Remember the days when a manual transmission was the standard in almost every car? While automatic transmissions have surged in popularity, offering convenience and often improved fuel efficiency, the manual gearbox is far from extinct. For driving enthusiasts, the engagement and control offered by a manual transmission remain unmatched. Fortunately, for those who prefer to row their own gears, the automotive landscape in 2025 still offers a surprising number of choices.
Despite the industry trend leaning towards automatics and electric vehicles, nearly 30 cars in 2025 continue to offer the beloved manual transmission. This selection spans various vehicle types, from thrilling sports cars and sporty sedans to capable SUVs and even a rugged pickup truck. As many iconic models transition away from manual options, it’s encouraging to see a dedicated group of manufacturers keeping the spirit of manual driving alive. Let’s explore the models where you can still experience the joy of three pedals and a stick shift in 2025.
Acura Integra: The Entry-Level Manual Gem
Acura proudly keeps the manual transmission tradition alive with its compact and stylish Integra. The base Acura Integra model comes equipped with a slick six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. Paired with a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 200 horsepower, the Integra offers an engaging driving experience at an accessible price point. Starting at $34,195 for the 2025 model year, the Acura Integra manual is a fantastic entry point into the world of stick shift driving.
Acura Integra Type S: Manual Performance Unleashed
For those seeking even greater performance with their manual transmission, Acura offers the exhilarating Integra Type S. Exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Integra Type S is designed for driving purists. This sporty trim level boasts a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers an impressive 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The Acura Integra Type S manual is a testament to Acura’s commitment to driver engagement and performance.
BMW M2: The Manual Gateway to M Power
BMW stands out as a champion of the manual transmission, offering it in more models than any other premium brand. Leading the charge is the BMW M2, the entry point to BMW’s legendary M division. The 2025 BMW M2 pairs a precise six-speed manual transmission with a thrilling twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This powerplant generates a formidable 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, delivering exhilarating performance. While an eight-speed automatic is optional, the manual transmission is undoubtedly the choice for driving enthusiasts seeking maximum engagement from their BMW M2.
BMW M3: Manual Purity in a Performance Sedan
The iconic BMW M3 sedan also retains its manual transmission option for 2025, albeit with a slight caveat. To experience the joy of a manual in the M3, you must opt for the rear-wheel-drive variant producing 473 horsepower. The more powerful M3 Competition models, with up to 523 horsepower and available all-wheel drive, are exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For purists who prioritize the classic manual driving experience in a high-performance sedan, the rear-wheel-drive BMW M3 manual remains a compelling choice.
BMW M4: Coupe Thrills with Manual Control
The BMW M4 coupe mirrors the M3’s manual transmission strategy for 2025. The six-speed manual is exclusively offered on the rear-wheel-drive BMW M4 model, delivering 473 horsepower. Similar to the M3, the higher-performance M4 Competition and M4 Competition xDrive models, boasting increased power and optional all-wheel drive, are exclusively available with the eight-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive BMW M4 manual provides a focused and engaging driving experience, perfect for those who appreciate the tactile connection of a manual gearbox in a performance coupe.
BMW Z4: Manual Roadster Returns
BMW finally answered the call of enthusiasts and reintroduced a manual transmission option for the Z4 roadster in 2024. This welcome addition continues for the 2025 model year. The six-speed manual convertible is exclusively available in the top-tier, more powerful M40i trim. This configuration combines the engaging manual gearbox with a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The BMW Z4 M40i manual offers a delightful open-top driving experience with the added engagement of a stick shift.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: American Muscle, Manual Style
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing remains a standout sports sedan for 2025, offering a compelling blend of performance and luxury, and importantly, a manual transmission. The CT4-V Blackwing comes standard with a precise six-speed manual transmission. For those who prefer it, a sophisticated 10-speed automatic is also available. Both transmissions are paired with a thrilling twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Starting at $63,590, the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing manual provides American muscle car thrills with refined handling and driver engagement.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Super Sedan with a Stick
The larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing super sedan also proudly retains its manual transmission option for 2025, even with a minor facelift and feature updates for the model year. The CT5-V Blackwing pairs its robust six-speed manual with a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. This powerhouse unleashes a staggering 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, delivering breathtaking performance. Starting at $96,990, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing manual is a true testament to American performance and driver engagement in a luxurious package.
