Do 79 Series Come In Auto?
The introduction of a factory automatic transmission on the 79 Series is the single most significant drivability change in the model's 40-year history. For four decades the 70 Series was manual-only, which limited its appeal to working buyers, tow-heavy daily drivers and anyone in stop-start city traffic. The 2024 facelift changed that. This guide covers exactly which 79 Series come in auto, when the auto was introduced, what gearbox it uses, and what your options are if you want a 79 with an automatic but are looking at the used market.
1. Yes - the 2024 Facelift Introduced the First Factory Auto
From the 2024 model year (production from late 2023, on sale in Australia from early 2024), the 79 Series is available with a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission for the first time in the model's history. Prior to this, every factory-new 79 Series sold in Australia since 1999 - and every 70 Series before it back to 1984 - was manual only. The auto is the headline change of the facelift alongside the new 2.8L engine.
2. The Six-Speed Auto is Paired Only With the 2.8L Engine
The six-speed automatic is bolted only to the new 2.8L 1GD-FTV four-cylinder turbo-diesel (150 kW at 3,400 rpm, 500 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm). You cannot get an automatic V8 from the Toyota factory. If you order the 4.5L V8 1VD-FTV (still available in GXL Single and Dual Cab into 2025), it ships with the five-speed manual only. The 2.8L is also offered with a new five-speed manual gearbox engineered for higher torque - so the 2.8L is the only engine with a transmission choice from the factory.
3. Available Across Single Cab, Dual Cab and the Rest of the Range
The six-speed auto is offered across the full 70 Series range that ships with the 2.8L: 79 Single Cab Chassis, 79 Dual Cab Chassis, 76 Wagon and 78 Troopcarrier. Within the 79 Series specifically, the auto is available in Workmate, GX and GXL trims on both Single Cab and Dual Cab. There is no body-style or trim restriction once you have selected the 2.8L engine.
4. How the Auto Drives Compared to the Manual
The six-speed automatic is a conventional torque-converter unit (not a dual-clutch). Real-world impact is significant: stop-start city driving is dramatically easier, low-speed crawling off-road is more controllable, and towing on hills is less stressful because the converter handles ratio changes under load. The manual remains the choice for owners who want absolute control in technical off-road work and for working buyers who prefer the lower up-front cost. For daily-driver, family-tourer and tow-rig use, the auto is the better pick for most buyers.
5. The V8 Never Came in a Factory Auto
This is the question we get most. The 4.5L V8 1VD-FTV turbo-diesel was sold from 2007 to 2024/2025 and was five-speed manual only across that entire production run. Toyota never offered a factory automatic behind the V8. V8 production for the Workmate, GX, Wagon and Troopcarrier ended in September 2024 with final deliveries by end of 2024. V8 GXL Single and Dual Cab continued into 2025 with deliveries through to the final quarter. After that, the V8 is gone - and so is the manual-only constraint that came with it.
6. What About Pre-2024 79 Series? (Used Market)
If you are looking at a used 79 Series built before late 2023, any automatic transmission in it is an aftermarket conversion. The most common conversions are six-speed and eight-speed automatics fitted by specialist workshops in Australia. Quality varies by installer, supporting components (torque converter, cooler, transmission control, dash integration) need to be done correctly, and resale value depends heavily on the reputation of the installer. A factory-auto 2024-on 79 will generally hold value better than a converted older example.
7. Pricing Impact of the Auto Option
The six-speed auto adds approximately $2,000-$2,500 over the equivalent manual 2.8L Workmate or GX at MSRP, with driveaway pricing for the auto-equipped Workmate Single Cab from around $81,500 and the GXL Dual Cab Auto topping the range near $95,000 driveaway. Pricing varies by state, dealer markup and supply. The cost premium is small compared to the day-to-day usability difference for most owners.
8. Fuel Economy and Towing With the Auto
The 2.8L six-speed auto returns a claimed combined cycle of around 9.6 L/100 km, with real-world figures of 10.5-13 L/100 km depending on driving style and load. Braked tow capacity remains 3,500 kg unchanged across manual and auto. GVM (3,510 kg) and GCM (7,010 kg) are also unchanged. The auto torque converter actually helps with launching a heavy trailer compared to slipping a manual clutch.
9. Which 79 Series Auto Should You Buy?
For tradies and working buyers focused on cost and remote-area serviceability, the 2.8L manual or used V8 manual still makes sense. For families, tourers, tow-rig builders and anyone in metro traffic, the 2024-on 2.8L six-speed auto is the right choice. The Dual Cab Auto in GXL trim is the most-recommended single configuration for touring buyers - it gets the family seating, the factory diff locks, the auto for daily comfort, and the best resale outlook of any current 79 variant.
10. Accessorising the New Auto 79
The 2024 facelift kept the door seal geometry, wheel mounting (5x150, M14x1.5), bonnet hinge points and most chassis-mount interfaces unchanged from the pre-facelift truck. That means the bulk of 70 Series Store's accessory range - soundproofing door seals, bonnet gas struts, armrests, cup holders, dash mats, gear knobs (manual only), centre console fridges, throttle controllers and seat covers - fits the new auto 79 directly. The new dash design does change a few interior touchpoints, so always confirm fitment for the 2024-onwards trucks specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 79 Series come in auto?
Yes, from the 2024 facelift onwards. The six-speed torque-converter automatic is paired with the 2.8L 1GD-FTV four-cylinder turbo-diesel and is available across Workmate, GX and GXL grades in both Single Cab and Dual Cab.
Does the V8 79 Series come in auto?
No. The 4.5L V8 1VD-FTV was five-speed manual only for its entire 2007-2025 production run. There is no factory auto V8.
When did the 79 Series first come in auto?
From the 2024 model year facelift, with production from late 2023 and Australian deliveries from early 2024.
Is the auto a torque converter or dual-clutch?
A conventional six-speed torque-converter automatic - the same family as Toyota uses behind the 2.8L in Hilux and Prado.
Does the auto affect tow capacity?
No. Braked tow remains 3,500 kg, GVM 3,510 kg and GCM 7,010 kg - identical to the manual.
Can you convert an older 79 Series to auto?
Yes - six-speed and eight-speed aftermarket auto conversions are offered by specialist workshops in Australia. Quality and resale impact depend on the installer.
Is the auto better than the manual for off-road?
For low-speed crawling and stop-start technical work the auto is easier and more controllable. For sand-driving momentum and absolute driver control the manual still has its supporters. Most touring buyers prefer the auto.
