Manual transmissions, often called standard transmissions, are becoming a rarity in today’s automotive market. For decades, shifting gears yourself was the norm, but automatic transmissions have surged in popularity, leading many automakers to phase out manual options. However, for driving enthusiasts and those who appreciate a more engaging connection with their vehicle, the good news is that the manual transmission is not extinct.
Looking ahead to 2025, a surprising number of vehicles still offer a standard transmission. From sporty coupes and sedans to rugged SUVs and even a pickup truck, the option to row your own gears remains for those who seek it. While some iconic models have unfortunately dropped their manual variants, a dedicated selection of cars continues to champion the joy of manual driving. Let’s explore the exciting range of Standard Transmission Cars you can still buy in 2025.
Acura Integra
Photo by: Acura
Acura keeps the spirit of the standard transmission alive with its entry-level model, the Integra. The base Acura Integra combines a slick six-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive and a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 200 horsepower. Starting at an accessible price point of $34,195 for the 2025 model year, the Integra offers an engaging driving experience for those seeking a standard transmission car.
Acura Integra Type S
Photo by: Acura
For even greater performance and driving thrills, Acura offers the Integra Type S. This sporty variant exclusively features a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing driver engagement. The Type S pairs its manual gearbox with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, boosting output to an impressive 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, all sent to the front wheels for a dynamic driving experience.
BMW M2
Photo by: BMW
BMW stands out as a brand committed to the standard transmission, offering more manual models than any other luxury automaker. Leading their manual lineup is the BMW M2. The 2025 BMW M2 pairs a precise six-speed manual transmission with a thrilling twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. While an eight-speed automatic is available, the manual transmission is widely considered the purist’s choice for the M2, offering a more connected and involving driving experience.
BMW M3
The M3 keeps its manual alive for 2025, but there’s a catch. If you want the rear-wheel-drive M3 Competition with 503 horsepower or the now-more-powerful M3 Competition xDrive with 523 horsepower, you have to get the eight-speed automatic. BMW keeps the six-speed manual exclusive to the rear-wheel-drive M3, which makes 473 hp.
The iconic BMW M3 also continues to offer a standard transmission for the 2025 model year. However, BMW has streamlined the manual offering. The six-speed manual is now exclusively available on the rear-wheel-drive M3 model, which produces a robust 473 horsepower. If you desire the higher output versions like the rear-wheel-drive M3 Competition (503 hp) or the all-wheel-drive M3 Competition xDrive (523 hp), you will need to opt for the eight-speed automatic transmission. For those prioritizing the traditional engagement of a standard transmission in their M3, the rear-wheel-drive model remains a compelling option.
BMW M4
The same goes for the new M4. For 2025, BMW only offers the six-speed manual on the rear-wheel-drive M4, which makes 473 horsepower. The rear-wheel-drive M4 Competition and the more powerful M4 Competition xDrive make 503 and 523 hp respectively, but they’re paired exclusively with the eight-speed automatic.
Mirroring the M3, the BMW M4 coupe also maintains the availability of a standard transmission in its 2025 lineup. Similar to its sedan counterpart, the six-speed manual in the M4 is limited to the rear-wheel-drive model, delivering 473 horsepower. Enthusiasts seeking a manual driving experience in the M4 will find it in the base rear-wheel-drive trim. The higher-performance M4 Competition (rear-wheel-drive) and M4 Competition xDrive models, boasting 503 and 523 horsepower respectively, are exclusively paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
BMW Z4
BMW finally introduced a manual Z4 for 2024—it took them long enough. The six-speed convertible is only available in the more powerful M40i trim, which gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine making 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Not that that’s a bad thing.
After a long wait, BMW finally brought a manual transmission to the Z4 roadster for the 2024 model year, and it continues into 2025. This welcome addition is exclusively available on the more potent Z4 M40i trim. The six-speed manual perfectly complements the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which produces 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, creating a thrilling open-top driving experience for standard transmission aficionados.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is still the same excellent sports sedan for 2025. It gets a standard six-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic, paired to a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 making 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 CT4-V Blackwing starts at $63,590.
Cadillac’s superb compact sports sedan, the CT4-V Blackwing, remains a top choice for standard transmission enthusiasts in 2025. The CT4-V Blackwing comes standard with a precise six-speed manual transmission, offering drivers full control. For those who prefer automatic shifting, a 10-speed automatic is also available. Both transmissions are paired with a high-revving twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine that generates 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, delivering exhilarating performance in a standard transmission sports sedan. The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing starts at $63,590.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Photo by: Cadillac
The CT5-V Blackwing gets a minor facelift and a few new features for 2025, but it keeps the manual alive. The super sedan pairs its six-speed with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 sending 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The 2025 CT5-V Blackwing starts at $96,990.
