Remember the satisfying engagement of a manual transmission? The precise control, the feeling of connection to the engine, the pure driving joy? For many years, Manual Shift Cars were the norm. However, in today’s automotive landscape dominated by automatics, finding a new car with a stick shift might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, driving enthusiasts! Reports of the manual transmission’s death have been greatly exaggerated.
While it’s true that the number of manual options has dwindled over the years as automakers prioritize automatic and dual-clutch transmissions, the manual gearbox is far from extinct. In fact, for the 2025 model year, there are still a surprising number of cars available that let you row your own gears. From sporty coupes and agile sedans to rugged SUVs and even a pickup truck, the spirit of manual driving lives on.
For those who appreciate the art of driving and the unique engagement a manual transmission provides, the 2025 market offers a diverse selection. Let’s dive into the exciting world of manual shift cars still available in 2025, proving that driver involvement is still valued.
Acura Integra: The Entry-Level Enthusiast’s Choice
Acura is keeping the flame of manual transmissions burning bright, starting with their entry-level model, the Integra. The standard Acura Integra combines a slick six-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive and a spirited turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 200 horsepower. For driving purists seeking an affordable and engaging experience, the 2025 Integra, starting at $34,195, offers a compelling proposition.
Acura Integra Type S: Unleashing Performance with a Manual
Taking the Integra to the next level of performance, the Acura Integra Type S exclusively offers a six-speed manual gearbox. This performance-oriented trim pairs the manual with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers an impressive 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Integra Type S demonstrates Acura’s commitment to providing thrilling driving dynamics and driver control through the manual transmission.
BMW M2: The Compact Powerhouse with Manual Option
BMW stands out as a champion of the manual transmission, offering more models with a stick shift than any other luxury brand. Leading the charge is the BMW M2. The 2025 BMW M2 pairs a precise six-speed manual transmission with a formidable 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 available, the true enthusiast’s choice for maximum driving engagement remains the manual.
BMW M3: Manual Purest’s Delight (Rear-Wheel Drive Only)
The iconic BMW M3 continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025, catering to driving purists. However, there’s a slight caveat: the six-speed manual is exclusively available on the rear-wheel-drive M3 model, which produces 473 horsepower. If you desire the higher output rear-wheel-drive M3 Competition (503 hp) or the all-wheel-drive M3 Competition xDrive (523 hp), you’ll have to opt for the eight-speed automatic. BMW reserves the manual for those who prioritize the classic rear-wheel-drive, stick-shift M3 experience.
BMW M4: Similar Manual Offering to the M3
The BMW M4 mirrors the M3’s manual transmission strategy for 2025. The engaging six-speed manual is offered exclusively with the rear-wheel-drive M4, delivering 473 horsepower. The more powerful M4 Competition models, both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive xDrive, are exclusively paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW is clearly segmenting its manual offerings for a specific driving enthusiast profile within the M3/M4 range.
BMW Z4: Manual Roadster Returns for Driving Pleasure
After a long wait, BMW finally reintroduced a manual transmission option for the Z4 roadster in 2024, and it continues into 2025. This six-speed convertible is exclusively available in the higher-performance M40i trim. This ensures that the manual Z4 is paired with a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The manual Z4 M40i is a testament to BMW recognizing the demand for driver-focused roadster experiences.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: American Muscle Sedan with a Stick
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing remains a standout sports sedan in 2025, offering the choice of a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic. Both transmissions are mated to a thrilling twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Starting at $63,590, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers American muscle car spirit with the driver engagement of a manual gearbox.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Super Sedan with Manual Option
The larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, receiving a refresh and new features for 2025, also retains its manual transmission option. This super sedan pairs its six-speed manual with a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that unleashes 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Starting at $96,990, the CT5-V Blackwing is a rare breed: a high-performance luxury sedan with supercar levels of power and a manual transmission to command it all.
