Manual transmission vehicles still holding on in 2024

Row, row, row your car! In the automotive world, there are many endangered species. As hybrid and electric technologies advance, the internal combustion engine has been scaled back significantly in production. 

Similarly, there have been changes to transmission types, as dual-clutch automatics and continuously-variable transmissions (CVTs) have evolved in efficiency and reliability. In 1995, about 18 percent of new vehicles were manufactured with manual transmissions. In 2023, that figure was just 1.7 percent.

Going into the year 2024, there are just 34 new models available for sale in the United States still offering a clutch pedal for those who prefer to drive a manual gearbox (See * below). Leading the pack are BMW and Toyota, with four stick shift vehicles each. Let us take a closer look at five of the vehicles still resisting extinction, in alphabetical order.

BMW M3

Back in 1986, the BMW M3 was launched as a performance variant of the compact executive 3-Series. It benefited from enhancements to cosmetics, performance and handling. Over the last nearly-40 years since that time, the M3 has set some of the standards by which performance cars are measured. 

The latest generation (dubbed the G80 in sedan form and G81 in station wagon form), came out in 2021. It receives power from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six, and it can be outfitted with either an eight-speed M Sport automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

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BMW M3 | Photo courtesy of BMW

Hyundai Elantra N

Launched in summer 2021 as the performance variant of the Hyundai Elantra compact, the “N” model of the car puts driving “en”-thusiasts first. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four makes 276 horsepower. 

In addition to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission offering, the car comes with a torque-vectoring limited-slip differential and an upgraded exhaust system. Hyundai says that during development, this car leveraged three pillars of development: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar. 

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Hyundai Elantra N | Photo courtesy of Hyundai

Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX started life in 1992 as a performance-oriented variant of the compact Impreza, but beginning in 2014, it became a standalone model. The subsequent generation (launched in 2022) remains in production today, and it rides on the Subaru Global Platform. 

The WRX is equipped with Subaru’s “Symmetrical” all-wheel drive system, and power is sent from a 271-horsepower 2.4-liter “Boxer” four-cylinder engine to all four wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). Subaru recently announced a new “TR” trim which enhances the handling, braking and interior. 

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Subaru WRX | Photo courtesy of Subaru

Toyota GR Corolla

The Toyota Corolla nameplate has a longstanding history in the Toyota family, dating as far back as 1966. Its sales momentum grew in the decades that followed, and in 1997, the car became the best-selling nameplate in the world. In fact, the Corolla has now more than doubled total sales of the Volkswagen Beetle (surpassing 50,000,000 units in 2021). 

The car is currently in its twelfth generation, which debuted for the 2018 model year. A high-performance version, engineered in part by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division, came out in 2023 and raised the bar with a five-door hatchback body style, a unique G16E-GTS turbocharged inline-three engine, a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

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Toyota GR Corolla | Photo courtesy of Toyota

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta born in 1979 ,turns 45 this year, and is now in its seventh generation. The current “A7” platform was introduced for the 2018 model year and went through a facelift in 2022. A six-speed manual is available on select Jetta trim levels: the S, the R-Line, the Sport and the GLI. 

The latter is built exclusively as a four-door sedan, and power comes from a 228-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four. In addition to a six-speed manual transmission, it offers a multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch wheels, projector LED headlights and unique body work.

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Volkswagen Jetta GLI | Photo courtesy of Volkswagen

Search out your stick shift      

Automakers haven’t entirely forgotten about enthusiasts who love to be in complete control of their vehicles’ gearboxes. Whether you opt for one of these five highlighted cars, or the 25-plus that comprise the remainder of the list, you can still get a manual in a modern car. 

Are you ready to row your way down the highway? Check out all the manual-transmission listings on KSL Cars today!

*List of Manual Transmission Vehicles

Make|Model

• Acura Integra

• BMW M2

• BMW M3

• BMW M4

• BMW Z4

• Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

• Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

• Chevrolet Camaro

• Ford Bronco

• Ford Mustang

• Honda Civic

• Hyundai Elantra N

• Jeep Gladiator

• Jeep Wrangler

• Kia Forte GT

• Lotus Emira

• Mazda 3 Hatchback

• Mazda Miata

• Mini Convertible

• Mini Hardtop

• Nissan Versa

• Nissan Z

• Porsche 718 Boxster

• Porsche 718 Cayman

• Porsche 911

• Subaru BRZ

• Subaru WRX

• Toyota GR86

• Toyota GR Corolla

• Toyota Tacoma

• Toyota GR Supra

• Volkswagen GTI

• Volkswagen Golf R

• Volkswagen Jetta

The makes and models mentioned in this article are not placed in any particular order, nor intended to be viewed as a ranked list. KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.