The larger and even more powerful Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing also continues to offer the coveted standard transmission for 2025, even with a mid-cycle refresh. This super sedan pairs a robust six-speed manual transmission with a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. This combination delivers an astounding 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, making it one of the most powerful standard transmission cars on the market. The 2025 CT5-V Blackwing starts at $96,990, representing serious performance for manual enthusiasts.
Ford Bronco
Photo by: Ford
The Bronco is one of the few SUVs you can still get with a manual. The seven-speed is available on the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition models for 2025. It’s paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder making 300 horsepower. If you want the turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 with 330 hp, you’ll have to opt for an automatic.
For SUV enthusiasts who prefer a standard transmission, the Ford Bronco remains a unique option. The 2025 Ford Bronco offers a seven-speed manual transmission on a range of trims including the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition models. This manual gearbox is paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. If you desire the more powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine with 330 horsepower, you will need to choose an automatic transmission. However, for those who want the off-road capability of a Bronco with the engagement of a standard transmission, the seven-speed manual is readily available on several popular trims.
Ford Mustang
Photo by: Ford
Even though Mustang sales were way down last year, the good news is that the iconic pony car keeps its manual for 2025. The six-speed is available on the GT and Dark Horse models, which make 480 and 500 horsepower respectively. The GT with a manual costs $48,155, while the Dark Horse starts at $65,975.
Despite recent sales trends, the iconic Ford Mustang continues to honor its heritage by offering a standard transmission in 2025. The six-speed manual transmission is available on both the Mustang GT and the high-performance Dark Horse models. The Mustang GT, equipped with a manual, delivers 480 horsepower, while the Dark Horse manual variant boasts an impressive 500 horsepower. Starting at $48,155 for the GT manual and $65,975 for the Dark Horse, the Mustang offers classic American muscle car experience with standard transmission engagement.
Hennessey Venom F5
Photo by: Hennessey Performance
Pretend for a second that you have all the money in the world and a hankering for an American-built, stick-shift hypercar. Hennessey will happily oblige. The Texas-based outfit will build you a Venom F5-M Roadster with a gated six-speed manual and 1,817 horsepower—the most powerful manual car in the world. That is, assuming you have $2.65 million handy.
For those with virtually unlimited budgets and a desire for the ultimate standard transmission experience, the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster stands alone. This American-built hypercar from Hennessey Performance offers a gated six-speed manual transmission paired with a mind-boggling 1,817 horsepower engine. Claiming the title of the most powerful standard transmission car in the world, the Venom F5-M Roadster is an extreme example of manual driving at its peak. However, this level of exclusivity and performance comes with a price tag of $2.65 million.
Honda Civic Si
Photo by: Honda
Honda made the difficult decision to discontinue the manual transmission in the base Civic sedan and hatchback models. While this was a disappointment for some, the good news is that the standard transmission lives on in the sporty Honda Civic Si. The Civic Si continues to offer a slick six-speed manual transmission, paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower. Priced at $31,400 for the 2025 model, the Civic Si remains an accessible and engaging standard transmission car for driving enthusiasts.
Honda Civic Type R
Photo by: Honda
The high-performance Honda Civic Type R also proudly retains its standard transmission for 2025. Similar to the Acura Integra Type S, the Civic Type R is exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission, underscoring its focus on driver involvement. This manual gearbox is matched with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 Civic Type R receives a minor facelift and a slight price increase, starting at $47,045, but remains a benchmark for front-wheel-drive performance with a standard transmission.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra is the last gas-powered N model in Hyundai’s lineup. The Elantra N pairs a six-speed manual with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. For less fun, Hyundai also offers an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hyundai’s performance-oriented Elantra N sedan remains committed to the standard transmission for the 2025 model year. The Elantra N pairs a rewarding six-speed manual transmission with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. For those who prefer automated shifting, Hyundai also offers an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, for driving purists, the standard transmission in the Elantra N provides a more engaging and connected driving experience in this sporty sedan.
Jeep Wrangler
Photo by: Jeep
Interestingly, Jeep had originally planned to kill the automatic in the V-6-powered Wrangler for 2025 and make it a manual-only affair. But after some pushback, the automaker decided to keep the auto around—at least for another year. The base 2025 Wrangler, then, is available with both a six-speed manual and an automatic, both paired to the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine.
