
M stands for Manual, indicating the manual shifting mode. Generally, a transmission with an M gear will have a + and - sign next to it, allowing gear shifts by pushing the gear lever forward or backward or using the steering wheel paddles. However, unlike a manual transmission, you don't need to release the throttle when shifting gears—just directly increase or decrease the gear. There are limitations to shifting, though; it only works when performed within safe parameters. Additional information: The Wildlander is the fourth member of the TNGA product family, following the eighth-generation Camry, C-HR, and the all-new Levin, and it is also GAC Toyota's first TNGA mid-size SUV model. On February 28, 2020, GAC Toyota officially announced the price of its new SUV model—the Wildlander—online.

The M gear in the Wildlander stands for manual mode. I've driven this car many times, and it essentially allows you to manually control gear shifts instead of the fully automatic operation of an automatic transmission. Using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the gear lever, you can manually select to upshift or downshift, which is incredibly useful in specific scenarios—like climbing steep hills on mountain roads by maintaining a lower gear for more power, or using engine braking on long descents to reduce brake wear. Beginners are advised not to rush into using it, as it requires some experience to master; otherwise, excessively high RPMs might strain the transmission. For daily city driving, automatic mode is still recommended to avoid the fatigue of frequent gear changes. Try practicing in open areas, and gradually, you'll appreciate the driving fun and control it offers.

I often use the M mode when driving my Wildlander to and from work. It stands for manual mode, allowing you to manually operate the gears. The operation is simple—just press the shift button and then use the paddles to increase or decrease the gear. It's most useful when going downhill, as shifting to a lower gear helps the engine assist the brakes to prevent overheating; it also maintains strong power when going uphill. However, don't misuse it, especially on slippery roads during rain or snow—be cautious and familiarize yourself with the vehicle's feedback first. When I started, I often forgot the operations, but after getting used to it, I felt safer, avoiding the discomfort of sudden gear shifts in automatic mode. I recommend beginners practice on flat roads first and not take risks on mountain roads.

There's an 'M' on the gear shift of my Wildlander, and I learned from car-savvy friends that it stands for manual mode, meaning you decide when and how to shift gears. Use the '+' and '-' paddles on the steering wheel to manually upshift or downshift, like keeping a lower gear when climbing hills for more power. It was a bit confusing at first, but after getting familiar, it's quite handy, especially for more precise speed control compared to automatic transmission. Don't worry about damaging the car—it's essentially still an automatic transmission with added manual control.


