The movement may seem like it’s running out of steam, but there’s still hope for enthusiasts who prefer to drive with three pedals and a gear lever. Although we lost some of the world’s most renowned manual models in 2025 (example such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Mini Cooper S spring to mind) all hope is not lost — especially when there are still 28 models on sale today available with a manual gearbox.
Acura Integra
Since its return to the compact vehicle segment, the five-door sedan has done more than just pique the interest of enthusiasts with its retro name, it has also offered them a manual gearbox at two performance levels: the three-pedal setup is available in both the A-Spec Elite and Type S trims. Better still, the transmission feels good in the hand (and the feet), and is well suited to the car’s four-cylinder turbocharged powertrain.
BMW M2, M3, M4, and Z4
It wasn’t too long ago that BMW was a favourite among manual enthusiasts, but times have changed. These days, only models reworked by the M performance division are available with the transmission. Even then, only the three smallest M cars (the M2, M3, and M4) are offered with a manual, not the M5 or M8. Meanwhile, the Z4 M40i is a rarity in a market where roadsters are falling by the wayside. However, the drop-top’s existence is a reminder that BMW is only offering a manual transmission when it’s paired with its inline-six-cylinder turbo.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V Blackwing
For a brand that’s often associated with massive sedans that prioritize comfort, Cadillac has adapted itself well to the desires of performance enthusiasts. Its latest “V” vehicles (in particular the Blackwing models) are astoundingly good driver’s cars, especially the larger CT5-V Blackwing, whose manual transmission is attached to a massive V8 engine.
Ford Bronco, Mustang
Although Ford has all but abandoned the passenger car market in North America — the Mustang being the only remaining exception — going all-in on SUVs hasn’t spelled the end of the manual gearbox. Indeed, in addition to its pony car, the Detroit automaker also offers the old-school transmission in its old-school Bronco, though it is only available on models powered by the automaker’s four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Honda Civic Si and Type R
Much like the mechanically related Acura Integra, the spicy Honda Civic Si and the scorching hot Civic Type R continue to offer enthusiasts with a penchant for changing their own gears the opportunity to do so.
Hyundai Elantra N
Although enthusiasts haven’t always been enamoured of Hyundai’s manual transmissions, the engineers working in the N performance subdivision knocked it out of the park with the six-speed gearbox in the Elantra N.
Jeep Gladiator, Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler (and its pickupified counterpart, the Gladiator) can both be equipped with a manual when powered by Stellantis’ 3.6L V6. However, every other powertrain is exclusively available with an automatic gearbox.
Lotus Emira
As the manufacturer of highly niche vehicles, we don’t get the opportunity to talk much about Lotus. However, since that niche is performance cars, it may not surprise you to learn that Emiras equipped with a V6 can also be fitted with a clutch pedal. However, four-cylinder variants of the sports car are exclusively available with an automatic gearbox.
Mazda3, Mazda MX-5
Long considered the guardian of the manual gearbox, Mazda has sadly reduced the number of vehicles it offers with the three-pedal setup. However, there are still two models in its lineup that are available with a manual transmission: the Mazda3 and the MX-5.
Nissan Sentra, Z
Down in the U.S., the Sentra is only available with an automatic transmission, but in the Great White North, there’s still enough interest in manuals to justify its continued existence in the market. As you’d expect, the performance-oriented Nissan Z is also available with the three-pedal transmission, though the top-of-the-line Nismo version isn’t available with the admittedly slower gearbox offering.
Porsche 718, 911
Even Porsche is reducing the availability of the manual transmission, but the 718 line (both the Boxster and the Cayman) are holding the line for manual enthusiasts (at least until the next-generation electric models are introduced). Sadly, there are fewer variants of the 911 available with the manual transmission than there once were, but the gearbox remains available in enough examples to satisfy the brand’s rabid fans.
Subaru BRZ and WRX
Next, let’s move on to another brand that prefers flat engine. Even though Subaru, like the rest of the industry, is cutting down on the number of vehicles it equips with three pedals, the WRX remains the go-to choice for all-season driving enthusiasts, while the BRZ is one of the best bang-for-your-buck sports car offerings on the market.
Toyota GR86, Toyota GR Corolla, Toyota GR Supra, and Toyota Tacoma
The manufacturing giant is not an exception to the rule of shrinking manual availability — just look at the transmission's recent exclusion from the options list for the base Corolla — but as with other automakers, Toyota’s performance division, Gazoo Racing (GR), is keeping the H-pattern gearbox alive. Meanwhile, the Tacoma remains the one of just two midsize pickup trucks on the market (alongside the above-mentioned Jeep Gladiator) available with a manual transmission.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Ssadly, the 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R will no longer be available with a manual transmission. That means that the only Volkswagen in Canada to offer drivers the ability to operate a clutch and a shift lever is the Jetta GLI — though let’s not forget that even the non-GLI version of the Jetta sedan has lost the option for the upcoming model year.
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