The iconic Jeep Wrangler continues to offer a standard transmission in 2025, appealing to off-road enthusiasts who value driver control. The base 2025 Wrangler is available with a six-speed manual transmission alongside an automatic option, both paired with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Interestingly, Jeep initially considered making the V6 Wrangler manual-only for 2025, but ultimately decided to keep the automatic option as well. Regardless, the availability of a standard transmission in the Wrangler reinforces its off-road focused and driver-centric nature.
Lotus Emira
The only manual car in the Lotus lineup is the Emira sports car. The six-speed comes standard with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which makes 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, you can’t get a manual with the base four-cylinder engine; the only transmission option on that model is an eight-speed dual-clutch.
Lotus, known for its driver-focused sports cars, offers the Emira as the sole model in its lineup with a standard transmission. The Lotus Emira sports car features a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment when paired with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the base four-cylinder engine Emira model is only available with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the classic Lotus driving experience with a standard transmission, the V-6 Emira is the definitive choice.
Mazda3
Believe it or not, you can still get a manual transmission in the Mazda3. But it’s only available on one trim. The front-wheel-drive 2.5S Premium comes standard with a six-speed, paired to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, you can’t get the manual on the sedan body style, the turbo trim, or with all-wheel drive.
The Mazda3, a popular compact car, surprisingly continues to offer a standard transmission in 2025, albeit in a limited configuration. The six-speed manual transmission is available exclusively on the front-wheel-drive Mazda3 2.5S Premium hatchback trim. This manual gearbox is paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the manual transmission is not available on the Mazda3 sedan, the turbocharged models, or with all-wheel drive. However, for hatchback enthusiasts seeking a standard transmission in a practical and stylish compact car, the Mazda3 2.5S Premium remains an option.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Of course, the Mazda Miata keeps its manual for 2025. The beloved sports car offers a six-speed shifter in the standard soft-top convertible or the hard-top RF model. Both trims have the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which sends 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels.
Unsurprisingly, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a quintessential roadster, remains firmly committed to the standard transmission for 2025. This beloved sports car offers a delightful six-speed manual transmission in both the classic soft-top convertible and the retractable hardtop RF models. Both Miata variants share the same spirited 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a symbol of affordable, engaging driving with a standard transmission.
Nissan Versa
Photo by: Nissan
The Nissan Versa is an unlikely hero of the manual transmission. For 2025, the subcompact sedan keeps its five-speed manual on the base S model, which helps maintain its status as the cheapest car in America (when factoring in destination charges). The 2025 Versa starts at just $18,330.
In an unexpected turn, the Nissan Versa subcompact sedan emerges as a champion for the standard transmission in the affordable car segment. For 2025, the Nissan Versa retains a five-speed manual transmission on its base S model. This availability of a standard transmission contributes to the Versa’s position as one of the most affordable cars in America. Starting at just $18,330 for the 2025 model, the Nissan Versa offers budget-conscious buyers the option of a standard transmission in a new car.
Nissan Z
The Nissan Z needs a manual. Thankfully, the 2025 model keeps its six-speed on the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims. That transmission pairs to a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, you still can’t have a manual on the Nismo model; the 420-hp Z Nismo only offers a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
The Nissan Z sports car, a successor to the Z lineage, rightfully maintains the availability of a standard transmission for 2025. The Nissan Z offers a six-speed manual transmission 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. Disappointingly, the high-performance Nissan Z Nismo model, with 420 horsepower, is exclusively available with a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, for those seeking the classic sports car engagement of a standard transmission in the Nissan Z, it remains readily available on multiple trims.
Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman
The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars probably won’t be around for much longer. Porsche has plans to replace them with electric models. For now, the 718 range still offers a standard six-speed manual transmission with an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch.
Porsche’s 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars, while potentially facing an electric future, continue to cater to standard transmission enthusiasts in their current generation. The Porsche 718 range offers a standard six-speed manual transmission across various trims. For those who prefer automated shifting, Porsche’s renowned seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available as an option. While the future of the 718 platform may be electric, for now, the option of a standard transmission remains a key part of the Porsche driving experience in these sports cars.
Porsche 911
Photo by: Porsche
Porsche not offer a manual 911? Unpossible. You can get the six-speed shifter on the new Carrera T or GT3 models for 2025. The Carrera T gets a twin-turbocharged flat-six making 388 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, while the latest GT3 gets a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with 502 horsepower. You really can’t go wrong with either.
The iconic Porsche 911, synonymous with sports car excellence, would be unthinkable to many without a standard transmission option. Fortunately, Porsche continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission on select 911 models for 2025, including the Carrera T and GT3. The Carrera T pairs its manual gearbox with a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 388 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The track-focused GT3, on the other hand, features a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine with a staggering 502 horsepower, also available with a manual. Whether you choose the Carrera T or GT3, Porsche ensures the availability of a standard transmission for the ultimate 911 driving experience.
