Manual Gearbox to Survive in These Vehicles for 2025
The number of makes and models offering manual transmissions keeps shrinking due to poor sales, new emission regulations, incompatibilities with various driver assistance features and the increasing array of electric and hybrid vehicles, among other things.
The 2025 model year will see the Jeep Gladiator, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, as well as the entire MINI lineup drop the stick-shift option, not to mention that we’ve lost the Chevrolet Camaro in the process.
Below are the 27 vehicles—out of more than 300—that will continue to offer a manual gearbox for 2025 (down from 32 this year). If you consider yourself a purist or a sporty driving enthusiast, check out the list.
Acura Integra
A fancy cousin of the Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R, today’s Integra is certainly not the coupe that enthusiasts had been waiting for, but its driving dynamics and formidable Type S variant live up to the brand's heritage. It also comes with a practical hatchback design.
BMW M2
Like the Z4, which will gain a third pedal in 2025 (more on that later), the M2 has a number of features that will appeal to die-hard BMW fans. We appreciate the short wheelbase and lively steering making for sharp and fun handling.
BMW M3 and M4
The current-generation M3 and M4 receive a second major update. Notably, power is increased to 523 hp—if you opt for the automatic transmission, that is. With the six-speed manual gearbox, you get 473 hp instead. That doesn't make the latter any less desirable, mind you.
BMW Z4
At a time when manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare in the auto industry, BMW is bucking this trend and making one available in the six-cylinder Z4 for 2025. This makes the German roadster more fun to drive, supported by unique suspension and steering calibration.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Overlooked by customers and maybe Cadillac itself, which hasn’t made much changes since the launch in 2020, the CT4 lacks recognition, especially the high-performance Blackwing model. Its 472-hp twin-turbo V6 makes the most of the excellent Alpha platform, shared with the now-defunct Camaro.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Unlike the CT4, the larger CT5 benefits from a mid-cycle update for 2025. The top-line Blackwing will retain excellent resale value, especially when it comes with three pedals instead of two.
Ford Bronco
In order to counter the Jeep Wrangler’s many variants, the Ford Bronco offers several engine options, including a 2.3-litre four-cylinder. This is the only engine that can be mated to a seven-speed manual gearbox.
Ford Mustang
The iconic Mustang is 60 years and seven generations old, with the latest one getting a fully digital interior (well, sort of). The 5.0-litre V8 sticks around, as do the Getrag (Mustang GT) and Tremec (Dark Horse) manual transmissions.
Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R
For 2025, the Civic Sport Touring Hatchback gets a hybrid powertrain and dispenses with the manual gearbox. Enthusiasts have to turn to the sportier Civic Si or Civic Type R to benefit from Honda’s slick-shifting lever and clutch.
Hyundai Elantra N
Introduced in 2022, the Elantra N received several upgrades for 2024 including fresh looks along with revised engine mounts, steering and rear suspension. The manual gearbox is still available, but the car’s front-wheel drive system sacrifices traction in winter.
Jeep Wrangler
One year removed from a major update, the Jeep Wrangler gets a price cut, while the 3.6-litre V6 eliminates the eight-speed automatic transmission and is now only available with a six-speed manual.
Lotus Emira
As the ultimate ICE-powered Lotus, the Emira delivers a highly engaging driving experience courtesy of an available supercharged V6 and the ability for drivers to shift gears themselves.
Mazda3 Sport GT
Mazda is arguably in a class of its own, and the 3 Sport GT is a good example. This is the last model of the sleek compact hatchback to offer a manual transmission, and it delivers a sweet dose of refinement and driving pleasure at an attractive price.
Mazda MX-5
It's safe to assume that the MX-5 will be one of the last cars to feature in this annual list. The little roadster’s reputation—and Mazda’s—is based on pure, sporty driving. We look forward to seeing the 35th anniversary edition of the MX-5 in the coming weeks.
Nissan Sentra
Curiously, you can only have a manual Nissan Versa in the U.S. and a manual Nissan Sentra in Canada (in base S or top-line SR trim). The latter likely owes its existence to the Nissan Sentra Cup racing series.
Nissan Z
It’s a real shame that the Z Nismo comes exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base Sport and mid-range Performance models, however, both give drivers the ability to row their own gears with a stick, making the most of the 400-hp twin-turbo V6.
Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman
While the Stuttgart-based brand was initially planning to retire them as early as 2023, the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman return for 2025 with their fabulous four- and six-cylinder engines and blissful manual transmissions. Their battery-powered successors will have to wait a little longer, and we can't complain.
Porsche 911
When the updated 2025 Porsche 911 was introduced, the missing manual gearbox disappointed many enthusiasts. Well, it’s back in the revised 911 GT3. All signs point to this transmission being reserved for rare and special editions of the 911 in the future.
Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
The jointly developed twins rely on a simple, tried-and-tested recipe that goes back to Japanese sports cars of the 1990s: a low weight, high-revving engine with just the right amount of power, clever mass distribution, top-notch handling and a good old-fashioned gearshift.
Subaru WRX
If you want a sporty car that's fun to drive all year round, look no further than the Subaru WRX. It doesn't fear winter and shines in every other season. The new-for-2025 WRX tS is even better with an adaptive suspension and Brembo braking system.
Toyota GR Corolla
Along with the Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R, the GR Corolla was one of the few sports cars not to offer an automatic transmission. But for 2025, Toyota is adding an eight-speed unit with paddle shifters in the $60,000-plus Premium model. We still prefer the manual gearbox, obviously.
Toyota GR Supra
In all likelihood, the GR Supra is living on borrowed time. The contract with the Magna plant in Austria is about to expire. For 2025, Toyota does away with the base four-cylinder engine, but the inline six-cylinder (also shared with the BMW Z4) remains, along with a manual gearbox.
Toyota Tacoma
Despite a spectacular technological evolution, the fourth-generation Tacoma keeps offering a manual transmission, although with the five-foot cargo bed only. It’s the last pickup in Canada to do so, with the Jeep Gladiator getting rid of its own for 2025.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The only Volkswagen to retain a manual gearbox for 2025 is Jetta GLI sports sedan. You can still try to grab one of the remaining 2024 Jettas, Golf GTIs and Golf Rs with a stick on dealer lots.
