Remember the days when choosing a car often meant choosing between an automatic or manual transmission? For many driving enthusiasts, that third pedal and the control it offered were part of the joy of driving. While automatic transmissions have become incredibly sophisticated, offering quicker shifts and better fuel economy, the allure of the manual transmission remains strong for those who love to feel connected to their machine.
Sadly, the manual gearbox isn’t as commonplace as it once was. Automakers have gradually phased out manual options across their lineups as consumer demand shifted towards automatics. However, the good news for purists is that the manual transmission is far from extinct. For the 2025 model year, there are still a surprising number of cars available that offer the engaging experience of a stick shift.
Whether you’re looking for a sporty roadster, a practical SUV, or even a rugged truck, the manual transmission can still be found. While some iconic models have sadly dropped their manual options, a solid selection of vehicles continues to champion the cause. Let’s explore the exciting range of cars you can still buy with a manual transmission in 2025.
Acura Integra: The Entry-Level Enthusiast’s Choice
Acura is keeping the spirit of the manual transmission alive with its compact and stylish Integra. The base Acura Integra model offers a delightful combination of a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 200 horsepower. This combination delivers an engaging driving experience that’s perfect for both daily commutes and weekend spirited drives. And with a starting price around $34,195 for the 2025 Integra, it’s an accessible entry point into the world of manual cars.
Acura Integra Type S: Serious Performance with a Stick
For those craving even more performance, Acura offers the Integra Type S. And for driving purists, the best news is that a six-speed manual is the only transmission available on this sporty trim. The Integra Type S takes the fun factor up a notch, pairing its manual gearbox with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that sends a thrilling 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. This makes the Integra Type S a serious contender in the performance sedan segment, and the manual transmission is integral to its driver-focused character.
BMW M2: The Compact Powerhouse with Manual Option
BMW stands out as a brand that still offers a significant number of manual transmission cars in its lineup. Leading the charge is the BMW M2. The 2025 BMW M2 offers the choice of a six-speed manual transmission paired with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This powerhouse delivers 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, creating a truly exhilarating driving experience. While an eight-speed automatic is available, the manual is widely considered the enthusiast’s choice, offering a more direct connection to the M2’s impressive performance capabilities.
BMW M3: Manual доступен, но есть нюансы (Manual Available, but with Nuances)
The iconic BMW M3 continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025, but there’s a slight catch for those seeking maximum power. If you desire the rear-wheel-drive M3 Competition with 503 horsepower or the even more potent M3 Competition xDrive with 523 horsepower, you’ll have to opt for the eight-speed automatic. BMW reserves the six-speed manual exclusively for the rear-wheel-drive base M3, which still boasts a robust 473 horsepower. This strategy caters to drivers who prioritize the classic manual engagement in a high-performance sedan, even if it means slightly less outright power compared to the Competition models.
BMW M4: Similar Manual Strategy to the M3
The same transmission strategy applies to the BMW M4 coupe. For 2025, BMW offers the six-speed manual only on the rear-wheel-drive M4, which, like the base M3, produces 473 horsepower. The more powerful rear-wheel-drive M4 Competition and the all-wheel-drive M4 Competition xDrive models, producing 503 and 523 horsepower respectively, are exclusively paired with the eight-speed automatic. BMW’s approach with the M3 and M4 highlights their understanding that for some drivers, the involvement of a manual gearbox is paramount, even in the face of ever-increasing horsepower figures.
BMW Z4: Manual Roadster Fun Returns
BMW finally reintroduced a manual transmission option for the Z4 roadster for the 2024 model year, and it thankfully continues for 2025. This was a long-awaited move by enthusiasts who felt a manual was essential to the Z4’s sporty character. The six-speed convertible is exclusively available in the more powerful M40i trim. This means you get the joy of a manual with a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It’s a winning combination for open-top driving enthusiasts who want maximum engagement.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: American Muscle Sedan with a Stick
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing remains a standout sports sedan for 2025, offering a compelling blend of luxury and performance with the option of a manual transmission. It comes standard with a six-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic, both paired with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The CT4-V Blackwing is a testament to the fact that American automakers can still deliver world-class performance sedans with the driver engagement of a manual gearbox. Starting at $63,590, it represents a significant performance value in its segment.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Super Sedan Supremacy, Manual Included
The larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing receives a minor facelift and some new features for 2025, but crucially, it retains the manual transmission option. This super sedan pairs its six-speed manual with a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that unleashes a staggering 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The CT5-V Blackwing is one of the last of a dying breed: a truly high-performance, rear-wheel-drive sedan with a V8 and a manual. Starting at $96,990, it’s an investment in pure driving exhilaration.
Ford Bronco: Off-Roading Fun with a Manual
The Ford Bronco stands out as one of the few SUVs available with a manual transmission. The seven-speed manual is offered on the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition models for 2025. It’s paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. For off-road enthusiasts who appreciate the control a manual offers in challenging terrain, the Bronco provides a unique and appealing option. If you want the more powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 with 330 hp, you’ll need to choose the automatic, but for many Bronco purists, the manual four-cylinder is the authentic choice.