Subaru BRZ
Photo by: Subaru
The Subaru BRZ keeps the manual dream alive for 2025. The affordable sports car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission paired to a 2.4-liter Boxer engine making 228 horsepower across all trims. If you want some added spice, the BRZ tS gets an STI-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and better steering.
The Subaru BRZ, a collaborative effort with Toyota, remains a strong advocate for the standard transmission in the affordable sports car segment for 2025. The Subaru BRZ comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission across all trim levels. This manual gearbox is paired with a responsive 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower. For those seeking enhanced performance, the BRZ tS trim offers STI-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering, further enhancing the driving experience of this standard transmission sports car.
Subaru WRX
Photo by: Subaru
Subaru’s iconic sports sedan still has a manual for 2025. The WRX pairs a standard six-speed to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine making 271 horsepower on the Base, Premium, and Limited models, as well as the new-for-2025 WRX tS. The WRX starts at a reasonable $33,855.
Subaru’s rally-bred sports sedan, the WRX, continues to offer a standard transmission for the 2025 model year. The Subaru WRX pairs a six-speed manual transmission with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 271 horsepower. This manual gearbox is available on the Base, Premium, and Limited trims, as well as the new-for-2025 WRX tS model. Starting at a reasonable $33,855, the WRX provides an accessible entry point to standard transmission sports sedans with rally-inspired performance.
Toyota GR86
Photo by: Toyota
Just like its cousin, the Subaru BRZ, you can still get a manual on the Toyota GR86 for 2025—as expected. The GR86 pairs a six-speed with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine making 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Hakone Edition returns for 2025, but you can get into a new GR86 for as little as $31,135.
The Toyota GR86, co-developed with Subaru, mirrors its sibling by offering a standard transmission for the 2025 model year. As anticipated, the Toyota GR86 features a six-speed manual transmission paired with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The stylish Hakone Edition returns for 2025, but the GR86 remains accessible with a starting price of $31,135, making it an attractive option for those seeking a standard transmission sports car.
Toyota GR Corolla
Photo by: Toyota
Even though Toyota introduced an automatic option for the GR Corolla for 2025 (and it’s pretty damn good), the hot hatchback still comes standard with a manual. The six-speed pairs to a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine making 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Toyota’s hot hatchback, the GR Corolla, prioritizes driver engagement by offering a standard transmission even with the introduction of an automatic option for 2025. The Toyota GR Corolla comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. This manual gearbox is paired with a potent turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. While an automatic is now available, the standard transmission remains central to the GR Corolla’s sporty character and driver-focused appeal.
Toyota GR Supra
The Supra isn’t selling as well as it used to, but buyers can still secure the sports car with a six-speed manual transmission. The 2025 GR Supra offers a six-speed manual option across both trims, and it’s paired to the now-standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 382 horsepower. The four-cylinder Supra was discontinued for 2025.
The Toyota GR Supra, a revival of a legendary sports car nameplate, continues to offer a standard transmission to cater to driving enthusiasts. The 2025 GR Supra offers a six-speed manual transmission option across both available trims. This manual gearbox is paired with the now-standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 382 horsepower. With the discontinuation of the four-cylinder Supra for 2025, the manual transmission is exclusively paired with the more powerful six-cylinder engine, further emphasizing the GR Supra’s sporty intentions for standard transmission lovers.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the only truck you can buy in 2025 with a manual transmission. How the times have changed. And it’s not just limited to the base model, either. The Tacoma SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road all get the six-speed option.
In a market where standard transmissions are increasingly rare in trucks, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as the sole pickup truck offering a manual option in 2025. The Toyota Tacoma provides a six-speed manual transmission on a variety of trims, including the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road models. This availability of a standard transmission across multiple Tacoma trims makes it unique in the truck segment and appeals to drivers who desire manual control even in a pickup.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Photo by: Volkswagen
The manual GTI and Golf R are dead for 2025. Sad. But, you can still get a Jetta GLI with the six-speed shifter. The 2025 model gets a modest facelift for 2025 and some updates to the interior, but the manual sticks around. It’s still paired to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Update: A previous version of this story noted 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 updated.
While Volkswagen has discontinued the manual transmission in the GTI and Golf R for 2025, enthusiasts can still find a standard transmission in the Jetta GLI. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission for the 2025 model year, even with a mid-cycle refresh that includes updated styling and interior features. This manual gearbox is paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making the Jetta GLI a remaining option for standard transmission fans in the Volkswagen lineup.
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