In a world where vehicles are increasingly defined by screens, sensors, and software updates, the 2027 Slate Truck is doing something refreshingly different. It’s bringing back manual crank windows. Yes, the kind you physically roll up and down with your hand. And this isn’t a gimmick. It’s a thoughtful design decision rooted in the truck’s minimalist philosophy.
At a recent product preview event in New York ahead of the 2026 New York Auto Show, Slate’s head of interior design, Aaron Gould, confirmed that manual crank windows were part of the truck’s vision from day one. According to Gould, the crank isn’t just functional. It’s meant to be an experience.
“We want to make sure that when you turn the window crank down, it feels great,” Gould explained. “It’s one of your main interaction points. It’s more than just a mechanical piece. It’s a signal of what it means to drive a Slate.”
That level of attention might sound surprising for something as simple as a window crank, but it perfectly reflects Slate’s broader approach. The brand isn’t trying to overwhelm drivers with technology. Instead, it’s focusing on tangible, tactile experiences.
A Rare Feature in Modern Vehicles
Manual windows were once standard across the automotive world. But over the past two decades, they’ve quietly disappeared. Electric windows became cheaper to produce, easier to operate, and eventually expected by buyers. Today, nearly every new passenger vehicle comes with power windows as standard.
In fact, even rugged vehicles that once held onto manual windows have moved on. The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator were among the last mainstream models to offer them, before eventually switching to electric setups.
That makes the 2027 Slate Truck stand out immediately. In an era dominated by touchscreens and digital controls, the manual crank feels almost nostalgic. But it’s not just about nostalgia. It’s about simplicity and control.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about physically rolling down your window. No waiting for a motor. No worrying about electronics. Just a direct connection between driver and machine.
Minimalism With Personality
The manual crank is quickly becoming one of the Slate Truck’s defining features. It reinforces the brand’s minimalist philosophy while also giving the vehicle a unique personality.
Slate designers reportedly spent considerable time refining the crank’s feel. The resistance, grip, and movement were all carefully tuned to create a satisfying interaction. That level of attention highlights how even small details can shape the overall driving experience.
In a market filled with digital interfaces, the Slate Truck offers something more physical. Something you can actually feel.
Electric Windows May Come Later
While manual windows will be standard, Slate hasn’t ruled out power windows entirely. Gould confirmed that electric windows could be offered later as an optional accessory.
“We’re still focused on the crank for production,” he said, “but we’re looking at different ways to do that.”
Given Slate’s focus on customization and accessories, an optional electric upgrade seems likely. Still, the company appears committed to keeping manual windows at the core of the truck’s identity.
And that’s probably a good thing. For many drivers, the return of manual windows feels refreshing. For younger buyers, it may even be their first experience rolling down a window the old fashioned way.
Either way, the 2027 Slate Truck is proving that sometimes, less really is more.
