For many driving enthusiasts, the connection to the road isn’t truly felt without a stick shift in hand. While automatic transmissions have become increasingly sophisticated and dominant in the automotive market, the joy of manually engaging gears remains a cherished experience. If you’re someone who believes driving is more than just getting from point A to point B, and you crave that tactile engagement, you’re in luck. Despite the dwindling numbers, the 2025 model year still offers a surprising array of Stick Shift Vehicles, ranging from sporty compacts to powerful performance sedans, versatile SUVs, and even a rugged pickup truck. Let’s dive into the exciting world of cars where you can still row your own gears in 2025.
Acura Stick Shift Models
Acura Integra
The Acura Integra keeps the spirit of manual driving alive in the entry-level luxury segment. For those seeking an engaging daily driver, the base Integra offers a slick six-speed manual transmission paired with a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 200 horsepower. Starting at a reasonable $34,195, the Integra proves that fun and affordability can still go hand-in-hand with a stick shift. This image showcases the sleek styling of the Acura Integra, a modern car that still offers the classic appeal of a manual transmission.
Acura Integra Type S
For the performance enthusiast, Acura elevates the Integra experience with the Type S variant. Exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission, the Integra Type S unleashes a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. This focused performance machine emphasizes driver engagement, making the manual gearbox a perfect match for its dynamic character. The image highlights the aggressive stance and sporty design of the Acura Integra Type S, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature and the availability of a manual transmission.
BMW Stick Shift Models
BMW stands out as a champion of the manual transmission, offering more models with a stick shift than any other luxury brand.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 is where raw power meets driver involvement. This compact performance coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, perfectly complementing its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that churns out 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. While an eight-speed automatic is optional, the manual is the purist’s choice for maximizing the M2’s thrilling driving dynamics. This image presents the powerful and agile BMW M2, a sports car that proudly retains the option for a traditional manual gearbox.
BMW M3
The iconic BMW M3 continues to cater to manual transmission aficionados. However, the availability is specific: the six-speed manual is reserved for the rear-wheel-drive M3 model, which produces a healthy 473 horsepower. If you step up to the higher-powered M3 Competition or M3 Competition xDrive, you’ll be limited to an eight-speed automatic. This strategic offering allows BMW to cater to both performance and traditional driving preferences within the M3 lineup. The image focuses on the front three-quarter view of the 2025 BMW M3, highlighting its sporty design and the continued availability of a manual transmission in certain configurations.
BMW M4
Similar to its sedan sibling, the BMW M4 coupe offers the engagement of a six-speed manual transmission in its rear-wheel-drive configuration. Producing 473 horsepower, the manual M4 delivers a thrilling and connected driving experience. The more potent M4 Competition and M4 Competition xDrive variants, with increased horsepower, are exclusively paired with the eight-speed automatic, reinforcing the manual’s position for those prioritizing driver involvement in the standard M4.
BMW Z4
After a long wait, BMW finally reintroduced a manual transmission option for the Z4 roadster in 2024, and it continues into 2025. Exclusively available in the top-tier M40i trim, the six-speed manual Z4 pairs with a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This combination makes the manual Z4 M40i a compelling choice for open-top driving enthusiasts who want to be fully engaged in the experience. This image captures the BMW Z4 M40i convertible, emphasizing its sporty roadster styling and the welcome addition of a manual transmission option for driving purists.
Cadillac Stick Shift Models
Cadillac’s V-Series Blackwing models represent the pinnacle of American performance sedans, and they proudly offer manual transmissions.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing remains a benchmark sports sedan for 2025, offering a standard six-speed manual transmission. For those who prefer automated shifting, a 10-speed automatic is optional. Regardless of transmission choice, the CT4-V Blackwing is powered by a thrilling twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, delivering exhilarating performance with or without a stick shift.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing receives a refresh for 2025 but thankfully retains its soul, including the availability of a six-speed manual transmission. This super sedan pairs its manual gearbox with a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that unleashes 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The CT5-V Blackwing stands as a testament to American muscle and driver engagement, offering a visceral experience unmatched by many. The image showcases the powerful stance and refreshed design of the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, highlighting its status as a high-performance sedan that still offers a manual transmission.
Ford Stick Shift Models
Ford continues to provide manual transmission options in some of its most iconic and adventurous models.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a rare breed in today’s SUV market – one that still offers a manual transmission. A seven-speed manual is available on the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition Bronco models for 2025. This manual gearbox is paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. For those seeking off-road adventures with maximum driver control, the manual Bronco is a compelling choice. This image showcases the rugged and adventurous Ford Bronco, emphasizing its off-road capability and the availability of a manual transmission for enhanced driver control.
