New Cars with Manual Transmission: Still an Option in 2025?

For many driving enthusiasts, the connection to the road is most keenly felt through a manual transmission. The tactile engagement of shifting gears, the precise control over engine RPMs, and the sheer joy of a perfectly executed downshift – these are elements that elevate driving from a mundane task to an engaging experience. While automatic transmissions have undeniably advanced, offering convenience and efficiency, the allure of the manual gearbox remains strong for a dedicated group of drivers. If you’re among those who prefer to row your own gears, you might be wondering: are there still New Cars With Manual Transmissions available in 2025? The answer is a resounding yes! Despite the automotive industry’s general shift towards automatics and electric vehicles, a surprising number of manufacturers continue to offer manual transmissions, catering to the purists and driving aficionados. Let’s dive into the exciting range of new cars in 2025 that still let you feel the satisfying click of a stick shift.

Sports Cars with Manual Gearboxes

Sports cars and manual transmissions go hand-in-hand, representing a legacy of driver engagement and performance focus. For many sports car enthusiasts, a manual gearbox isn’t just a preference; it’s an integral part of the driving experience. Luckily, the market still offers a vibrant selection of sporty models where you can enjoy three pedals and a stick shift.

Acura Integra and Integra Type S

Acura is keeping the spirit of sporty, engaging driving alive with the Integra. The base Acura Integra offers a slick six-speed manual transmission paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 200 horsepower. This combination delivers a fun and involving driving experience at a starting price of $34,195. Stepping up the performance ante, the Acura Integra Type S exclusively offers a six-speed manual, emphasizing its performance credentials. This model boasts a more potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine churning out 320 horsepower, delivering exhilarating performance and solidifying its position as a top choice for manual enthusiasts.

Image alt text: 2025 Acura Integra Type S in dynamic red showcasing its sporty design and manual transmission appeal.

BMW M2, M3, M4, and Z4

BMW stands out with the most extensive lineup of manual transmission cars among luxury brands. The BMW M2, the entry point into the M lineup, comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission mated to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing a robust 453 horsepower. While an eight-speed automatic is optional, the manual is widely considered the purist’s choice for maximizing driver involvement in this performance coupe.

The iconic BMW M3 sedan and BMW M4 coupe also retain the manual transmission option for 2025, albeit with a slight caveat. The six-speed manual is exclusively available on the rear-wheel-drive versions producing 473 horsepower. If you opt for the more powerful Competition models with rear-wheel-drive (503 hp) or all-wheel-drive (523 hp), you’ll be limited to the eight-speed automatic. However, the standard M3 and M4 with the manual gearbox still offer thrilling performance and a direct connection to the driving experience.

Image alt text: Front three quarter view of a 2025 BMW M3 highlighting its aggressive styling and availability with a manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.

BMW surprised and delighted enthusiasts by finally introducing a manual transmission for the BMW Z4 roadster in 2024, and it continues into 2025. This six-speed convertible is exclusively offered in the higher-performance M40i trim, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 382 horsepower. The manual Z4 M40i combines open-top thrills with the engaging control of a stick shift.

Image alt text: The 2025 BMW Z4 M40i convertible with its top down, emphasizing its sporty nature and the newly available manual transmission option.

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing

Cadillac’s V-Series Blackwing models are renowned for their track-ready performance and driver-focused engineering. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing sports sedan continues to offer a standard six-speed manual transmission, alongside an optional 10-speed automatic. Paired with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 472 horsepower, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers a potent and engaging driving experience.

The larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing super sedan also proudly retains its six-speed manual transmission for 2025. This model features a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine unleashing 668 horsepower to the rear wheels. The CT5-V Blackwing with a manual gearbox is a true testament to Cadillac’s commitment to performance and driver involvement in the super sedan segment.

Image alt text: 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in a powerful stance showcasing its updated design and the availability of a high-performance manual transmission.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang, an iconic American muscle car, continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission for the 2025 model year. Available on the GT and Dark Horse trims, the manual Mustang allows drivers to fully harness the power of its V8 engine. The Mustang GT produces 480 horsepower, while the Dark Horse cranks out an even more impressive 500 horsepower. Despite declining overall Mustang sales, Ford recognizes the importance of the manual option for its enthusiast base.

Image alt text: Ford Mustang Dark Horse model emphasizing its aggressive styling and the continued availability of a manual transmission for performance driving.

