For the savant car enthusiast, there has been a continuous raging debate in the automotive industry regarding which transmission is better for off-roading. Though you can comfortably off-road with either manual or automatic transmissions, the unending debate is about having a clear answer. But just as with every other aspect of this debate, each transmission is unique in its own way.
The debate
Since automatic transmission came onto the scene, it has had its supporters and detractors. But it has persevered and remains relevant. For off-roaders especially, the bone of contention is that it does not feel natural. But people have used both and still cannot pick a clear winner, especially when they spend more money on their cars to fit them out.
Manual transmission
With manual transmissions, the huge advantage you have is the degree of control over the vehicle. It is up to you to decide when to shift gears depending on what you need at the moment. It is imperative, though, that you know when to make such changes as manual transmission demands much more precision.
Manual transmission can be fun if you know how to operate it, and you enjoy the shifts from one gear to the next. Some people believe that manual transmission is more reliable than its automatic counterpart, and the likelihood of something going wrong is less because you are in control. Besides, vehicles with manual transmission are comparatively cheaper.
Control
For off-road enthusiasts, the manual transmission allows them to properly control ascents and descents at speed, allowing them to tackle the obstacles they want. Albeit quite tricky coordinating the clutch, brake, and gas, it provides a sense of total control. One thing to pay attention to is knowing when to keep your foot on the clutch when resuming upward movement after stopping.
Automatic transmission
It is easier to drive an off-road vehicle with automatic transmission, although there is a sense of lack of control. The gear switching is done automatically depending on the needs of the engine. An automatic transmission is comparatively less reliable when it comes to negotiating off-roads. Vehicles with automatic transmission are also comparatively more expensive and more complex to repair when they break down.
With automatics, it is advisable to use the brakes when making a descent. They are also great at slow rock crawling and driving in rough terrain. You also do not need to keep your foot on the clutch and keep adjusting the gears when crawling in low gear.
Control
By virtue of their automatic transmission, they are better at handling slow descents and ascents and are pretty good at crawling in 4WD low even though they are unable to lock into first gear. This may be a possible problem if the vehicle speeds up and switches into second gear after a slow descent.
Making a choice
Making a choice is a matter of personal preference and what you want to do when off-roading. If you want to climb rocks or scale hills with a slow ascent, then it is best to go with an automatic transmission. But if you want to feel and have full control of your vehicle while riding mostly ascents at speed, then the obvious choice is a manual transmission.
For people who love extreme off-road adventures or live in remote areas, a 4WD could be an ideal choice. 4WD vehicles are better off in harsh weather conditions, as they provide higher ground clearance in snow and steep terrains. You can also choose how much power each wheel receives, which makes a 4WD more customizable. These vehicles are also capable of towing heavy loads due to their ability to power all four wheels manually.
