For true driving enthusiasts, the connection to the road is most keenly felt through a manual transmission. While the automotive world increasingly leans towards automatics, paddle shifters, and electric powertrains, the joy of rowing your own gears is far from extinct. If you’re passionate about clutch pedals and the satisfying engagement of a stick shift, you’ll be pleased to know that the 2025 model year still offers a surprising number of choices when it comes to Cars That Are Manual. From sporty coupes and sedans to adventurous SUVs and even a rugged pickup truck, the manual gearbox lives on. Let’s dive into the exciting lineup of cars that keep the manual spirit alive in 2025.
Acura
Acura Integra
Acura is committed to the manual transmission experience, starting with their entry-level model, the Integra. The base Acura Integra combines the engaging six-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive and a spirited turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 200 horsepower. This combination offers an accessible entry point into the world of manual cars, starting at an attractive price of $34,195 for the 2025 model year.
Acura Integra Type S
For those seeking even more thrills, the Acura Integra Type S elevates the driving experience with a manual transmission. In fact, the six-speed manual is the only transmission available in the performance-oriented Type S trim. This model pairs the manual gearbox with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that churns out an impressive 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, all sent to the front wheels for a dynamic and engaging drive.
BMW
BMW stands out with the most extensive range of manual transmission offerings among luxury brands. For drivers who believe in the ultimate driving machine and the involvement of a manual gearbox, BMW provides a compelling selection.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 is where BMW’s manual transmission story begins. The 2025 BMW M2 boasts a crisp six-speed manual transmission mated to a formidable twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This powerhouse delivers 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, creating a truly exhilarating sports car experience. While an eight-speed automatic is optional, the manual is the purist’s choice for maximizing driver engagement.
BMW M3
The iconic BMW M3 continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025, but with a specific configuration. To get the coveted six-speed manual in the M3, you must opt for the rear-wheel-drive standard M3 model, which delivers a robust 473 horsepower. The higher-performance M3 Competition models, whether rear-wheel-drive with 503 horsepower or the all-wheel-drive M3 Competition xDrive with 523 horsepower, are exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes the standard M3 the sole gateway to manual shifting in the M3 sedan lineup.
BMW M4
Similarly to its sedan counterpart, the BMW M4 coupe reserves the manual transmission for a specific model. For the 2025 BMW M4, the engaging six-speed manual is exclusively available on the rear-wheel-drive M4 variant, which produces 473 horsepower. The more potent rear-wheel-drive M4 Competition and the all-wheel-drive M4 Competition xDrive, boasting 503 and 523 horsepower respectively, are only offered with the quick-shifting eight-speed automatic. Manual enthusiasts will find their match in the standard rear-wheel-drive M4.
BMW Z4
BMW finally answered enthusiasts’ calls by introducing a manual transmission option for the Z4 roadster in 2024. This welcome addition continues for 2025. The six-speed manual convertible is exclusively available in the more powerful M40i trim, which features a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This combination delivers open-top thrills with the added engagement of a manual gearbox.
Cadillac
Cadillac’s V-Series Blackwing models are renowned for their performance and driver-focused engineering, and thankfully, both the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing proudly offer manual transmissions.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing remains a benchmark sports sedan for 2025, offering a standard six-speed manual transmission to complement its thrilling performance. An optional 10-speed automatic is also available, but the manual is the choice for purists. The CT4-V Blackwing is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Priced from $63,590, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers exceptional performance with manual engagement.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing receives a refreshed design and updated features for 2025, but crucially, it retains the beloved manual transmission option. This super sedan pairs its robust six-speed manual with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that unleashes a staggering 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Starting at $96,990, the CT5-V Blackwing offers unmatched power and manual control in the super sedan segment.
Ford
Ford continues to cater to manual transmission enthusiasts across a diverse range of vehicles, from adventurous SUVs to iconic sports cars.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco stands out as one of the few SUVs still available with a manual transmission. The Bronco offers a seven-speed manual option on Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition models for 2025. This manual gearbox is paired with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. For those desiring the more powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower, an automatic transmission is required. The manual Bronco provides a unique blend of off-road capability and driver engagement.
Ford Mustang
Despite shifting market trends, the Ford Mustang, an icon of American muscle, proudly retains its manual transmission option for 2025. The six-speed manual is available on both the GT and Dark Horse models, which deliver impressive horsepower figures of 480 and 500 respectively. The Mustang GT with a manual starts at $48,155, while the Dark Horse variant begins at $65,975, offering manual thrills at various price points.
Hennessey
Hennessey Venom F5
For those with unlimited budgets and a desire for ultimate exclusivity and manual control, Hennessey Performance offers the extraordinary Venom F5-M Roadster. This hypercar, built in Texas, features a gated six-speed manual transmission and an astonishing 1,817 horsepower. Claiming the title of the world’s most powerful manual car, the Venom F5-M Roadster comes with a price tag of $2.65 million, representing the pinnacle of manual performance and rarity.
Honda
Honda maintains its commitment to manual transmissions in its sporty Civic models, ensuring driving enthusiasts still have options within the brand.
Honda Civic Si
While Honda discontinued manual transmissions for the base Civic sedan and hatchback, the spirit lives on in the sporty Civic Si. The 2025 Honda Civic Si continues to offer a 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 affordable and engaging manual performance sedan.
Honda Civic Type R
The top-tier Honda Civic Type R also remains committed to the manual driving experience for 2025. Like the Integra Type S, the Civic Type R is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission. This gearbox is mated to a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 Type R receives a minor facelift and a slight price increase, starting at $47,045, but retains its manual-focused performance character.
