In an era dominated by automatic transmissions and increasingly electric vehicles, the manual transmission, or stick shift, is becoming a nostalgic rarity, especially in the SUV segment. For many drivers, the engagement and control offered by a manual gearbox are irreplaceable. While the vast majority of SUVs today come exclusively with automatics, a select few models still cater to driving purists who prefer to row their own gears. Historically, a wide array of SUVs, from rugged off-roaders to family-friendly wagons, offered manual transmissions. Iconic models like the Toyota FJ Cruiser, RAV4, and 4Runner, the classic Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Cherokee, Isuzu Trooper, Suzuki Samurai and Sidekick, Geo Tracker, Nissan Xterra, Isuzu Rodeo, Hummer H3, and even vintage legends like the International Harvester Scout, all at one point featured a manual option. However, changing consumer preferences and the pursuit of fuel efficiency have significantly reduced the availability of manual SUVs in the US market.
Despite this trend, the good news for enthusiasts is that there are still some compelling SUV choices available if you crave that third pedal. Here are 10 SUVs from the 2016 model year that offered a manual transmission, allowing you to take command of the driving experience.
2016 Jeep Renegade: Manual Fun in a Compact Package
The 2016 Jeep Renegade stands out as a versatile and stylish subcompact SUV that caters to the manual transmission enthusiast. Available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Renegade offers this option in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. Powering the manual versions is a fuel-efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine of Fiat origin, providing a peppy and engaging driving experience. While a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine is also available in higher trims, it is exclusively paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Sharing its platform with the Fiat 500X, the Renegade offers a unique blend of Jeep capability and European flair. Fuel economy is respectable for a small SUV, with the EPA rating the 1.4-liter manual Renegade at 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for both FWD and 4WD models. With a starting MSRP of $17,995 for the FWD manual and $19,695 for the 4WD manual, the Jeep Renegade provided an accessible entry point into the world of manual SUVs.
2016 Mazda CX-5 Sport: The Driver’s Choice in Compact SUVs
For those seeking a small SUV that blends driving enjoyment with practicality and fuel efficiency, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Sport with a manual transmission was a standout option. The CX-5 Sport offered a slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox, paired exclusively with front-wheel drive. Under the hood was an efficient 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing a balance of performance and economy. The EPA fuel economy ratings for the manual CX-5 Sport were an impressive 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. It’s important to note that all-wheel-drive versions of the CX-5 were not available with a manual transmission. Higher trim levels like Touring and Grand Touring featured a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but these were exclusively mated to a conventional 6-speed automatic. Starting at $23,595, the Mazda CX-5 Sport manual offered a compelling package for driving enthusiasts who needed the versatility of an SUV.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek: Manual Gearbox with Standard All-Wheel Drive
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, a lifted and ruggedized version of the Impreza hatchback, presented a unique proposition: a manual transmission paired with standard all-wheel drive. Built for light off-roading and everyday practicality, the Crosstrek delivered Subaru’s signature handling and a comfortable interior. For drivers who appreciate manual control, the Crosstrek 2.0i and 2.0i Premium trims offered a 5-speed manual transmission. This gearbox was paired with a 2.0-liter flat-4 “boxer” engine, known for its distinctive sound and smooth power delivery. The manual-equipped Crosstrek achieved EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. While Subaru’s CVT automatic offered slightly better fuel economy, the manual Crosstrek provided a more engaging driving experience. The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek started at $21,595, making it an affordable and capable manual SUV with standard AWD. The fuel-efficient Crosstrek Hybrid, however, was not offered with a manual transmission.
2016 Jeep Patriot: The Budget-Friendly Manual SUV
The 2016 Jeep Patriot was positioned as the most affordable SUV on the market that still offered a manual transmission. Available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Patriot provided this option in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) models. The base engine for the FWD Patriot was a 2.0-liter inline-4, while the 4WD models and optional FWD versions were powered by a larger 2.4-liter inline-4. Sharing its platform with the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber, the Patriot was a no-frills, value-oriented SUV. With the Jeep Compass expected to be redesigned for 2017 and uncertainty surrounding the Patriot’s future beyond 2016, there were potentially attractive deals to be found on this budget-friendly manual SUV. Starting prices for the 2016 Jeep Patriot manual were $17,695 for FWD and $19,695 for 4WD, making it the least expensive entry into the manual SUV segment for that model year.