Ford Mustang: Iconic Pony Car Still Offers a Stick
Despite recent sales figures indicating a challenging year for the Mustang, the good news for enthusiasts is that this iconic pony car continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025. The six-speed manual is available on the GT and Dark Horse models, which produce 480 and 500 horsepower respectively. The Mustang GT with a manual starts at $48,155, while the Dark Horse begins at $65,975. The availability of a manual in the Mustang GT and Dark Horse trims solidifies its position as a true driver’s car, appealing to those who want to feel fully engaged with the Mustang’s performance.
Hennessey Venom F5: Hypercar Exclusivity with Manual Engagement
For those with truly deep pockets and a desire for the ultimate manual driving experience, the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster offers an unparalleled proposition. This hypercar, built in Texas, features a gated six-speed manual transmission and an astonishing 1,817 horsepower. Hennessey claims it’s the most powerful manual car in the world. With a price tag of $2.65 million, it’s an exclusive and extreme example of the manual transmission’s enduring appeal, even at the pinnacle of automotive performance.
Honda Civic Si: Sporty and Engaging Compact Sedan
While Honda has sadly discontinued the manual transmission option for the base Civic sedan and hatchback, the spirit of the stick shift lives on in the sporty Civic Si. You can still get a six-speed manual on the Civic Si, paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower. The Civic Si offers a fun-to-drive experience in a practical and affordable package, and the manual transmission is a key ingredient in its sporty character. The 2025 Civic Si starts at $31,400, making it an accessible option for driving enthusiasts.
Honda Civic Type R: Manual-Only Hot Hatch Purity
The top-of-the-line Honda Civic Type R continues to be a manual-only affair for 2025. Like the Integra Type S, the Civic Type R is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission. This gearbox is matched to a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Civic Type R is renowned for its exceptional handling and thrilling performance, and the manual transmission is integral to its raw and engaging driving experience. The 2025 Type R receives a minor facelift and a slight price increase, starting at $47,045, but it remains a benchmark hot hatchback for manual transmission enthusiasts.
Hyundai Elantra N: Last of the Gas-Powered N Manuals
The Hyundai Elantra N represents the last gas-powered N model in Hyundai’s lineup to offer a manual. The Elantra N pairs a six-speed manual with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. For drivers who prioritize driver engagement and the tactile feel of a manual, the Elantra N provides a compelling option in the sport compact sedan segment. Hyundai also offers an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for those who prefer automatic convenience, but for driving purists, the manual is the clear choice.
Jeep Wrangler: Manual Option for Off-Road Adventures
Interestingly, Jeep initially considered making the V-6-powered Wrangler manual-only for 2025 but ultimately decided to retain the automatic option as well. The base 2025 Wrangler is available with both a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission, both paired with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine. For off-road enthusiasts, the manual transmission in the Wrangler offers enhanced control and a more connected feel when navigating challenging trails. The availability of a manual in the Wrangler is a testament to Jeep’s commitment to its core off-road enthusiast base.
Lotus Emira: Manual Gearbox in the Final Gas-Powered Lotus
The Lotus Emira is the only model in the Lotus lineup to offer a manual transmission, and it represents the last gasoline-powered car from the iconic British sports car maker. The six-speed manual comes standard with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, a manual is not available with the base four-cylinder engine; that model is offered exclusively with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. For Lotus purists, the manual V6 Emira is the quintessential Lotus experience, offering a raw and engaging driving feel that connects the driver to the car and the road.
Mazda3: Surprising Manual Option in a Mainstream Hatchback
Believe it or not, you can still find a manual transmission in the Mazda3. However, it’s only available on one specific trim: the front-wheel-drive 2.5S Premium hatchback. This 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. Unfortunately, the manual is not offered on the sedan body style, the turbo trim, or with all-wheel drive. Despite these limitations, the fact that Mazda still offers a manual in the 3 hatchback at all is a nod to driving enthusiasts who appreciate the engagement of a stick shift in a practical and stylish car.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Quintessential Manual Roadster
Of course, the Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to champion the manual transmission for 2025. This beloved sports car offers a six-speed shifter in both the standard soft-top convertible and the hard-top RF (Retractable Fastback) model. Both trims feature the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which sends 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The Miata is synonymous with fun, affordable, and engaging driving, and the manual transmission is absolutely central to its appeal. It’s a car designed to be enjoyed with the top down and the gears shifted manually.
Nissan Versa: The Budget-Friendly Manual Champion
The Nissan Versa is an unlikely hero in the world of manual transmissions. For 2025, the subcompact sedan retains its five-speed manual on the base S model. This helps maintain its status as one of the most affordable cars in America. The 2025 Versa S starts at a remarkably low price of just $18,330. While not a performance car, the manual Versa provides an entry point into manual driving for budget-conscious buyers and driving students who want to learn the ropes of a stick shift without breaking the bank.
