10 Best Manual Transmission Cars You Can Buy in 2025
From affordable sports cars to the ultimate performance machines, these manual 2025 models keep the art of shifting alive.
Intro
As the automotive industry continues its shift toward electrification and automation, the manual transmission is becoming increasingly rare. However, for driving enthusiasts who value engagement and control, the appeal of a manual gearbox remains undeniable. In 2025, several manufacturers continue to offer cars with manual transmissions, catering to those who enjoy the tactile satisfaction of rowing through the gears themselves. Here’s a look at the top 10 manual transmission cars available this year, ranging from affordable roadsters to high-performance machines.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata remains a beacon for driving enthusiasts in 2025, offering one of the most rewarding manual transmissions on the market. Priced from $30,515, this lightweight roadster is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower. The six-speed manual gearbox is praised for its crisp, precise shifts, making every drive an engaging experience. It's not about raw power but about the connection between the car and the driver.
Honda Civic Type R
Honda continues to champion manual transmissions in its Civic Si and Type R models. The Civic Si, starting at $31,045, is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 200 horsepower, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual. But for those craving more power and a more hone-in driving experience from the Civic platform, the Civic Type R delivers is the way to go! It produces 315 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, also available only with a manual transmission. These models offer precise handling and the reliability Honda is known for.
Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86, a joint effort with Subaru, offers a fun-to-drive experience for manual enthusiasts. Equipped with a 2.4-liter boxer engine producing 228 horsepower, it comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The GR86’s low center of gravity and rear-wheel-drive layout make it an agile, engaging car to drive. Starting at $31,085, it provides a more practical alternative to the Mazda MX-5 while retaining plenty of charm.
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota’s GR Corolla takes hatchback performance to the next level with its rally-inspired design. Under the hood, a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine churns out 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Unlike many performance cars, the GR Corolla offers a six-speed manual transmission as standard, along with all-wheel drive for added traction. Priced from $39,995, it’s a unique and thrilling option for manual enthusiasts.
Nissan Z
The Nissan Z remains a quintessential manual transmission sports car. The 2025 model features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox in the Sport, Performance, and Heritage Edition trims. While the hardcore Nismo variant is automatic-only, the standard models still offer a pure driving experience. While pricing for the 2025 model hasn't been confirmed as of this writing, the 2024 version of the manual-equipped Z starts at around $43,000, making it a competitive option in the sports car segment.
Ford Mustang GT
In 2025, the Ford Mustang continues to offer a manual transmission option, but only with the iconic 5.0-liter V8 engine in the GT trim. Producing 480 horsepower, the Mustang GT comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, providing a classic American muscle car experience. The more track-focused Dark Horse variant offers an additional 20 horsepower and a specialized chassis setup. Pricing starts at $48,350, ensuring the Mustang remains a staple for manual enthusiasts.
Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra now offers a six-speed manual transmission paired with the 3.0-liter inline-six engine across all trims. This BMW-sourced engine produces 382 horsepower, and the manual gearbox enhances the driver’s connection with the car. Toyota’s decision to drop the automatic-only 2.0-liter model leaves manual enthusiasts with one clear choice. Starting at $57,385, the GR Supra balances performance and refinement.
BMW M2
BMW’s M2 remains a favorite among purists, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and available six-speed manual transmission. The 2025 model receives a boost in power, with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine now producing 476 horsepower. The M2 offers a no-nonsense approach to performance, with minimal electronic interference. Priced from $66,675, it’s a compelling option for those seeking a driver-focused machine.
Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman
As Porsche prepares to transition the 718 series to electric power, the current Boxster and Cayman models remain available with manual transmissions. Both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder GTS variants offer a six-speed manual, providing a traditional sports car experience. The 718 series starts at $74,795, making it a last hurrah for enthusiasts wanting to experience Porsche’s iconic mid-engine layout with a clutch pedal.
Porsche 911 Carrera T and GT3
The pinnacle of manual transmission driving, the Porsche 911 lineup continues to cater to manual transmission fans with the Carrera T and GT3 models. The Carrera T, priced at $135,995, comes standard with a six-speed manual, featuring a lightweight build and rear-wheel drive for enhanced driving dynamics. Meanwhile, the GT3 offers a more track-focused experience with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, producing 503 horsepower. Both models embody Porsche’s commitment to delivering unparalleled driving engagement.