The best manual transmission cars of 2025

Even as automatics take over, these cars keep the manual transmission alive.

Feb 19, 2025 - 20:03

The best manual transmission cars of 2025

There’s no getting around it—manual transmissions are on the way out. Every year we see more models making the move to solely automatic offerings, but all hope isn’t lost just yet.

Even in a world where automatic transmissions dominate, a select few automakers still offer the joy of a three-pedal driving experience. Whether it's a high-performance sports car, a hot hatch, or even a capable sedan, these are the best new cars of 2025 that still come with a manual transmission.

2025 Porsche 911: A true enthusiast’s choice

Porsche continues to cater to purists with the latest 911 Carrera T ($135,995) and GT3 ($224,495) models. The Carrera T comes exclusively with a six-speed manual, pairing it with a 388-hp twin-turbo flat-six. The GT3, on the other hand, offers a naturally aspirated 502-hp engine that truly sings at high revs. While a PDK automatic is faster, the manual transmission delivers an unmatched driving experience.

2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: A supercharged powerhouse

Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing ($99,090) is a four-door muscle car with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 pushing out 668 horsepower. This sedan pairs its impressive power with a six-speed manual, making it one of the last true American performance sedans to embrace three-pedal engagement.

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman: Mid-engine madness

Porsche’s mid-engine sports car ($74,795) may not match the 911 in outright power, but its balanced chassis delivers handling that some enthusiasts consider even better. The high-revving GT4 model is a standout, featuring a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six derived from the GT3. Fortunately, a manual transmission remains available across the lineup, from the base four-cylinder models to the coveted GTS 4.0 flat-six versions.

2025 Porsche 718 Boxster: Performance and vitamin D

Mechanically identical to the Cayman, the 718 Boxster ($76,895) offers the same sharp handling and engine choices, with the key difference being its open-top design. Like its coupe sibling, it comes with both flat-four and flat-six powertrains, along with the option of a manual transmission. For those seeking maximum performance, the Boxster Spyder RS delivers an even more intense driving experience.

2025 Lotus Emira: A unique alternative

For those looking to stand out from the Porsche crowd, the Lotus Emira ($102,250) is an excellent alternative. It features a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 mated to a six-speed manual, delivering a pure and engaging driving experience.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata: The lightweight legend

Surprise, surprise—Mazda’s MX-5 Miata ($30,515) continues to champion the joy of lightweight, rear-wheel-drive motoring. While an automatic is available, the Miata’s six-speed manual is the only real choice for those who want to maximize its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine’s potential.

2024 Honda Civic Type R: The benchmark hot hatch

Honda’s Civic Type R ($47,045) remains one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars on the market. With a turbocharged four-cylinder producing 315 horsepower and one of the best manual gearboxes in the industry, it’s a must-drive for enthusiasts.

2025 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ: The Miata alternatives

Toyota and Subaru’s lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports cars (starting at $31,135 and $32,380, respectively) offer an exhilarating experience for budget-conscious buyers. Both come standard with a six-speed manual, ensuring an engaging and connected drive.

2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: The underdog performance sedan

With a twin-turbo V6 and a manual transmission, the CT4-V Blackwing ($63,590) is a more affordable yet equally engaging alternative to its CT5-V sibling. GM’s exceptional chassis tuning also ensures it competes with the best sports sedans available.

2025 BMW M2: The last true M car?

BMW’s M2 ($66,675) remains a favorite among enthusiasts, pairing a 453-hp turbocharged inline-six with a six-speed manual. It delivers a pure, driver-focused experience reminiscent of BMW’s glory days.

2025 Acura Integra and Integra Type S: A revived classic

Acura brought back the Integra name with a six-speed manual option for both the standard model in A-Spec trim and the high-performance Type S, starting at $39,195 and $54,095, respectively. Both models share their mechanicals with the Civic Type R, which is by no means a bad thing.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla: A rally-inspired thrill

The GR Corolla ($39,995) offers a rally-inspired experience with its 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. While an automatic option now exists, the manual is the enthusiast’s pick.

2025 Hyundai Elantra N: The last manual Hyundai

With the Veloster N and Kona N gone, the Elantra N ($36,445) is Hyundai’s last manual-equipped performance car. It features a fantastic six-speed gearbox and an engaging turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

2025 Ford Mustang: A V8-Manual combo that never gets old

The latest Mustang ($48,155) isn’t as liberal with the manual transmission offerings as it once was—you can only get a three-pedal pony car with V8 models like the GT and Dark Horse—but we’re just happy to see Ford hasn’t abandoned the manual transmission yet for its most iconic muscle car. If you want a manual muscle car, the Mustang remains one of the best choices.

2025 Toyota Supra: The manual we fought for

After years of criticism, Toyota finally gave the Supra ($57,385) a six-speed manual option in 2023. It’s only available with the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, but it transforms the driving experience. With 65% of all Supras sold in 2024 specced with a manual, it’s clear there’s a demand for more.

2025 Honda Civic Si: affordable performance

For those who want an engaging manual car without breaking the bank, the Civic Si ($31,400) offers a 200-hp turbo-four, a slick six-speed manual, and everyday usability. It's like the everyman's fun car.

Related: Is Tesla's EV reign over?

2025 Subaru WRX: AWD fun with a stick

2025 Subaru WRX tS
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

While the WRX STI is no more, the standard WRX ($36,920) remains a fun, all-weather performance car. It comes standard with a manual, though the top-trim GT disappointingly drops it in favor of a CVT.

2025 BMW M4: A Manual M car lives on

Though most buyers opt for the automatic, BMW still offers a six-speed manual with the base 473-hp M4 ($80,275). It may not be the fastest version, but it’s the most rewarding to drive.

2025 BMW M3: Four doors, same M power

BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M3 Touring
BMW

If you need extra doors, the BMW M3 sedan ($77,175) delivers the same performance as the M4 coupe but with a more practical four-door layout. The styling gets subtle tweaks, including wider rear fenders to accommodate beefy tires. Under the hood, the base M3 packs 473 horsepower and comes standard with a six-speed manual, while the more potent M3 Competition models are automatic-only.

2025 Nissan Z: A modern take on an icon

Love it or hate it, the Nissan Z ($45,000 est.) remains a compelling sports car. A twin-turbocharged 400-hp V6, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual make for an enticing package. The biggest letdown? The sharper, track-focused NISMO variant is automatic-only.

2025 BMW Z4: A roadster built for purists

For 2025, BMW made the Z4 ($71,675) even more appealing by adding a six-speed manual option to the M40i model. The stick shift is part of the "Handschalter" package (German for "hand shifter"), which costs $3500 and includes additional performance upgrades.

2025 Mazda 3: Style, fun, and a manual

Mazda continues to offer a six-speed manual in the stylish and fun-to-drive Mazda 3 ($31,835)—but only if you opt for the hatchback, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, and the Premium trim. Sadly, you can’t pair the stick shift with the more powerful turbo engine or all-wheel drive, but we’ll take what we can get.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: The GTI’s sedan sibling keeps the stick

Think of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI ($33,940) as the Golf GTI’s sedan counterpart. It shares the same platform, engaging driving dynamics, and a turbocharged engine. But there’s one key difference for 2025: while the GTI drops its manual transmission, the Jetta GLI still offers a six-speed stick, which is something enthusiasts will surely appreciate.

Final thoughts

Manual transmissions are increasingly rare, but the models that still offer them are some of the best driver’s cars available. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance sports car, a capable sedan, or an engaging hot hatch, these models prove that the manual transmission isn’t dead—yet.

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