The best manual transmission cars of 2025
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.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.
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.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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.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.
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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