Manual cars are unfortunately dying breed here in the United States as most people are now taught to drive on automatic models. In 2022, we lost the manual transmissions on the Mitsubishi Mirage and Hyundai Veloster N, which brought manual vehicles down to 30 being made by 17 different manufacturers – including the new Acura Integra with its manual transmission option.
Manuals might not be as popular as they once were, but those looking for a higher degree of control than what come with automatics and dual-clutch transmissions enjoy the amount of engagement they get from a good manual. They might not all be incredibly sporty, but there is still some fun to be had on the open road.
Here are eight cars you can buy in 2023 that give you a manual transmission option.
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2023 Acura Integra
If you’re a three-pedal person looking for a sport compact that won’t break the bank, the 2023 Acura Integra is a new option to hit the market this year. It shares some of the same design elements as its cousin, the Honda Civic, but it is even more upscale.
However, the manual transmission is only available on the line-topping trim. For those willing to pay a little more to get it, this six-speed stick provides a well-rounded driving performance and a smooth feel.
2023 Honda Civic Type R
When the Civic Type R was revealed in October of 2022, there wasn’t a whole lot of information about it. While not quite as showy as the previous iteration from 2020, this Type R is proving to be a much quicker version with sportier styling elements and an enhanced design for the hatchback chassis.
The Type R is manual-only. This six-speed stick is paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes it Honda’s most powerful Type R to date. Its wider and lower hatch design boost its overall aerodynamics, and you get better airflow and downforce thanks to the wider rear doors and sharper side sills.
2023 Chevy Camaro
A staple of the manual world is the Chevy Camaro. Sure, it is the only Chevy still on the market with a manual transmission, but it is one that gives you a lot of sporty options. You can choose from quite a few different Camaro versions that are all built on the Alpha platform and are of the high-performance sports/GT variety.
There are two six-speed stick options available, and they both give the Camaro a sporty edge. Just bear in mind that, when the all-electric replacement Camaro comes into play, there will be no stick shift available. Get it while you can, folks.
2023 Jeep Gladiator
Is it a SUV? Is it a truck? It’s… the Gladiator! The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is truly in a class all its own. It is downright sporty and an excellent off-roader. You can drop the top on this unique vehicle and go off the beaten path, traveling with ease thanks to the selectable terrain modes.
There is a manual option for the Gladiator. Like the eight-speed automatic, it is paired with 4WD. Going with the manual gives a quicker acceleration speed of about 7.9 seconds in 0-60 mph, whereas the automatic ranges from 8.1-8.7 seconds. What’s more, the manual only drops fuel economy by about 1 mpg combined.
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Is the MX-5 Miata the most powerful sports car on the market? Nope. But it is undeniably stylish. It also delivers a six-speed manual transmission that gives quick and accurate throws. The pedal placement feels just right, and even though there is a good amount of body roll, the immediate feedback from all inputs feels engaging.
There is a six-speed automatic available on the line-topping trim level, but sticking with the standard stick is the way to go if you want that sporty performance – and all for a reasonable price.
2023 Porsche 911
Despite the lack of interest in manual transmissions, Porsche is an automaker that knows there is a special niche for sticks. The 2023 Porsche 911 is an insanely powerful high-performance supercar that retains a lot of the old-school 911 vibes.
There are many 911 configurations to choose from. The GT3 and Sport Classic are both remarkably fast, able to get to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. But even the shorter-geared PDK sticks are quick to maneuver and offer quite the thrill.
2023 Toyota Supra
Not everyone can afford a Porsche price tag, and that is where the Toyota Supra comes in to steal the show. Co-designed with BMW, the Supra made its way back onto the market in 2019 after a two-decade hiatus. Even in just the four short years it has been out, Toyota has beefed up engine output, added more trim levels, and slapped on a second engine option. They’re serious about making the Supra a best-seller.
Opting for the six-speed manual transmission gives you a unique stick with its own flywheel and clutch, a shorter final-drive ratio, and enhanced calibration for the traction and stability controls.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and Off-Road
There simply aren’t too many trucks left with stick shifts. If the Gladiator isn’t your style, perhaps the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport or Off-Road will appeal to you. Both trim levels offer a six-speed manual transmission that gives you more control. This accompanies the higher-powered V6 engine, which delivers 278 horsepower.
These trim levels also come with 4WD and a clutch start-cancel switch. On the TRD Sport, there is a sport-tuned suspension that gives this vehicle even more stability and control.
Manual transmissions are a dying breed, but they’re not dead yet. There is still a niche for them, and a handful of automakers are still putting them into their vehicles. Most of them are available as options while a few sports cars and supercars make them standard issue. Driving a stick ultimately gives you a greater sense of control and makes the drive all the more enthralling. Give these vehicles some consideration if you’re shopping for a great manual vehicle.
