Manual Gearbox to Survive in These Vehicles for 2026
If you're looking to get your hands on a new vehicle without an automatic transmission, we recommend you act sooner rather than later. There are only 24 options remaining for the 2026 model year, and they're mostly sports cars aimed at serious driving enthusiasts.
Unsurprisingly, that number is down from 2025, as the Nissan Sentra now uses only a CVT, while the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman won’t return for 2026.
- Also: 2025 Jeep Wrangler’s V6 Won’t Be Manual-Only After All
- Also: Refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Loses Stick Shift Except in GLI Trim
How many cars will still be on this list in 2027? We already know that production of the BMW Z4 and Toyota GR Supra is set to end next year. In the meantime, check out the two dozen saviours of the manual transmission below.
Acura Integra
There are two manual Integras for two types of buyers. On one hand, the Elite A-Spec model offers more luxury, more comfort and more amenities than the Honda Civic Si. On the other hand, the fiery Integra Type S will console those who were out of luck grabbing one of the rare Civic Type R units.
BMW M2
While the spotlight is turned on the M2 CS for 2026, we still prefer the standard M2 with a good old stick shift. Sure, it lacks the chassis upgrades and the 523 horsepower of the hardcore model, but it does retain a short wheelbase, compact footprint and fabulous inline-six engine.
BMW M3 and M4
Following a second major refresh for 2025, the current M3 and M4 are heading for the exit ramp. Their successors are expected to be unveiled within the next twelve months. We bet they will follow in the footsteps of other M products and become plug-in hybrids.
BMW Z4
Last year, against all odds, the Z4 added a manual transmission to its lineup. In hindsight, it was BMW's way of sending its roadster into retirement, following the Mercedes-Benz SLC, Audi TT and Porsche 718 Boxster. Production at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria is scheduled to end in a few months.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Unfairly overlooked, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers M3-like performance for a fraction of the price. The excellent Alpha platform, inherited from the late Cadillac ATS and Chevrolet Camaro, gives the small car top-notch handling dynamics.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Who would have thought that Cadillac would one day release the most powerful manual car in the industry? Across all segments, the 668-horsepower, rear-wheel drive CT5-V Blackwing is one of the best cars you can drive in 2026. It boasts unmistakably American styling, and handling is fantastic.
Ford Bronco
The Bronco offers plenty of selection and goes head-to-head with the Jeep Wrangler. The ferocious Bronco Raptor, for example, is a direct response to the Wrangler Rubicon 392 (limited to the United States for the past two years). There’s an extensive catalogue of accessories and the possibility of pairing a manual gearbox with the base 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine.
Ford Mustang
The seventh generation of the Mustang, launched in 2024, has not been a great sales success so far. Should we blame the current economic climate, the high prices or the lack of technical upgrades over the past decade? Anyway, we should feel happy about the Getrag (Mustang GT) and Tremec (Dark Horse) manual transmissions sticking around.
Honda Civic Si
The Civic Type R as we know it will likely never return, and it's a safe bet that the next Civic Si (if there is one) will use a hybrid powertrain, like the all-new 2026 Prelude. Honda has developed some superb manual transmissions over the years, and we're sorry to see that chapter come to an end.
Hyundai Elantra N
As the last gasoline-powered car from Hyundai’s N division, the Elantra N is getting a TCR (Touring Car Racing) edition for 2026, inspired by the racing series of the same name. This more radical version of the high-performance compact sedan delivers thrills aplenty, both on the track and on the road. It’s definitely not a sleeper, however, especially with that huge carbon fibre spoiler.
Jeep Wrangler
At the start of the 2025 model year, V6-powered Wranglers were no longer available with an automatic transmission. This move frustrated many potential customers, so Jeep changed its mind a few months later and even reduced prices. The company has to consider all options to stop the Wrangler's decline in popularity.
Lotus Emira
Since import tariffs on electric vehicles produced in China have nixed plans to sell the Eletre SUV in Canada, Lotus will extend the life of its ultimate ICE-powered sports car. In the future, the Emira will be motivated by a plug-in hybrid system. This will mean sacrificing the supercharged V6, hydraulic power steering and manual gearbox.
Mazda3 Sport GT
Mazda Canada will be launching its 2026 models late, but die-hard fans will still be able to order a Mazda3 with a manual transmission—as long as it's a GT hatchback model. A new generation of this compact car seems to be on the way, and we’re willing to bet that it will be automatic only.
Mazda MX-5
Playing with the shifter and rowing your own gears are a big part of the fun of driving an MX-5. This two-seater ages gracefully and its presence is reassuring at a time when sports cars are either retiring, becoming electrified or jacking up their prices.
Nissan Z
The Toyota GR Supra's upcoming departure will certainly benefit sales of the Nissan Z, whose grand tourer vibes and high prices have rubbed some people the wrong way. The launch of a Z NISMO with a manual transmission, as promised by a Nissan official, should help, too. For now, you can only get a stick on the Z Sport and Performance models.
Porsche 911
Porsche has long been a staunch advocate of the manual transmission, but these days, only a handful of 911 models, such as the Carrera T and GT3, offer one. Meanwhile, the brand is expanding its T-Hybrid technology to other 911 models and has eliminated the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. A new generation of the 718 duo is expected, probably in 2027, but we still don't know if these cars will receive a clutch or not.
Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
We can hardly imagine the BRZ and GR86 without a shifter and a clutch. Clearly, owners of these two entry-level sports cars share our opinion. More than half of them shun the automatic transmission, which diminishes the pleasure experienced at the wheel.
Subaru WRX
Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, the WRX is arguably unmatched as a fun and practical sports car with all-season capability. It makes a mockery of winter and provides tons of driving thrills the rest of the year—whether on pavement, dirt or tarmac. Two out of five models come with the SPT (Subaru Performance Transmission), but the majority of customers rightfully go with the manual gearbox.
Toyota GR Corolla
The Toyota GR Corolla used to skip automatic transmissions, but then added an eight-speed unit as an option in Premium trim for the 2025 model year. Launch control sends this flamboyant and muscular Corolla from 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds, according to our tests.
Toyota GR Supra
As we suspected when we compiled this list a year ago, the current-generation GR Supra is nearing the end of its life. In fact, for 2026, Toyota has created an MkV Final Edition, available with the GT4 appearance package. This particular model, which retails for nearly $85,000, will undoubtedly retain the best resale value years from now.
Toyota Tacoma
Completely redesigned for 2024, the Tacoma continues to rule the midsize pickup segment, boasting a loyal following that praises its rugged character and toy-like appearance. Toyota sells a few thousand manual Tacomas in North America every year, and this is a great way to please enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI has one feature that makes some Golf GTI and Golf R owners jealous: it can still be ordered with a manual gearbox—the last Volkswagen in North America in that position. Alternatively, the competent dual-clutch transmission is available at no extra cost, but guess which one we prefer?