Nissan Z: Manual Essential for this Sports Car
The Nissan Z needs a manual transmission, and thankfully, the 2025 model continues to offer a six-speed on the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims. This transmission is paired with a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The manual Z delivers a classic sports car driving experience, blending modern performance with the engaging feel of a stick shift. Sadly, a manual is still not offered on the high-performance Nismo model; the 420-hp Z Nismo is only available with a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman: Manuals in the Mid-Engine Sports Cars (For Now)
The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars are likely nearing the end of their gasoline-powered era as Porsche plans to replace them with electric models. For now, the 718 range still offers a standard six-speed manual transmission alongside an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch. For Porsche purists, the manual 718 models represent a more traditional and engaging driving experience, connecting them to the legacy of Porsche sports cars.
Porsche 911: Manuals in the Iconic Sports Car Lineup
Could Porsche not offer a manual 911? Unthinkable! You can still get a six-speed shifter on the new Carrera T or GT3 models for 2025. The Carrera T features a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 388 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, while the GT3 boasts a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with 502 horsepower. The availability of a manual in the 911 Carrera T and GT3 underscores Porsche’s commitment to catering to driving enthusiasts who demand the ultimate connection with their sports cars. Whether you choose the turbocharged torque of the Carrera T or the high-revving naturally aspirated character of the GT3, the manual 911 experience remains a benchmark.
Subaru BRZ: Affordable Sports Car Fun with a Stick
The Subaru BRZ continues to wave the manual transmission flag for 2025. This affordable sports car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission paired with a 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower across all trims. The BRZ is designed to be a fun and engaging sports car at an accessible price point, and the manual transmission is central to its driver-focused character. For those seeking added performance and handling, the BRZ tS model offers an STI-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and enhanced steering, further amplifying the manual driving experience.
Subaru WRX: Manual Option for the Rally-Bred Sedan
Subaru’s iconic sports sedan, the WRX, still offers a manual transmission for 2025. The WRX pairs a standard six-speed manual with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower on the Base, Premium, and Limited models, as well as the new-for-2025 WRX tS. The WRX, with its rally-bred heritage and standard all-wheel drive, offers a unique blend of performance and practicality, and the manual transmission further enhances its driver engagement. Starting at a reasonable $33,855, the manual WRX remains an appealing option for those seeking a performance sedan with a stick shift.
Toyota GR86: Twin to the BRZ, Manual Included
Like its cousin, the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GR86 continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025, as expected. The GR86 pairs a six-speed manual with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The GR86 shares the BRZ’s focus on affordable, fun, and engaging driving, and the manual transmission is equally crucial to its character. The Hakone Edition returns for 2025, but you can get into a new GR86 for as little as $31,135, making it another accessible entry point into the world of manual sports cars.
Toyota GR Corolla: Hot Hatch Fun with a Standard Manual
Even though Toyota introduced an automatic option for the GR Corolla for 2025 (and it’s reportedly excellent), the hot hatchback still comes standard with a manual transmission. The GR Corolla’s six-speed manual is paired with a potent turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GR Corolla is a highly praised hot hatchback, and the standard manual transmission reinforces its driver-focused and enthusiast-oriented nature.
Toyota GR Supra: Manual Option Revives Sales
The Toyota GR Supra, while not selling as strongly as it once did, has seen a resurgence of interest thanks to the introduction of a manual transmission option. Buyers can now secure the GR Supra with a six-speed manual transmission. The 2025 GR Supra offers the manual option across both trims, paired with the now-standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower. The discontinuation of the four-cylinder Supra for 2025 further emphasizes the focus on the inline-six and the manual driving experience. The availability of a manual has been a welcome addition for Supra enthusiasts and has likely broadened its appeal.
Toyota Tacoma: The Last Manual Truck Standing
The Toyota Tacoma holds the distinction of being the only truck you can buy new in 2025 with a manual transmission. Times have certainly changed in the truck market. The manual option isn’t limited to just the base model either; the Tacoma SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims all offer the six-speed manual. For truck buyers who appreciate the control and engagement of a manual, especially in off-road or work situations, the Tacoma provides a unique and increasingly rare option.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Manual Option in the Sporty Sedan
While the manual GTI and Golf R are no longer available for 2025, Volkswagen still offers a manual transmission in the Jetta GLI. The 2025 model receives a modest facelift and some interior updates, but the six-speed manual remains. It’s paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Jetta GLI provides a sporty and practical sedan option with the added engagement of a manual transmission, offering a blend of fun and everyday usability.
Update: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the six-speed manual was available on the rear-wheel-drive BMW Competition models. The eight-speed automatic is the only transmission option on the Competition models. The story has been corrected.
Long Live The Manual
Despite the increasing dominance of automatic transmissions, the manual gearbox is clearly not dead. As this list demonstrates, a diverse range of cars still offer the engaging and rewarding experience of driving a stick shift. From budget-friendly options to high-performance sports cars and even a truck, the manual transmission continues to appeal to driving enthusiasts who value control, connection, and the pure joy of driving. So, if you’re one of those who still craves the third pedal, 2025 offers plenty of exciting choices.
Sales Prove the Manual Transmission Is Saving the BMW Z4
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