Ford Bronco: Manual Gearbox for Off-Road Adventures
The Ford Bronco stands out as one of the few SUVs available with a manual transmission in 2025, appealing to off-road enthusiasts who value control and engagement. The Bronco offers a seven-speed manual transmission on 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. While the more powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine requires opting for an automatic transmission, the manual Ford Bronco provides a unique and engaging off-road experience.
Ford Mustang: Manual Muscle Car Icon
Despite recent sales trends, the iconic Ford Mustang muscle car continues to offer a manual transmission for the 2025 model year, much to the delight of enthusiasts. The six-speed manual is available on the Mustang GT and Dark Horse models, delivering 480 and 500 horsepower respectively from their powerful V8 engines. Starting at $48,155 for the GT manual and $65,975 for the Dark Horse manual, the Ford Mustang remains a symbol of American muscle and manual driving heritage.
Hennessey Venom F5: The Ultimate Manual Hypercar
For those with boundless budgets and a desire for the ultimate manual driving experience, the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster presents an extraordinary option. This American-built hypercar from Hennessey Performance boasts a gated six-speed manual transmission and an astounding 1,817 horsepower. Claiming the title of the world’s most powerful manual car, the Venom F5-M Roadster is an exclusive and extreme machine, priced at a cool $2.65 million.
Honda Civic Si: Manual Fun in a Sporty Compact
While Honda has discontinued the manual transmission in the base Civic sedan and hatchback models, the sporty Honda Civic Si thankfully retains its six-speed manual gearbox for 2025. Paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower, the Civic Si manual offers an engaging and fun-to-drive experience in a compact package. Priced at $31,400 for the 2025 model, the Honda Civic Si manual remains a popular choice for driving enthusiasts seeking an affordable and sporty stick shift car.
Honda Civic Type R: Manual Hot Hatch Purity
The top-tier Honda Civic Type R hot hatchback also proudly continues with a manual transmission for 2025. Exclusively offered with a six-speed manual, the Civic Type R is engineered for ultimate driving engagement and performance. This manual gearbox is mated to a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. With a minor facelift and a starting price of $47,045 for the 2025 model, the Honda Civic Type R manual remains a benchmark in the world of front-wheel-drive performance and stick shift driving pleasure.
Hyundai Elantra N: Manual Excitement in a Sport Sedan
The Hyundai Elantra N stands as the last gas-powered N model in Hyundai’s lineup, and it thankfully offers a manual transmission option. The Elantra N pairs a six-speed manual with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. While an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is also available for those prioritizing convenience, the manual Hyundai Elantra N caters to driving enthusiasts who crave a more connected and engaging driving experience in a sport sedan.
Jeep Wrangler: Manual Option for Off-Road Icon
The iconic Jeep Wrangler continues to offer a manual transmission option for 2025, appealing to off-road purists and those who appreciate the traditional Jeep driving experience. 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. The availability of a manual in the Jeep Wrangler ensures that drivers can maintain maximum control and engagement when tackling challenging terrains.
Lotus Emira: Manual Gearbox for British Sports Car
The Lotus Emira sports car is the sole model in the Lotus lineup to offer a manual transmission in 2025. The six-speed manual comes standard with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While the base four-cylinder engine variant is exclusively paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the manual Lotus Emira provides a classic and engaging British sports car driving experience, emphasizing driver connection and lightweight agility.
Mazda3: Manual Option in a Premium Hatchback
Believe it or not, the Mazda3 hatchback still offers a manual transmission option for 2025, albeit in a specific trim. The front-wheel-drive Mazda3 2.5S Premium comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. This gearbox is paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. While the manual is not available on the sedan body style, turbo trims, or with all-wheel drive, the Mazda3 2.5S Premium manual offers a refined and engaging driving experience in a practical hatchback.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Quintessential Manual Roadster
Unsurprisingly, the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster continues to champion the manual transmission for 2025. This beloved sports car offers a delightful six-speed shifter in both the standard soft-top convertible and the hard-top RF (Retractable Fastback) models. Both trims are powered by the same engaging 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, sending 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The Mazda MX-5 Miata manual remains the benchmark for affordable, fun-to-drive roadsters and a symbol of the joy of manual driving.
Nissan Versa: The Surprisingly Manual-Equipped Budget Car
In a surprising twist, the Nissan Versa subcompact sedan emerges as an unlikely hero for the manual transmission in 2025. The Versa keeps its five-speed manual transmission on the base S model. This manual gearbox helps maintain its position as one of the most affordable cars in America. Starting at just $18,330 for the 2025 Versa S manual, this subcompact sedan offers a budget-friendly entry point into manual driving.
