Engine breaking isn’t as effective in a torque converter automatic because the torque converter allows the engine to “free wheel” a bit. They also like to upshift pretty quickly so engine braking in a 6th gear basically does nothing. Even locking it to first or second isn’t quite the same as in a manual. Also I think some automatics will put the car in neutral sometimes when coasting. I think my Mazda 3 does this. You can definitely feel a small jolt when you are cruising down a hill on the highway and switch to “manual” mode as is it tries to engage 6th gear.