Hennessey Venom F5

For those with truly extravagant tastes and budgets, the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster offers an unparalleled manual transmission experience. This hypercar, built in Texas, boasts a gated six-speed manual transmission paired with a mind-boggling 1,817 horsepower engine. Claiming the title of the most powerful manual car in the world, the Venom F5-M Roadster is an ultra-exclusive and extreme example of manual driving at its pinnacle, albeit with a price tag of $2.65 million.

Lotus Emira

Lotus, known for its lightweight and driver-focused sports cars, offers the Emira with a six-speed manual transmission. This gearbox comes standard with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 400 horsepower. The manual Emira embodies the classic Lotus philosophy of engaging driving dynamics and a direct connection between driver and machine. Unfortunately, the base four-cylinder Emira is only available with an automatic transmission.

Image alt text: The Lotus Emira sports car highlighting its sleek design and the availability of a manual transmission for a purist driving experience.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is practically synonymous with affordable, fun, and manual transmission sports cars. For 2025, the Miata continues to offer a six-speed manual in both the soft-top convertible and the hard-top RF models. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower, the Miata prioritizes nimble handling and driver engagement over outright power, making the manual transmission a perfect match for its character.

Image alt text: Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible showcasing its iconic design and the enduring appeal of its manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.

Nissan Z

The Nissan Z, a modern reincarnation of the legendary Z-car, thankfully retains its six-speed manual transmission option for 2025. Available on the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims, the manual Z is paired with a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 400 horsepower. The manual gearbox is crucial to the Z’s sporty character, allowing drivers to fully exploit its performance potential. Notably, the higher-performance Z Nismo model is unfortunately only offered with an automatic transmission.

Image alt text: Nissan Z Heritage Edition model emphasizing its retro-inspired design and the availability of a manual transmission for a classic sports car feel.

Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman

Porsche, a brand deeply rooted in performance and driver engagement, continues to offer manual transmissions in the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman sports cars. Both models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with Porsche’s excellent PDK dual-clutch automatic available as an option. Despite the looming electrification of the 718 lineup, the manual gearbox remains a key element for purists seeking the classic Porsche driving experience.

Porsche 911

It would be almost unthinkable for Porsche to discontinue manual transmissions in the iconic 911. For 2025, the six-speed manual is available on the 911 Carrera T and GT3 models. The Carrera T features a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 388 horsepower, while the GT3 boasts a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with a thrilling 502 horsepower. Whether you choose the Carrera T or the GT3, a manual 911 delivers an unparalleled sports car driving experience.

Image alt text: 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T Coupe in motion highlighting its sporty silhouette and the availability of a manual transmission for enhanced driver engagement.

Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, co-developed sports cars, are both designed with driving enjoyment in mind, and both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission for 2025. Powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower, these lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupes are celebrated for their balanced handling and engaging driving dynamics. The manual gearbox is fundamental to their appeal as affordable and accessible sports cars for enthusiasts.

Image alt text: Subaru BRZ sports car showcasing its sporty design and emphasizing the standard manual transmission for an engaging driving experience.

Image alt text: Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchback demonstrating its sporty stance and the availability of a manual transmission for performance driving.

Toyota GR Supra and GR Corolla

Toyota’s GR lineup, focused on performance and driving thrills, includes both the GR Supra and GR Corolla with manual transmission options. The Toyota GR Supra now offers a six-speed manual across both trim levels, paired with its potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower. The manual Supra addresses enthusiasts’ demands for greater driver involvement. The Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchback also comes standard with a six-speed manual, perfectly complementing its turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and rally-inspired all-wheel-drive system. Even though an automatic option is now available for the GR Corolla, the manual remains the enthusiast’s choice.

Sport Sedans with Manual Transmissions

While sports cars often take center stage for manual transmissions, a selection of sport sedans also cater to drivers who want practicality with engagement. These sedans offer the best of both worlds: everyday usability and the fun of shifting gears.

Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R

Honda continues to champion the manual transmission in its sporty Civic models. The Honda Civic Si sedan offers a six-speed manual transmission paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower. The Civic Si provides a balanced blend of performance, practicality, and driving fun, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a manual sedan. The high-performance Honda Civic Type R also exclusively features a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing its track-focused nature. This model boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 315 horsepower, delivering exhilarating performance and solidifying its position as a benchmark in the hot hatchback and sport sedan segment.

Image alt text: 2025 Honda Civic Si sedan showcasing its sporty styling and the availability of a manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.

Image alt text: Honda Civic Type R hatchback emphasizing its aggressive design and the exclusive manual transmission offering for ultimate driver engagement.

Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai’s performance-oriented N division continues to offer the Elantra N with a six-speed manual transmission. The Hyundai Elantra N pairs its manual gearbox with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower. The Elantra N provides a compelling combination of performance, value, and driver engagement in the sport compact sedan category. While an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is also available, the manual remains the choice for purists.

Image alt text: 2024 Hyundai Elantra N sport sedan showcasing its aggressive styling and the available manual transmission option for performance-oriented drivers.

Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX, an iconic rally-inspired sport sedan, continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission for 2025. Available on the Base, Premium, Limited, and tS trims, the manual WRX is paired with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower. The WRX with a manual gearbox remains a popular choice for those seeking all-weather performance and driver engagement in a sedan format.

Image alt text: 2025 Subaru WRX tS model highlighting its sporty design and the continued offering of a manual transmission for rally-inspired driving.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Volkswagen keeps the manual transmission alive in the Jetta GLI performance sedan. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI features a six-speed manual transmission paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower. The Jetta GLI offers a more affordable entry point into the world of manual sport sedans, combining everyday practicality with driving enjoyment. While the GTI and Golf R have dropped their manual options, the Jetta GLI remains a stick-shift option within the Volkswagen lineup.

Image alt text: Volkswagen Jetta GLI sedan showcasing its updated design and the availability of a manual transmission, a rarity in its segment.

SUVs and Trucks with Manual Transmissions

In a surprising twist, the manual transmission is not entirely absent from the SUV and truck segments. A couple of models stand out, offering a more rugged and engaging driving experience for those who prefer to control their gears even off the beaten path.

Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco, a rugged and retro-inspired SUV, offers a seven-speed manual transmission on select trims, including the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition models. Paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower, the manual Bronco provides a unique blend of off-road capability and driver engagement. Opting for the more powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine necessitates choosing an automatic transmission, but the manual four-cylinder Bronco remains a compelling option for enthusiasts.

Image alt text: Ford Bronco SUV demonstrating its off-road capability and the surprising availability of a manual transmission in an SUV.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler, an icon of off-road capability, continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission for the 2025 model year. Available with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine, the manual Wrangler allows for precise control in challenging terrains and adds to the vehicle’s adventurous character. Initially, Jeep even considered making the manual transmission the only option for the V6 Wrangler, highlighting its commitment to this gearbox for off-road enthusiasts, before ultimately deciding to keep the automatic option as well.

Image alt text: Jeep Wrangler in an off-road setting emphasizing its rugged nature and the continued availability of a manual transmission for enhanced control.

Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma stands out as the only truck currently available in 2025 with a manual transmission option. Available on the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims, the six-speed manual Tacoma caters to truck buyers who value driver engagement and control. The availability of a manual in a modern truck is a rare and welcome sight for enthusiasts who prefer a more hands-on driving experience, even in their pickup.

Image alt text: Toyota Tacoma pickup truck showcasing its robust design and the unique offering of a manual transmission in the truck segment.

Budget-Friendly Manual Options

Manual transmissions are often associated with sporty or performance-oriented vehicles, but there are still a couple of budget-friendly options for those seeking an affordable new car with a stick shift.

Mazda3

The Mazda3, known for its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics, offers a six-speed manual transmission on the 2.5S Premium trim level. Paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower, the manual Mazda3 provides a fun-to-drive and relatively affordable option for compact car buyers. However, the manual is limited to the front-wheel-drive 2.5S Premium trim and is not available on the sedan body style, turbo trims, or with all-wheel drive.

Image alt text: Mazda3 hatchback highlighting its stylish design and the availability of a manual transmission in a practical and affordable package.

Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa, a subcompact sedan, is an unlikely champion of the manual transmission, retaining a five-speed manual on the base S model for 2025. This manual option contributes to the Versa maintaining its position as one of the most affordable new cars in America. The 2025 Versa starts at a very budget-friendly $18,330, making it the most accessible entry point into the world of new manual transmission cars.

Image alt text: Nissan Versa subcompact sedan emphasizing its affordability and the rare availability of a manual transmission in the budget car segment.

Conclusion: The Manual Transmission Lives On

While the automotive landscape is undeniably shifting towards automatic and electric vehicles, the manual transmission is far from extinct. As this list demonstrates, a diverse range of new cars in 2025 still offer the engaging and rewarding experience of driving with a stick shift. From sporty coupes and sedans to rugged SUVs and even a truck, the manual gearbox persists, catering to driving enthusiasts who value control, connection, and the sheer joy of rowing their own gears. If you’re seeking a new car that truly connects you to the road, exploring these manual transmission models is an excellent starting point. The thrill of the manual is still alive and kicking in 2025!

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