Ford Bronco: Off-Roading Fun with a Manual
The Ford Bronco is a unique entry in the manual transmission landscape, being one of the few SUVs available with a stick shift. A seven-speed manual is offered on the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition Bronco models for 2025. This manual is paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. For off-road enthusiasts who crave maximum control and connection with their vehicle, the manual Bronco is an excellent choice.
Ford Mustang: Iconic Pony Car Still Offers Manual Thrills
Despite sales fluctuations, the iconic Ford Mustang continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025. The six-speed manual is available on the GT and Dark Horse models, which deliver 480 and 500 horsepower respectively from their V8 engines. Starting at $48,155 for the GT manual and $65,975 for the Dark Horse manual, the Mustang keeps the tradition of manual-equipped American muscle alive.
Hennessey Venom F5: Hypercar Exclusivity with a Gated Manual
For those with unlimited budgets and a desire for the ultimate manual driving experience, the Hennessey Venom F5 stands alone. Hennessey offers the Venom F5-M Roadster with a gated six-speed manual transmission and a staggering 1,817 horsepower, making it the most powerful manual car in the world. Priced at $2.65 million, this hypercar is an exclusive testament to the pinnacle of manual performance.
Honda Civic Si: Sporty Compact with Engaging Manual
While Honda has eliminated the manual option from the base Civic sedan and hatchback, the spirit of manual driving lives on in the sporty Honda Civic Si. The Civic Si retains its six-speed manual, paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower. Starting at $31,400, the Civic Si offers an accessible and engaging manual driving experience in the compact segment.
Honda Civic Type R: Track-Focused Hot Hatch, Manual Only
The ultimate performance Civic, the Honda Civic Type R, remains committed to the manual transmission for 2025. Like the Acura Integra Type S, the Civic Type R is exclusively offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. This manual is paired with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Civic Type R’s manual-only approach reinforces its focus on track-ready performance and driver involvement.
Hyundai Elantra N: Fun-to-Drive Sedan with Manual Option
The Hyundai Elantra N stands as the last gas-powered N model in Hyundai’s lineup, and thankfully, it retains its manual transmission option. 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. While an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is available, the manual Elantra N offers a more direct and engaging driving experience.
Jeep Wrangler: Iconic Off-Roader with Manual Availability
The Jeep Wrangler, an icon of off-road capability, surprisingly offers a manual transmission in 2025. Initially, Jeep considered making the V-6 Wrangler manual-only, 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, both paired with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The manual Wrangler provides enhanced control for serious off-road adventures.
Lotus Emira: The Last Manual Lotus Sports Car
The Lotus Emira marks the end of an era as the last Lotus sports car to offer a manual transmission. The six-speed manual comes standard with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the base four-cylinder Emira is only available with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The manual Emira represents Lotus’s commitment to driver-focused sports cars before transitioning to an electric future.
Mazda3: Surprising Manual Option in a Mainstream Hatchback
Believe it or not, the Mazda3 still offers a manual transmission in 2025, albeit in a limited configuration. The front-wheel-drive Mazda3 2.5S Premium trim comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. However, the manual is not available on the sedan body style, the turbo trim, or with all-wheel drive, making it a niche offering for manual enthusiasts.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Quintessential Manual Roadster
Of course, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the beloved lightweight sports car, continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025. The Miata provides a delightful six-speed shifter in both the standard soft-top convertible and the hard-top RF model. Both trims are powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, sending 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The Miata and manual transmission are practically synonymous, representing pure, unadulterated driving joy.
Nissan Versa: The Budget-Friendly Manual Champion
In an unexpected twist, the Nissan Versa emerges as a hero of the manual transmission. For 2025, the subcompact sedan retains its five-speed manual transmission on the base S model. This helps the Versa maintain its position as one of the most affordable cars in America. Starting at just $18,330, the manual Versa offers basic, budget-friendly transportation with the added engagement of a stick shift.
Nissan Z: Manual Gearbox Essential for the Z Heritage
The Nissan Z, a sports car with a rich heritage, absolutely needs a manual transmission option. Thankfully, the 2025 model keeps its six-speed manual available on the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims. This manual is paired with a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. It’s a disappointment that the high-performance Z Nismo model is automatic-only, but the manual Z remains a strong offering for enthusiasts.
Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman: Manual Sports Car Heritage
The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars, while facing an electric future, still honor their manual transmission heritage for now. The 718 range offers a standard six-speed manual transmission alongside the optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch. This allows Porsche purists to enjoy the classic engagement of a manual gearbox in these iconic mid-engine sports cars.
Porsche 911: Manual Option for the Purist 911 Experience
Could Porsche ever not offer a manual 911? Unthinkable! For 2025, you can still get the coveted six-speed manual shifter on the Porsche 911 Carrera T and GT3 models. The Carrera T features a twin-turbocharged flat-six producing 388 horsepower, while the GT3 boasts a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with 502 horsepower. Whether you choose the Carrera T or GT3, the manual 911 offers the ultimate Porsche driving experience for many enthusiasts.
Subaru BRZ: Affordable Sports Car with Standard Manual
The Subaru BRZ continues to champion the manual transmission in the affordable sports car segment for 2025. The BRZ comes standard with a precise six-speed manual transmission paired with a 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower across all trim levels. For those seeking enhanced performance, the BRZ tS model adds STI-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering, further amplifying the engaging driving dynamics of the manual BRZ.
Subaru WRX: Rally-Bred Sedan with Manual Standard
Subaru’s rally-bred sports sedan, the WRX, maintains its manual transmission offering for 2025. The WRX pairs a standard six-speed manual to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower on the Base, Premium, Limited, and new WRX tS models. Starting at a reasonable $33,855, the manual WRX delivers performance and driver engagement at an accessible price point.
Toyota GR86: Twin to the BRZ, Manual Included
Similar to its cousin, the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GR86 predictably offers a manual transmission for 2025. 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 stylish Hakone Edition returns for 2025, but you can enter the world of manual GR86 driving for as little as $31,135.
Toyota GR Corolla: Hot Hatch Fun with Standard Manual
Despite Toyota introducing an automatic option for the GR Corolla in 2025, the hot hatchback thankfully retains its standard manual transmission. The GR Corolla’s engaging 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 manual GR Corolla is central to its hot hatch character and driver-focused appeal.
Toyota GR Supra: Manual Option Boosts Supra’s Appeal
The Toyota GR Supra, while facing sales challenges, continues to offer a manual transmission option, enhancing its enthusiast appeal. The 2025 GR Supra offers a six-speed manual across both trim levels, paired with the now-standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower. The addition of a manual has revitalized the Supra, catering to drivers seeking a more connected driving experience.
Toyota Tacoma: The Last Manual Transmission Truck
In a changing automotive landscape, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as the only pickup truck you can buy new in 2025 with a manual transmission. This manual option isn’t limited to the base model either. The Tacoma SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims all offer the six-speed manual, catering to truck buyers who value driver control and engagement, even in a pickup.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Manual Option for the Performance Sedan
While the manual GTI and Golf R are discontinued for 2025, Volkswagen still offers a manual transmission in the Jetta GLI performance sedan. The 2025 Jetta GLI, receiving a facelift and interior updates, retains its six-speed manual. This manual is paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The manual Jetta GLI provides a sporty and engaging option within the VW sedan lineup.
Update: Please note that the BMW Competition models (M3 and M4 Competition) are exclusively available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the manual option is limited to the non-Competition rear-wheel-drive models.
Long Live the Manual Shift Car
While the automotive world increasingly embraces automatic and electric powertrains, the availability of over 25 manual shift cars in 2025 is a testament to the enduring appeal of driver engagement and control. For those who value the art of driving and the unique connection a manual transmission provides, the options are still out there. So, if you crave the clutch and the satisfaction of rowing your own gears, 2025 offers a surprisingly robust selection of manual shift cars to choose from. The manual transmission may be a niche market, but for driving enthusiasts, it’s a niche worth celebrating and keeping alive.