Ford Mustang
Despite market trends leaning towards automatics, the iconic Ford Mustang remains committed to the manual transmission. A six-speed manual is available on the Mustang GT and Dark Horse models for 2025, offering enthusiasts the classic muscle car experience. The GT model with a manual produces 480 horsepower, while the Dark Horse cranks out 500 horsepower, ensuring thrilling performance paired with driver engagement. The image highlights the aggressive styling of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a high-performance variant that continues to offer the option of a manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.
Hennessey Stick Shift Model
Hennessey Venom F5
For those with limitless budgets and an insatiable desire for manual control, the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster stands alone. This hypercar boasts a gated six-speed manual transmission paired with a monstrous 1,817 horsepower engine, making it the most powerful manual car in the world. Priced at $2.65 million, the Venom F5-M Roadster represents the ultimate expression of stick shift performance and exclusivity. This image presents the extreme Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar, emphasizing its exclusivity and the unique offering of a gated manual transmission in such a high-performance machine.
Honda Stick Shift Models
Honda maintains its commitment to manual transmissions in its sporty Civic models.
Honda Civic Si
While Honda discontinued the manual option for the base Civic sedan and hatchback, the spirit of stick shift driving lives on in the Civic Si. Exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission, the Civic Si pairs this gearbox with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower. The Civic Si provides an engaging and sporty driving experience at a relatively accessible price point. This image showcases the sporty and refined design of the 2025 Honda Civic Si, highlighting its position as a fun-to-drive compact car that exclusively offers a manual transmission.
Honda Civic Type R
The pinnacle of Civic performance, the Honda Civic Type R, also remains dedicated to the manual transmission. Like the Integra Type S, the Type R is exclusively available with a six-speed manual, paired with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Civic Type R delivers track-ready performance with the direct engagement that only a manual gearbox can provide. This image highlights the aggressive and aerodynamic design of the Honda Civic Type R, emphasizing its high-performance nature and the exclusive pairing with a manual transmission.
Hyundai Stick Shift Model
Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N stands as Hyundai’s last gas-powered N model and thankfully retains the option of a six-speed manual transmission. Paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, the Elantra N offers a compelling blend of performance and driver engagement in the compact sedan segment. While an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is available, the manual remains the choice for driving purists. The image showcases the sporty and dynamic styling of the Hyundai Elantra N, highlighting its performance-oriented design and the availability of a manual transmission option.
Jeep Stick Shift Model
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is an unexpected but welcome entry in the manual transmission SUV category. The base 2025 Wrangler offers both a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission, both paired with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine. This availability allows Wrangler enthusiasts to choose their preferred level of driver control, whether on-road or off-road. This image presents the iconic Jeep Wrangler, emphasizing its off-road prowess and the surprising availability of a manual transmission in this rugged SUV.
Lotus Stick Shift Model
Lotus Emira
Lotus, known for its driver-focused sports cars, offers a manual transmission in the Emira. The six-speed manual comes standard with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Emira’s manual gearbox is a core part of its driver-centric design, emphasizing the connection between car and driver. The image showcases the sleek and aerodynamic Lotus Emira sports car, highlighting its driver-focused design and the standard inclusion of a manual transmission with the V6 engine.
Mazda Stick Shift Models
Mazda continues to offer manual transmissions in select models, catering to driving enthusiasts.
Mazda3
Believe it or not, the Mazda3 still offers a manual transmission, albeit in a limited configuration. The front-wheel-drive 2.5S Premium trim comes standard with a six-speed manual, paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. While not available on all trims or body styles, the manual Mazda3 provides a welcome option for those seeking an engaging compact car.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, the quintessential roadster, naturally retains its manual transmission option for 2025. A six-speed shifter is available in both the soft-top convertible and hard-top RF models, paired with a rev-happy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Miata and manual transmission are an inseparable pairing, delivering pure driving joy. This image captures the classic and playful Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster, emphasizing its lightweight design and the essential availability of a manual transmission for an engaging driving experience.
Nissan Stick Shift Models
Nissan offers manual transmissions in both its entry-level and performance models.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa stands as an unlikely champion of the manual transmission, offering a five-speed manual in its base S model for 2025. This helps maintain its position as one of the most affordable cars in America, making manual transmission accessible to budget-conscious buyers. The image presents the Nissan Versa subcompact sedan, highlighting its affordability and the surprising availability of a manual transmission in the base model.
