The Models Keeping the Manual Alive in 2025

The last of a dying breed

Not long ago, the manual transmission was an everyday feature — the default way to drive. Today, it’s a badge of honor. As automatics have become smarter and faster, the manual has been quietly fading from new-car lineups, a casualty of convenience and efficiency. Yet in 2025, the stick shift isn’t dead just yet.

Nearly 30 new models still offer a clutch pedal, ranging from affordable compacts and trail-ready SUVs to high-performance sports cars and even one hypercar. For enthusiasts, these cars represent something deeper than nostalgia — they’re about maintaining a direct, mechanical link between driver and machine. Here are the models keeping the manual spirit alive in 2025.

Acura Integra

Acura’s entry-level sedan is one of the easiest ways to get into a manual. The 2025 Integra combines a six-speed transmission with a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive — a fun, practical setup starting at $34,195.

Acura Integra Type S

For something spicier, the Integra Type S uses the same six-speed but pairs it with a 320-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It’s manual-only and sends power to the front wheels.

BMW M2

BMW offers more manuals than anyone else, starting with the M2. Its six-speed connects to a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six making 453 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque — a proper driver’s car.

BMW M3

The M3 keeps its manual alive too, but only on the base rear-wheel-drive version with 473 hp. The Competition and xDrive models go automatic-only.

BMW M4

Like the M3, the M4 offers a six-speed manual only on the standard rear-wheel-drive model (473 hp). The Competition and xDrive trims are auto-only.

BMW Z4 M40i

After years of waiting, the Z4 finally gets a manual. The M40i trim pairs a six-speed with a 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six — the perfect roadster setup.

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Cadillac’s smaller Blackwing sedan remains one of the best manual cars on sale. A six-speed transmission comes standard with its 472-hp twin-turbo V6.

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

The CT5-V Blackwing is one of the last manual super sedans — 668 hp from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed gearbox. A future classic.

Ford Bronco

The Bronco is one of the few SUVs still offering a manual. The seven-speed pairs with the base 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder, making 300 hp.

Ford Mustang

Both the Mustang GT (480 hp) and Dark Horse (500 hp) keep their six-speeds for 2025. It’s the last V8 pony car you can still get with a stick.

Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster

Yes, even the 1,817-hp Venom F5 gets a gated six-speed manual. It’s a limited-run hypercar for purists with deep pockets — $2.65 million deep.

Honda Civic Si

The base Civic is auto-only now, but the Si keeps the faith with a six-speed manual and a 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter engine.

Honda Civic Type R

The Civic Type R remains manual-only, using a 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It’s one of the best-shifting cars on the market, period.

Hyundai Elantra N

The last gas-powered N model still offers a manual. The Elantra N pairs its six-speed with a 276-hp turbocharged four-cylinder.

Jeep Wrangler

The base Wrangler with the 3.6-liter V6 still offers a six-speed manual, one of the last in the off-road SUV world.

Lotus Emira

Lotus’s final gas-powered car is available with a manual, and the 400-hp supercharged V6 version gets a six-speed standard.

Mazda3

Only one trim, the front-wheel-drive 2.5S Premium hatchback, gets the manual. It uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 191 hp.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

No surprise here. The Miata remains a pure, lightweight sports car with a six-speed and 181 hp. Still the gold standard for affordable driving fun.

Nissan Versa

The cheapest car in America still comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The base Versa S starts at just $18,330.

Nissan Z

The 2025 Z keeps its six-speed across the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims. The twin-turbo V6 makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman

Likely nearing the end of the line, both the Boxster and Cayman still offer a six-speed manual alongside an optional dual-clutch.

Porsche 911

Porsche wouldn’t dare drop the stick. The Carrera T and GT3 both offer six-speeds, with the GT3 pairing it with a glorious 502-hp flat-six.

Subaru BRZ

The BRZ comes standard with a six-speed manual and a 228-hp 2.4-liter boxer engine. The new tS trim adds an STI-tuned suspension and bigger brakes.

Subaru WRX

The WRX keeps its standard six-speed through 2026. Its 2.4-liter turbo flat-four makes 271 hp and sends power to all four wheels.

Toyota GR86

Toyota’s twin to the BRZ offers the same setup — a six-speed manual with a 2.4-liter boxer engine making 228 hp.

Toyota GR Corolla

Even though Toyota added an automatic for 2025, the GR Corolla still comes standard with a six-speed manual and 300 hp.

Toyota GR Supra

The Supra’s four-cylinder is gone, but the 3.0-liter inline-six can still be had with a six-speed. 382 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a real clutch pedal — what more do you need?

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is the last pickup truck you can buy with a manual. The six-speed is available on the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The GTI and Golf R have gone auto-only, but the Jetta GLI lives on with a six-speed and a 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder.

Final thoughts

Manual transmissions now account for less than 1% of new-car sales in the U.S., but their presence in 2025 feels more meaningful than ever. These cars aren’t just transportation — they’re experiences built around driver involvement, rewarding timing, and feel.

Whether it’s an $18,000 Nissan Versa or a $2.6 million Venom F5, each of these models serves as a reminder that driving doesn’t have to be passive. As cars become quieter, cleaner, and more automated, these machines offer something timeless: the satisfaction of a perfect shift and the feeling of being truly connected to the road. The manual may be endangered, but it’s not extinct — not yet.