Can You Still Buy a Car With a Standard Transmission?
Yes. New cars with manual (standard) transmissions are still available in 2025, but choices are far fewer than a decade ago and are increasingly concentrated in enthusiast models and a handful of trucks/SUVs. Availability varies by market: the U.S. offers a limited but meaningful selection, Europe still has some budget and performance manuals, and manuals remain common in countries like India. The used market continues to offer the widest selection worldwide.
Contents
Where manuals remain available in 2025
Manual transmissions have not disappeared, but they’ve retreated to niches: performance cars that market driver engagement, specific off-road models, and a shrinking number of budget offerings in select regions. Here’s how that looks in key markets.
United States: New cars you can buy with a manual today
The list below highlights mainstream, widely reported 2025-model vehicles in the U.S. that offer a factory manual. Availability can depend on trim, engine, and region, and is subject to change during the model year, so verify with a dealer or the manufacturer’s site.
- Acura Integra (A-Spec with Technology, 6MT); Integra Type S (6MT only)
- BMW M2 (6MT available); BMW M3 base RWD (6MT available); BMW Z4 M40i (6MT available)
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing (6MT available)
- Ford Mustang GT and Dark Horse (6MT available; EcoBoost is automatic-only)
- Honda Civic Si (6MT only) and Civic Type R (6MT only)
- Lotus Emira V6 (6MT available)
- Mazda MX-5 Miata (6MT widely available)
- Nissan Z (6MT available)
- Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman (6MT on many trims as the ICE line sunsets); 911 (manual on select trims such as Carrera T and GT models; many others are PDK-only)
- Subaru BRZ (6MT available) and Subaru WRX (6MT available on several trims)
- Toyota GR86 (6MT available), GR Corolla (6MT only), and GR Supra 3.0 (6MT available)
- Ford Bronco (7-speed manual with the 2.3L on select trims)
- Jeep Wrangler (6MT with the 3.6L V6 on specific trims)
- Toyota Tacoma (6MT on select TRD-oriented trims)
This roster changes as automakers refresh lineups, add special editions, or consolidate trims. Dealer allocation can be limited; manual cars are often built-to-order or stocked sparsely in many regions.
Other regions: Where manuals are easier (or harder) to find
Outside the U.S., manual availability mirrors local regulations, fuel prices, and buyer preferences. Here’s a snapshot of how the landscape differs and examples you’re likely to encounter.
- Europe/UK: Manuals are declining but still present in budget brands (for example, Dacia Sandero/Duster) and select performance models; emissions and safety tech are pushing many mainstream lines to automatics.
- Canada/Australia: Similar to the U.S.—manuals mainly in enthusiast cars (e.g., GR Corolla, WRX, MX-5) and select niche offerings; dealer inventory can be sparse.
- India and much of Southeast Asia: Manuals remain common, especially in entry-level hatchbacks and sedans from brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Kia, and Toyota.
- Latin America/Africa: Manuals are widely available on cost-focused models and lower trims; availability varies by country and local assembly.
As electrification and stricter emissions standards spread, even these markets are gradually shifting toward automatics and EVs—but the pace is slower than in North America and Western Europe.
Why manuals have (mostly) disappeared
Several industry trends have thinned the ranks of manual-transmission cars over the past decade. These dynamics affect both mass-market and luxury segments.
- Efficiency and emissions: Modern automatics and dual-clutch units often achieve better official fuel-economy and CO₂ numbers, aiding compliance with regulations.
- Performance parity: Advanced automatics shift faster and more consistently than most drivers can with a manual, reducing the performance case for three pedals.
- Driver-assistance integration: Adaptive cruise, lane-centering, and start/stop systems are easier to implement smoothly with automatics.
- Demand and cost: Fewer buyers know—or want—to drive manuals, making low-volume manuals hard to justify on complex global platforms.
- Electrification: Hybrids and EVs don’t pair naturally with traditional manuals, accelerating the transition away from them.
Together, these factors have repositioned the manual as a niche choice—kept alive by enthusiast demand, brand heritage, and off-road use cases.
How to buy a manual today
If you’re set on a stick shift, a targeted approach will improve your odds and potentially your price.
- Search smart: Use OEM build-and-price tools and dealer inventory filters for “manual” or “transmission” to spot in-stock cars.
- Be flexible on trim/colors: Manuals are often limited to specific trims; accepting different colors or packages can shorten wait times.
