When my father was learning how to drive, manual cars were very common. Learning how to drive stick shift was a crucial life skill. By the time I was learning how to drive, however, that had changed completely. Reluctant to run the risk of me absolutely destroying the clutch in his Land Rover, my dad looked at car rental companies to see if he could find something I’d be able to learn on.
After seeing that the only option available was a very pricey Ferrari, he decided I would learn how to drive automatic first, and then he’d let me try out the Land Rover once I had the rest of the driving basics down. If you’re a car enthusiast or grew up with a parent who was one, you might be curious about what manual cars are still on the market.
What Is a Manual Car?
The key difference between manual or stick shift cars and automatic cars is how the gears change. In an automatic vehicle, the gears change, well, automatically. You don’t have to do anything. In a manual or stick shift vehicle, you do have to handle those changes. You’ll see a third pedal on the floor, the clutch, that you’ll have to depress when changing gears.
Manual cars used to be the standard; if you didn’t know how to drive a stick shift, you were typically out of luck. But automatic vehicles have become the norm in recent years, and knowing how to drive a stick shift is no longer a skill you have to have in order to get your license.
Which Companies Still Make Manual Cars?
While there are plenty of luxury and supercar makers that offer manual cars, the average driver likely isn’t looking to purchase one of those. Shopping around for a manual car is trickier than it used to be, but there are still several auto companies that are making new vehicles today. According to Road and Track, as of 2026, you’ve got options from several different companies.
Subaru
Subaru is offering two manual vehicles in 2026, the BRZ and WRX.
Porsche
If you want a 2026 manual Porsche, the 911 is your best bet.
Mazda
Mazda has two 2026 manual offerings, the MX-5 Miata and the Mazda 3
BMW
BMW drivers have four 2026 manual options, the M2, M3, M4, and Z4.
Honda
Honda Civic lovers, you’re in luck. The 2026 Civic Type R and Civic Si are both manual.
Cadillac
Both the 2026 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing are manual.
Nissan
Nissan only has one 2026 manual offering, the Nissan Z.
Hyundai
Similar to Nissan, Hyundai has only one 2026 manual vehicle, the Elantra N.
Toyota
In 2026, Toyota is offering four manual vehicles: the GR Corolla, Tacoma, GR86, and GR Supra.
Lotus
If you’re set on a Lotus, the 2026 Emira is manual.
Acura
Acura fans; you can pick from two manual vehicles, the 2026 Integra and Integra Type S.
Ford
For 2026, you can get both the Mustang and the Bronco as manual cars.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen’s 2026 Jetta GLI comes in manual.
Jeep
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler is a manual.
Source
The Best Cars That Still Offer a Manual Transmission in 2026, Road and Track, 2026.
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