Nissan Z: Manual Essential for Sports Car Heritage
The Nissan Z sports car absolutely requires a manual transmission to honor its heritage, and Nissan thankfully agrees. The 2025 model year Nissan Z retains its six-speed manual transmission on 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. While the higher-performance Z Nismo model is exclusively offered with a nine-speed automatic, the standard Nissan Z manual provides a crucial link to the model’s sporting past and driver-focused ethos.
Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman: Manual Transmission for Mid-Engine Sports Cars
The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, while potentially facing an electric future, still offer a standard six-speed manual transmission for 2025. For those who prefer automated shifting, a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available as an option. The continued availability of the manual in the 718 range allows driving purists to experience the engaging dynamics of these mid-engine sports cars with the added control of a stick shift.
Porsche 911: Manual Option for the Iconic Sports Car
Could Porsche possibly not offer a manual transmission in the 911? Unthinkable for many enthusiasts. For 2025, the iconic Porsche 911 continues to offer the engaging six-speed manual shifter on the Carrera T and GT3 models. The Carrera T pairs the manual with a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 388 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The GT3, on the other hand, boasts a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine with a thrilling 502 horsepower. Regardless of the choice, a manual Porsche 911 provides an unparalleled sports car driving experience.
Subaru BRZ: Affordable Manual Sports Car Fun
The Subaru BRZ affordable sports car resolutely keeps the manual transmission dream alive for 2025. The 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 model adds STI-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and improved steering, further amplifying the engaging driving dynamics of this manual sports coupe.
Subaru WRX: Manual Gearbox for Rally-Inspired Sedan
Subaru’s rally-bred sports sedan, the WRX, also continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025. The WRX pairs a standard six-speed manual gearbox with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower. This manual option is available on the Base, Premium, Limited, and the new-for-2025 WRX tS models. Starting at a reasonable $33,855, the Subaru WRX manual provides rally-inspired performance and driver engagement at an accessible price point.
Toyota GR86: Manual Twin to the BRZ
Mirroring its cousin, the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GR86 sports coupe also confidently offers a manual transmission for 2025, as expected by enthusiasts. The GR86 pairs a six-speed manual with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Hakone Edition returns for 2025, but a new GR86 manual can be had for as little as $31,135, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious driving enthusiasts.
Toyota GR Corolla: Manual Hot Hatch Fun, Standard
Even though Toyota introduced an automatic transmission option for the GR Corolla hot hatchback for 2025, the manual remains standard, much to the delight of purists. The GR Corolla comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. This gearbox is paired with a potent turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota GR Corolla manual delivers thrilling hot hatch performance with the engaging control of a stick shift.
Toyota GR Supra: Manual Option Revives Sales
The Toyota GR Supra sports car, while facing sales challenges, has seen a resurgence in interest thanks to the introduction of a manual transmission option. The 2025 GR Supra offers a six-speed manual transmission across both trim levels. This manual gearbox is paired with the now-standard turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower. The addition of a manual to the Toyota GR Supra has reinvigorated the model and provided driving enthusiasts with the engagement they desired.
Toyota Tacoma: Manual Truck for Work and Play
In a rapidly changing automotive landscape, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as the only pickup truck available with a manual transmission in 2025. This manual option is not limited to just the base model; the Tacoma SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims all offer the six-speed manual. The Toyota Tacoma manual provides truck buyers with a unique combination of capability and driver engagement, appealing to those who value control both on and off the road.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Manual Sport Sedan Value
While the manual transmission options for the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R have sadly been discontinued for 2025, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI sport sedan thankfully retains its six-speed manual gearbox. The 2025 Jetta GLI receives a modest facelift and interior updates, but the manual transmission remains a core part of its appeal. Paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI manual offers a value-packed and engaging sport sedan experience.
Long Live The Manual Transmission
The continued availability of manual transmissions in nearly 30 cars for 2025 is a testament to the enduring appeal of driver engagement and the unique connection offered by a stick shift. While the automotive industry continues to evolve, these manufacturers recognize and cater to the passionate driving enthusiast who values the art of manually shifting gears. The manual transmission is far from dead, and for those who seek a more involved and rewarding driving experience, the options in 2025 are surprisingly diverse and exciting.
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