Nissan Z
The Nissan Z sports car absolutely demands a manual transmission, and thankfully, Nissan delivers. The 2025 Z keeps its six-speed manual option across the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims. This manual gearbox is paired with a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, ensuring a thrilling and engaging sports car experience. The image showcases the retro-inspired Nissan Z Heritage Edition, emphasizing its sporty design and the crucial availability of a manual transmission in this performance coupe.
Porsche Stick Shift Models
Porsche, synonymous with sports car performance, continues to offer manual transmissions in several models.
Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman
The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman models, while potentially facing an electric future, still offer the joy of a manual transmission for the 2025 model year. A six-speed manual comes standard, providing a purist driving experience in these mid-engine sports cars.
Porsche 911
A manual 911 is practically a birthright for Porsche enthusiasts, and the 2025 lineup delivers. The six-speed manual is available on the Carrera T and GT3 models. The Carrera T pairs the manual with a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 388 horsepower, while the GT3 boasts a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with 502 horsepower. Whether choosing the turbocharged Carrera T or the naturally aspirated GT3, the manual 911 experience remains iconic. This image presents the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera T Coupe, highlighting its timeless design and the continued availability of a manual transmission in select 911 models.
Subaru Stick Shift Models
Subaru continues to champion manual transmissions in its sporty and rally-inspired models.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ remains a beacon for affordable, manual transmission sports cars. A six-speed manual comes standard across all BRZ trims for 2025, paired with a 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower. The BRZ emphasizes balanced handling and driver engagement, making the manual gearbox a natural fit. This image showcases the sporty and well-balanced Subaru BRZ, emphasizing its affordable price point and the standard inclusion of a manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.
Subaru WRX
Subaru’s rally-bred WRX sports sedan also retains its manual transmission option for 2025. A six-speed manual is standard on the Base, Premium, Limited, and new-for-2025 WRX tS models. Paired with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower, the WRX delivers engaging performance for both street and rally enthusiasts. The image highlights the rally-inspired Subaru WRX tS, emphasizing its performance credentials and the continued availability of a manual transmission across various WRX trims.
Toyota Stick Shift Models
Toyota offers manual transmissions in a range of sporty and off-road models.
Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86, cousin to the Subaru BRZ, predictably continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025. A six-speed manual is paired with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The GR86 and manual transmission combination provides an accessible and fun sports car experience. This image showcases the agile and fun-to-drive Toyota GR86, emphasizing its sporty design and the standard inclusion of a manual transmission, shared with its Subaru BRZ counterpart.
Toyota GR Corolla
Even with the introduction of an automatic option for 2025, the Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchback thankfully retains its standard six-speed manual transmission. This manual gearbox is paired with a potent turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, making the GR Corolla a thrilling and engaging hot hatchback. The image presents the high-performance Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchback, emphasizing its sporty design and the continued availability of a standard manual transmission, even with the introduction of an automatic option.
Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra, while facing some sales challenges, continues to offer a manual transmission option for enthusiasts. The 2025 GR Supra provides a six-speed manual across both trims, paired with the now-standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower. The manual Supra caters to drivers seeking a more connected and engaging sports car experience.
Toyota Tacoma
In a surprising twist, the Toyota Tacoma stands as the only pickup truck available with a manual transmission in 2025. The six-speed option is available on the Tacoma SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims, offering truck buyers a unique level of control and engagement in their pickup. This image presents the rugged and versatile Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, highlighting its off-road capability and the unique availability of a manual transmission in the 2025 truck market.
Volkswagen Stick Shift Model
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
While manual transmission options are dwindling in the Volkswagen lineup, the Jetta GLI sedan thankfully retains its six-speed shifter for 2025. Paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the Jetta GLI offers a sporty and engaging sedan experience with a stick shift. The image showcases the sporty and refined Volkswagen Jetta GLI sedan, highlighting its position as one of the few remaining VW models to offer a manual transmission.
Long Live the Stick Shift
While the automotive world increasingly embraces automatic transmissions, the 2025 model year proves that the stick shift is far from extinct. For driving enthusiasts who value control, engagement, and the sheer joy of shifting gears, there remains a diverse and exciting selection of stick shift vehicles to choose from. From sporty coupes and sedans to versatile SUVs and even a pickup truck, the manual transmission lives on, offering a unique and rewarding driving experience in a modern automotive landscape. Choose a stick shift vehicle and keep the connection to the road alive.