- Consider factory order: Many dealers can place sold orders for manual trims not sitting on lots.
- Shop the used market: Certified pre-owned and late-model enthusiast cars greatly expand choices and may hold value well.
- Verify the exact spec: Some models offer manual only with certain engines or delete specific driver-assistance features—confirm before you sign.
- Plan for resale: Manuals can command strong resale in enthusiast circles but may narrow your buyer pool in mainstream segments.
Spending a few extra minutes to confirm transmission codes, build sheets, and option dependencies can prevent surprises and ensure you get the driving experience you want.
Outlook
Manuals will likely persist through the decade in select performance cars and a few rugged off-roaders, even as mainstream models transition to hybrids and EVs. Expect year-to-year changes—some nameplates lose manuals while others reintroduce them in halo trims to keep enthusiast credibility.
Summary
You can still buy a new manual-transmission car in 2025, but choices are concentrated in performance coupes, hot compacts, and a few off-road-capable SUVs and midsize pickups—plus broader options in certain global markets. Inventory is limited; factory orders and the used market remain your best strategies for finding the right three-pedal car.
What cars still offer a manual transmission?
Many cars still offer a manual transmission for the 2025 model year, including performance models like the Acura Integra Type S, BMW M2/M3/M4, Ford Mustang, Honda Civic Type R/Si, Hyundai Elantra N, Porsche 911/718 series, Toyota GR86/GR Corolla/GR Supra, and the Subaru WRX/BRZ. You can also find them in some trucks and SUVs, such as the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Toyota Tacoma, and even in some non-performance models like the Mazda 3, Nissan Z, and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
Performance and Enthusiast Cars
- Acura: Integra
- BMW: M2, M3, M4, Z4
- Cadillac: CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V Blackwing
- Ford: Mustang
- Honda: Civic Si, Civic Type R
- Hyundai: Elantra N
- Lotus: Emira
- Mazda: MX-5 Miata
- Nissan: Z
- Porsche: 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, 911
- Subaru: BRZ, WRX
- Toyota: GR86, GR Corolla, GR Supra
- Volkswagen: Jetta GLI
Trucks and SUVs
- Ford: Bronco
- Jeep: Wrangler
- Toyota: Tacoma
Other Mainstream Options
- Mazda: Mazda3 Hatchback
- Nissan: Versa
What is the lifespan of a manual transmission?
How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
| Transmission Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Transmission Lifespan Without Maintenance | 100,000 miles or less |
| Transmission Lifespan with Proper Maintenance | 300,000 miles or more |
| When to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 miles |
| When to Change Manual Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles |
Can you still buy a car with a manual transmission?
Yes, you can still buy new cars with manual transmissions, but they are becoming rare and are primarily offered in sports cars and enthusiast vehicles. Automakers like BMW, Mazda, Honda, Porsche, and Toyota offer manual options in a limited number of their models, but the overall market share for manual cars is declining.
Why Manuals Are Disappearing
- Electrification: All electric cars use automatic transmissions, and upcoming bans on petrol and diesel cars (like the 2035 ban in some regions) will further reduce the availability of manual gearboxes.
- Efficiency: Automatic transmissions have become more efficient, closing the gap in fuel economy that used to favor manual transmissions, especially in smaller cars.
- Market Trends: The majority of new car sales are automatic, making manual cars increasingly niche and a small percentage of the total market.
Where to Find Manual Cars
- Enthusiast Models: Manuals are most often found in performance-oriented vehicles, such as:
- BMW M2 and M4
- Honda Civic Type R
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster
- Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ
- Sports Cars and Performance Variants: Many manufacturers are focusing their manual options on high-performance or sports-focused trim levels of their vehicles.
Why Choose a Manual Today?
- Driving Enjoyment: Opens in new tabMany drivers still prefer manuals for the sense of control and engagement they offer, making the driving experience more exciting.
- Lower Costs: Opens in new tabManual transmissions are simpler, which can mean lower initial purchase prices and reduced maintenance and repair costs compared to automatics.
Which cars still have manual transmission in 2025?
Every New Car With a Manual Transmission in 2025
- 2025 Acura Integra / Credit: Acura.
- 2025 BMW M2 / Credit: BMW.
- 2025 BMW M3 / Credit: BMW.
- 2025 BMW M4 Coupe / Credit: BMW.
- 2025 BMW Z4 / Credit: BMW.
- 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing / Credit: Cadillac.
- 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing / Credit: Cadillac.
