The Best Cars That Still Offer a Manual Transmission in 2025
Last weekend, cruising in my dad’s classic Miata reignited my passion for stick shifts. The thrill of a crisp downshift, the command of three pedals, and the raw connection to the road outshine any automatic.
As automakers lean toward automation, these 10 standout vehicles preserve the joy of manual driving for enthusiasts who cherish the art of shifting gears.
1. Porsche 911 GT3
Porsche’s purist gem, the 2025 GT3, clings to its manual roots with a razor-sharp shifter and a 9,000-RPM flat-six that sings.
Mastering a heel-toe downshift in this 502-horsepower beast feels transcendent, delivering a driving experience that’s as close to spiritual as cars get.
2. Honda Civic Type R
Hot hatch perfection lives on in Honda’s front-wheel-drive monster. The Type R’s shifter snicks through gears with the precision of a Swiss watch, making every drive feel like you’re starring in your own racing movie.
Engineers extracted 315 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for 2025. The bright red seats hug you tight while you work that aluminum shift knob through one of the most satisfying gearboxes ever created.
3. Toyota GR Corolla
Rally car for the streets? Yes please! Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division turned the humble Corolla into a tire-shredding, gravel-spitting monster that only comes with three pedals.
All-wheel drive and 300 turbocharged horses make this hot hatch an absolute winner on any surface. The GR’s notchy six-speed manual connects you directly to its rally-bred soul, while limited production numbers ensure you’ll rarely see another at your local cars and coffee.
4. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Light and lively, the 2025 Miata proves fun doesn’t need big power. At 2,300 pounds, its short-throw shifter and balanced chassis deliver pure joy.
With the top down, sun shining, and gears clicking smoothly, this roadster offers affordable bliss for every enthusiast.
5. Subaru WRX
The 2025 WRX channels rally grit with a robust six-speed manual and boxer engine rumble. Its 271 horsepower and all-wheel drive conquer any weather, while the firm clutch adds character.
This is a driver’s car, built for those who crave the road’s every pulse.
6. Ford Mustang Dark Horse
American muscle meets precision engineering in Ford’s track-focused pony car. The Dark Horse gallops into 2025 with a tremec six-speed manual connected to a howling 500-horsepower Coyote V8.
Blue shift knob? Check. Rev-matching technology? Present. Tire-smoking capability? Absolutely guaranteed. While lesser Mustangs offer automatics, the Dark Horse proudly carries the manual torch for those who prefer their burnouts served with a side of clutch control.
7. BMW M2
The 2025 M2, BMW’s compact dynamo, defies the automatic trend with a six-speed manual and 473-horsepower turbo straight-six.
Its firm shifter echoes the raw spirit of classic BMWs, delivering unfiltered driving pleasure in a package that feels both nostalgic and fierce.
8. Toyota GR Supra
Better late than never! After launching initially with only an automatic, Toyota listened to enthusiasts and gifted the reborn Supra with a proper manual gearbox.
The BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six sings through an increasingly vocal exhaust as you work through the gears. For 2025, the six-speed transmission gets revised ratios for even more engaging acceleration.
The clutch pedal might be on the light side, but the precision of each shift makes this Japanese icon a true driver’s car.
9. Nissan Z
The 2025 Nissan Z upholds its Fairlady heritage with a slick six-speed manual and 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6.
A new limited-slip differential boosts manual models, and the shifter’s balanced resistance makes it ideal for daily commutes or spirited canyon runs.
10. Hyundai Elantra N
Korea’s unlikely hero delivers driving thrills that embarrass cars costing twice as much! The Elantra N’s six-speed manual connects you to its turbocharged heart in the most satisfying way.
Hyundai’s engineers clearly understand what enthusiasts want: crisp shifts, rev-matching capability, and enough feedback to make you feel like a driving hero.
The 276-horsepower engine pops and crackles through the exhaust while the limited-slip differential claws for traction. Who knew a compact sedan could be this much fun?