2016 Fiat 500X Pop: Italian Style with Manual Control
The 2016 FIAT 500X Pop offered a dose of Italian style and personality in the subcompact crossover segment, and uniquely, it was available with a manual transmission. While arguably more of a tall hatchback than a traditional SUV, the 500X shared its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade and offered a similar level of versatility. The base 500X Pop trim could be equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but only in front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. This manual transmission was paired with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 engine. Higher trims like the 500X Easy, Trekking, and Lounge featured a larger 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-4, but these were exclusively available with an automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. Starting at $20,000 for the FWD manual Pop model, the Fiat 500X offered a stylish and engaging option for those seeking a manual SUV alternative with European flair.
2016 Honda HR-V: Surprisingly Spacious with a Manual Option
The 2016 Honda HR-V, while compact on the outside, impressed with its surprisingly spacious and versatile interior, offering more cargo capacity than many competitors in the subcompact crossover class. For those who enjoy a hands-on driving experience, the HR-V offered a 6-speed manual transmission in the LX and EX trims, albeit exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD). Powering the manual HR-V was a fuel-efficient 1.8-liter inline-4 engine. All-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the HR-V were not available with a manual gearbox. Built on Honda’s adaptable Fit platform, the HR-V provided a practical and efficient package. Interestingly, Honda’s larger CR-V, based on the Civic platform, had previously offered a 5-speed manual transmission from 1998 to 2006, demonstrating Honda’s past commitment to manual SUVs. The 2016 Honda HR-V manual started at $19,215 and achieved EPA fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
2016 Jeep Compass: Manual Transmission Across Drivetrains
The 2016 Jeep Compass offered a level of manual transmission availability that was relatively rare in the SUV segment, providing a 5-speed manual gearbox with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The base engine for the FWD Compass was a 2.0-liter inline-4, while a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder was standard on the 4WD models and optional for FWD versions. EPA fuel economy ratings for the FWD manual Compass were 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the 2.0-liter engine, and slightly lower at 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the 2.4-liter. The 4WD manual Compass with the 2.4-liter engine was rated at 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Like the Patriot, the 2016 Compass was nearing the end of its production run, with a redesigned model expected for 2017. Starting prices for the 2016 Jeep Compass manual were $19,695 for FWD and $21,695 for 4WD.
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 2.0: Manual SUV for Cargo and Control
If cargo capacity and a manual transmission were priorities, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 2.0 deserved consideration. The Outlander Sport ES 2.0 trim offered a 5-speed manual gearbox, but exclusively in front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. This model was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and achieved EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the manual transmission. Higher trim levels of the Outlander Sport, such as the ES 2.4, SE 2.4, SEL 2.4, and GT 2.4, featured a more powerful 2.4-liter inline-4 engine and offered available all-wheel drive (AWD), but these were not available with a manual transmission. The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 2.0 manual started at $19,595, representing a value-oriented option in the manual SUV market. Choosing the automatic CVT transmission increased the starting price to $20,795.
2016 Subaru Forester: Spacious and Standard Manual AWD
The 2016 Subaru Forester was a practical and spacious compact SUV, known for its generous interior room and standard all-wheel drive. For manual transmission enthusiasts, the base Forester 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models came standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive, paired with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-4 engine producing 170 horsepower. The Forester 2.5i manual started at $22,595 and achieved EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. While the CVT automatic transmission offered in other Forester trims provided better fuel economy, the manual version appealed to drivers seeking more engagement. More powerful Forester 2.0XT Premium and Touring models, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 250 horsepower, were unfortunately not available with a manual transmission.
2016 Jeep Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited: The Ultimate Off-Road Manual SUV
Without a doubt, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited stood as the most off-road capable SUVs available with a manual transmission. With roots stretching back to the original Jeep CJ, the Wrangler was a true icon of off-road prowess. All 2-door Wrangler and 4-door Wrangler Unlimited models were equipped with a robust 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and four-wheel drive. In comparison to other manual SUVs, the Wrangler offered a significantly larger engine and unmatched off-road credentials. The 2-door Wrangler Sport with a 6-speed manual gearbox started at $23,895 and was EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The 4-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport manual started at $27,695 and was rated at 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. While fuel economy was not a strong point due to the Wrangler’s aerodynamic profile, its legendary off-road capability and available manual transmission made it a unique and desirable choice for adventure enthusiasts. A redesigned Jeep Wrangler was anticipated for 2018, with rumors of a potential diesel engine option.
