Remember the joy of rowing through gears? For many driving enthusiasts, the connection to the road forged by a manual transmission is irreplaceable. While automatic transmissions have become increasingly sophisticated, offering convenience and sometimes even better fuel economy, the visceral thrill of a stick shift remains a strong draw. Fortunately, for those who prefer three pedals and full control, the manual transmission is not entirely a relic of the past. Despite dwindling popularity, a surprising number of automakers are still offering Cars That Are Manual in 2025. From sporty coupes and sedans to rugged SUVs and even a pickup truck, the options for manual car enthusiasts are more diverse than you might think. Let’s dive into the exciting world of cars that are manual and see what 2025 has in store for stick shift aficionados.
Sports Cars That Keep the Manual Alive
For many, the quintessential manual transmission experience is best enjoyed in a sports car. These vehicles are designed for driver engagement, and a manual gearbox is often integral to that experience. Several manufacturers continue to cater to this desire, offering thrilling sports cars that are manual.
Acura Integra and Integra Type S
The Acura Integra revives a beloved nameplate and brings with it the option for a classic six-speed manual transmission. In the base Integra, this gearbox is paired with a spirited turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 200 horsepower, delivering an engaging front-wheel-drive experience at an accessible price point, starting at $34,195. For those seeking even greater performance, the Acura Integra Type S amplifies the thrill. Exclusively offered with a six-speed manual, the Type S boasts a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine churning out 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, all channeled to the front wheels for a truly exhilarating ride.
BMW M Series and Z4
BMW stands out with a commitment to manual transmissions across its performance lineup. The BMW M2, M3, and M4 all offer the option of a six-speed manual gearbox. The 2025 BMW M2 pairs its manual with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering a robust 453 horsepower. While an eight-speed automatic is available, the manual is the purist’s choice for maximum driving pleasure.
The BMW M3 and M4 sedans and coupes also retain the manual option, albeit with a slight caveat. The six-speed manual is exclusive to the rear-wheel-drive, standard models producing 473 horsepower. Stepping up to the Competition models with higher horsepower outputs (503 hp for RWD, 523 hp for xDrive) necessitates opting for the eight-speed automatic.
Finally, BMW surprised enthusiasts by introducing a manual transmission for the BMW Z4 roadster. Available in the higher-performance M40i trim, the six-speed manual Z4 is paired with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 382 horsepower, making open-top, stick-shift motoring a reality once again.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing
Cadillac continues to champion the manual transmission in its high-performance V-Series Blackwing sedans. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing offers a standard six-speed manual, paired with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 producing 472 horsepower. For even more power, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing boasts a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 with 668 horsepower, also mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. These Cadillacs represent a powerful blend of American muscle and driver engagement for those seeking cars that are manual.
Hennessey Venom F5
At the extreme end of the spectrum, the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster offers a gated six-speed manual in a hypercar package. With a staggering 1,817 horsepower, it claims the title of the world’s most powerful manual car, albeit at a price of $2.65 million, catering to a very exclusive clientele seeking ultimate performance and manual control.
Lotus Emira
British sports car maker Lotus keeps the manual tradition alive with the Emira. The Lotus Emira sports car comes standard with a six-speed manual when equipped with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which delivers 400 horsepower. This combination provides a classic Lotus driving experience focused on agility and driver involvement.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is synonymous with affordable, fun, and engaging sports car driving. It’s no surprise then that the Mazda Miata continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission in both its soft-top convertible and hard-top RF variants. Powered by a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower, the Miata remains a benchmark for cars that are manual and prioritize driving enjoyment.
Nissan Z
The Nissan Z, a modern reincarnation of the iconic Z car lineage, thankfully retains the option for a six-speed manual transmission. Available on the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims, the manual gearbox in the Nissan Z is paired with a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 400 horsepower, blending modern performance with classic driver control.
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman and 911
Porsche, a brand deeply rooted in sports car heritage, continues to offer manual transmissions across its 718 and 911 ranges. The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman offer a standard six-speed manual, providing a purist driving experience in these mid-engine sports cars. Similarly, the legendary Porsche 911 offers a seven-speed manual option in models like the Carrera T and GT3. The Carrera T pairs the manual with a twin-turbocharged flat-six, while the GT3 boasts a high-revving naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, both delivering unparalleled driving engagement for Porsche enthusiasts who prefer cars that are manual.
Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, and Toyota GR Supra
Sharing a platform, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are affordable sports car twins that both prioritize driver engagement and, crucially, offer standard six-speed manual transmissions. Powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower, these rear-wheel-drive coupes are designed for fun and accessible performance for those seeking cars that are manual. Toyota further expands its manual sports car offerings with the GR Supra. The Toyota GR Supra now offers a six-speed manual option across both trims, paired with its now-standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower, answering enthusiast demand for a stick shift Supra.
Sedans and Hatchbacks with Manual Gearboxes
Manual transmissions aren’t limited to just sports cars; several sedans and hatchbacks also cater to drivers who prefer shifting their own gears. These cars offer a blend of practicality and driving engagement, proving that cars that are manual can also be versatile.
Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R
Honda remains a strong proponent of manual transmissions in its performance-oriented Civic models. The Honda Civic Si sedan comes exclusively with a six-speed manual, paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower, offering a sporty and engaging daily driving experience. Stepping up to the Honda Civic Type R, the performance flagship of the Civic lineup, also means sticking with a six-speed manual. Exclusively manual, the Type R features a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 315 horsepower, delivering hot-hatch thrills with manual control.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N stands out as the last gas-powered N model in Hyundai’s lineup and thankfully retains the option for a six-speed manual transmission. Paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower, the Elantra N provides a compelling blend of performance and practicality for sedan buyers who prefer cars that are manual.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 offers a manual transmission, though it’s limited to a specific trim. The front-wheel-drive Mazda3 2.5S Premium hatchback comes standard with a six-speed manual, paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower. While not available on the sedan, turbo trims, or with all-wheel drive, this Mazda3 variant provides a manual option for hatchback enthusiasts.
Nissan Versa
In an unexpected corner of the market, the Nissan Versa subcompact sedan offers a five-speed manual transmission on its base S model. This helps maintain its position as one of the most affordable cars in America, and also provides an entry point into the world of cars that are manual for budget-conscious buyers.
Subaru WRX, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Subaru WRX, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta GLI represent performance-oriented sedans and hatchbacks that still cater to manual transmission enthusiasts. The Subaru WRX pairs a six-speed manual with its turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine across multiple trims. The Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchback, while now offering an automatic, still comes standard with a six-speed manual. Lastly, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI sedan retains its six-speed manual option, paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offering a sporty and practical manual sedan.
SUVs and Trucks with Manual Transmissions
Surprisingly, the manual transmission is not entirely absent from the SUV and truck segments. These vehicles demonstrate that even in segments often associated with practicality and automatics, there’s still a place for cars that are manual.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco, a rugged and retro-inspired SUV, offers a seven-speed manual transmission on Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition models. This manual is paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, providing off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a more connected driving experience in an SUV with a manual option.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler, an icon of off-road capability, continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission. Available on the base 2025 Wrangler, the manual is paired with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine, giving drivers maximum control both on and off the beaten path in this quintessential manual SUV.
Toyota Tacoma
In a segment dominated by automatics, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as the only truck you can buy in 2025 with a manual transmission. Available on the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims, the six-speed manual Tacoma caters to truck buyers who desire the control and engagement of a stick shift in their pickup.
American Muscle Still Shifting Gears
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, a symbol of American muscle, thankfully keeps the manual transmission alive for 2025. The six-speed manual is available on the GT and Dark Horse models, which boast powerful V8 engines producing 480 and 500 horsepower respectively. The Mustang ensures that fans of traditional muscle cars and cars that are manual can still enjoy the classic combination of V8 power and stick shift thrills.
Long Live The Manual
While the automotive landscape continues to evolve, and automatic transmissions become ever more prevalent, the manual transmission persists. These cars that are manual in 2025 demonstrate that automakers are still listening to enthusiasts who value driver engagement and the unique connection that only a stick shift can provide. From affordable sports cars to rugged SUVs and powerful muscle cars, the options for manual car lovers are still out there – waiting to be driven and enjoyed.
