +/- switch. Fully automatic in the range of gears i.e 1-4 but you can't force an upshift, just a downshift. I've only towed in "M" so couldn't even comment on how the tow/haul etc even works on mine.

My 2011 F250 has similar transmission shifting. I do use the tow / haul mode, and it actually works very well in delaying shifting slightly. More importantly, I like tow / haul because it downshifts as soon as the brake is applied, and continues downshifting as you slow down.

 

[grsthegreat]

My 2020 F150 has the 10 speed with manual override available on 1-10. You can lockout any gear you dont want to use with the +- thumb switch. Mind you, i wont be towing with this rig.i have my old reliable F350 diesel for towing.

 

[jyoutz]

I think that all modern automatics have these functions. My 2020 Jeep 8 speed has that function.

 

[Farmer495]

I think they all have some sort of "range" control, I am looking for new pickups that give actual manual control like the M mode in my 2011 F150. It will stay in the gear shown in the dash until you shift, or you do something like come to a stop in high gear and it drops to the right gear to prevent a stall.

When towing on the highway it has the same feel as a manual transmission, just with "no lift shift"

 

[5030]

My 2011 F250 has similar transmission shifting. I do use the tow / haul mode, and it actually works very well in delaying shifting slightly. More importantly, I like tow / haul because it downshifts as soon as the brake is applied, and continues downshifting as you slow down.

Exactly how my wife's Suburban 2500 operates, though I rarely use it because it's my wife's and she drives it, not me.

 

[deserteagle71]

I think they all have some sort of "range" control, I am looking for new pickups that give actual manual control like the M mode in my 2011 F150. It will stay in the gear shown in the dash until you shift, or you do something like come to a stop in high gear and it drops to the right gear to prevent a stall.

When towing on the highway it has the same feel as a manual transmission, just with "no lift shift"

My understanding is that at least the new Fords are still that way. Put it in "M" and whatever gear you select, that's the gear the transmission will stay in. That's the way my 2016 F150 is......and my 2022 Toyota 4Runner. I use "M" a lot when off-road, going down steep grades, to keep from riding the brakes so much.

 

[Fallon]

My 2014 F350 did fine with the manual range stuff on the auto tranny. Used it a lot with the engine brake towing a 15k lbs toy hauler down the side of the Rockies. Just punch the - button on the shifter & lock it into a lower gear or the + to raise the max gear. I think you can drop it in manual mode & force shift as well, but never used it like that. It wouldn't let you over-rev downshifting to low.

Just upgraded to a 2024. Other than 10 speeds instead of 6 it seems to work the same. Almost 500 miles on it & haven't towed anything yet though.