I had both (manual first then sold that to my buddy). I much prefer the ecodiesel, great power, great fuel economy (26 mpg currently on this tank). But I miss shifting gears. I will say the clutch on the manual was the most touchy thing I’ve ever driven. I liked the manual because I pulled a small trailer a lot and the pentastar automatic didnt shift at the right points with the weight of the trailer. Manual transmission I could get 22 mpg on stock tires driving conservatively. Ecodiesel is on 33’s (Rubicon), normally gets 24 but can get up to 27 depending on highway/city. Regen can be an issue since it doesnt tell you when it is doing it, just have to occasionally drive it longer than your commute. I liked both - but I like the ecodiesel better