Hyundai
Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N represents Hyundai’s last gasoline-powered N model and continues to offer a manual transmission. 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 for convenience, the manual is the choice for maximizing driving engagement in this sporty sedan.
Jeep
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler, an icon of off-road capability, offers a surprising manual transmission option for 2025. Initially, Jeep considered making the V6-powered Wrangler manual-only, but ultimately decided to retain both manual and automatic options. The base 2025 Wrangler is available with both a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission, both paired with the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine. This provides drivers with the choice of manual control for their off-road adventures.
Lotus
Lotus Emira
The Lotus Emira is the sole manual offering in the current Lotus lineup, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to driver engagement. The six-speed manual comes standard with the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Notably, the manual transmission is not available with the base four-cylinder engine, making the V6 manual Emira the choice for purists.
Mazda
Mazda continues to surprise enthusiasts by offering manual transmissions in unexpected models, alongside their iconic MX-5 Miata.
Mazda3
Believe it or not, a manual transmission can still be found in the Mazda3. However, it’s exclusively available on the front-wheel-drive 2.5S Premium hatchback trim. This model 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. The manual Mazda3 hatchback offers a unique combination of practicality and driver engagement, though it’s not available on the sedan, turbo models, or with all-wheel drive.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Unsurprisingly, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a symbol of affordable roadster fun, continues to offer a manual transmission for 2025. The beloved sports car provides a six-speed shifter in both the standard soft-top convertible and the hard-top RF models. 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, ensuring a classic and engaging driving experience.
Nissan
Nissan provides manual transmission options in both its affordable subcompact sedan and its performance-oriented Z sports car, catering to different segments of manual enthusiasts.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa emerges as an unexpected hero of the manual transmission, especially for budget-conscious buyers. For 2025, the subcompact sedan retains its five-speed manual on the base S model. This manual option contributes to the Versa’s status as the most affordable car in America (when destination charges are included). The 2025 Versa S starts at a remarkably low price of $18,330, making manual driving accessible to a wide audience.
Nissan Z
The Nissan Z, a modern sports car with heritage, absolutely demands a manual transmission for many enthusiasts. Thankfully, the 2025 model delivers, offering a six-speed manual on the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims. This manual gearbox is paired with a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. However, the higher-performance 420-hp Z Nismo model is exclusively offered with a nine-speed automatic, making the standard Z models the gateway to manual shifting.
Porsche
Porsche, synonymous with sports car excellence, understands the importance of manual transmissions for driver engagement and continues to offer them in key models.
Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman
The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars, while potentially nearing their electric replacements, currently still offer the joy of manual shifting. The 718 range provides a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission available for those seeking quicker shifts.
Porsche 911
A manual Porsche 911 is almost a given for driving purists. For 2025, the six-speed manual shifter can be found on the Carrera T and GT3 models. The Carrera T is powered by a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 388 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, while the track-focused GT3 features a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with 502 horsepower. Whether you choose the Carrera T or GT3, a manual 911 delivers an unparalleled driving experience.
Subaru
Subaru maintains its reputation for driver-focused vehicles by offering manual transmissions in both its BRZ sports car and WRX performance sedan.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ, a popular and affordable sports car, keeps the manual transmission dream alive for 2025. The BRZ comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission across all trims, paired with a responsive 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower. For enhanced performance, the BRZ tS model adds an STI-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering, further amplifying the manual driving experience.
Subaru WRX
Subaru’s iconic WRX sports sedan continues to offer 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 Base, Premium, Limited, and the new-for-2025 WRX tS models. Starting at a reasonable $33,855, the WRX remains an accessible entry point into manual performance sedans.
Toyota
Toyota provides a range of manual options, from affordable sports cars to practical trucks, demonstrating a commitment to diverse driving preferences.
Toyota GR86
Like its sibling, 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 the GR86 lineup starts at an accessible $31,135 for manual enthusiasts.
Toyota GR Corolla
Even though Toyota introduced an automatic option for the GR Corolla for 2025 (which is well-regarded), the hot hatchback still comes standard with a 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, making it a standout manual hot hatch.
Toyota GR Supra
Despite sales trends, the Toyota GR Supra continues to offer a manual transmission option for driving enthusiasts. 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. With the discontinuation of the four-cylinder Supra for 2025, the manual six-cylinder Supra becomes the focused choice for performance and engagement.
Toyota Tacoma
In a shifting automotive landscape, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as the only pickup truck you can purchase with a manual transmission in 2025. This manual option isn’t limited to base models either; the Tacoma SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims all offer the six-speed manual. The Tacoma provides a unique combination of truck utility and manual driving engagement.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
While manual transmissions are no longer available for the GTI and Golf R in 2025, Volkswagen still caters to manual enthusiasts with the Jetta GLI. The 2025 Jetta GLI receives a refreshed design and interior updates, but thankfully, the six-speed manual transmission remains. It’s paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing a sporty and engaging manual sedan option.
Long Live The Manual
While the automotive industry evolves, the availability of cars that are manual in 2025 proves that the stick shift is far from extinct. For driving enthusiasts who value engagement, control, and the pure joy of shifting gears, there remains a diverse and exciting selection of vehicles to choose from. From affordable sports cars to powerful sedans and even adventurous SUVs and trucks, the manual transmission continues to offer a unique and rewarding driving experience.
