For car enthusiasts in the USA, the joy of driving often involves the tactile engagement of a manual transmission. However, the popularity of stick shifts has waned, especially in the SUV segment, making the search for a Manual Shift Suv a challenging endeavor. While automatic transmissions dominate the market, favored for their efficiency and ease of use, a select few manufacturers still cater to drivers who crave that direct connection with their vehicle. If you’re determined to find a manual shift SUV in 2025, you’re in luck, albeit with limited choices. Fortunately, brands like Ford and Jeep continue to offer models that let you row your own gears. Here’s a guide to the SUVs still available with a manual transmission for the 2025 model year in the United States.
Every 2025 SUV featured here with a manual transmission is listed to help you explore your options.
2025 Ford Bronco: The Off-Road Manual Maverick
In a landscape where manual shift SUVs are becoming increasingly rare, the 2025 Ford Bronco stands out as a beacon for driving purists. Bucking the trend, Ford has kept the manual gearbox alive in this iconic SUV, appealing directly to off-road adventurers and driving enthusiasts alike. Since its revival, the Bronco has resonated deeply with those who appreciate rugged capability, driver engagement enhanced by the manual transmission, and the extensive aftermarket support for personalization. While it might not reach the extreme levels of customization seen with some Jeep models, the Bronco offers a compelling blend of off-road prowess and on-road enjoyment, especially when equipped with the manual.
The base 2025 Ford Bronco starts at $37,995 and comes with a potent 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. This engine delivers 275 horsepower on regular fuel and jumps to 300 horsepower with premium fuel. The standard transmission is a seven-speed manual, a testament to Ford’s commitment to offering a manual shift SUV. While a ten-speed automatic transmission is available as an option ($1,495), a significant number of Ford Bronco buyers are surprisingly opting for the engaging seven-speed manual transmission, highlighting the demand for driver control. Naturally, the 2025 Ford Bronco retains its standard four-wheel-drive system, making it a capable choice both on and off the beaten path for those seeking a manual shift SUV.
| 2025 Ford Bronco Base Specs |
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2025 Jeep Wrangler: The Legendary Manual Off-Roader
The second stalwart in the dwindling ranks of manual transmission SUVs is the Jeep Wrangler. For generations, the Wrangler has been synonymous with off-road capability and open-air freedom, consistently captivating enthusiasts with its rugged charm. A key part of its appeal remains the availability of a six-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with a direct and engaging driving experience. The vibrant aftermarket scene continues to fuel the Wrangler legend, offering a vast array of modifications that enhance its ability to conquer challenging terrains, from remote trails to mountain peaks and vast deserts, all while retaining the option for a manual shift.
If budget is a primary concern in your search for a new manual SUV, the Jeep Wrangler presents a compelling option. The base model Wrangler Sport is powered by a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower. This power is channeled through a standard six-speed manual transmission and a four-wheel-drive system, ensuring legendary Jeep capability with a manual feel. While Jeep also offers an automatic transmission for the Wrangler, choosing it will add approximately $2,500 to the price. For those seeking an affordable manual shift SUV, the standard manual transmission in the Wrangler remains the most economically sound choice.
| 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport (Base) Specs |
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Manual Transmissions Beyond the SUV Segment
While the manual shift SUV segment is limited to just a couple of options, the manual gearbox is not entirely extinct in the broader automotive market. Enthusiasts can still find manual transmissions in other vehicle categories. In the pickup truck segment, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma continues to offer a manual transmission, appealing to truck buyers who prefer a more hands-on driving experience. Although the Jeep Gladiator, previously a manual transmission option, has discontinued it for the 2025 model year, the Tacoma ensures that the manual truck lives on. Notably, the manual transmission in the Tacoma is available even in the base trim level, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers seeking a stick shift in a pickup.
Manual transmissions are particularly prevalent in the sports car segment. Sports cars are often designed to deliver an engaging driving experience, making manual transmissions a natural fit for enthusiasts. While manual shift SUVs are rare, sports cars like the Nissan Z, BMW M models, and even sporty sedans such as the Hyundai Elantra N continue to offer manual gearboxes. For these vehicles, manual transmissions are not necessarily about speed or ultimate efficiency, but about enhancing driver involvement and the sheer fun of driving. Whether you are considering an affordable Mazda Miata or a premium Lotus, the manual transmission remains a viable option in the sports car world for 2025.
Characteristics of Manual Shift SUVs
Manual SUVs, though scarce in the US market, share some common characteristics beyond their stick shift gearboxes:
- Limited Availability: The selection of manual shift SUVs is very restricted, with only a handful of models available.
- Rugged Nature: They typically lean towards rugged designs and often possess inherent off-road capabilities.
- Fuel Economy: Generally, manual shift SUVs tend to have slightly poorer fuel economy compared to their automatic counterparts.
- Price Point: Models equipped with manual transmissions are usually more affordable than equivalent models with automatic gearboxes.
Considerations When Buying a Manual Transmission SUV
If you’re on the fence about choosing a manual transmission SUV, consider these pros and cons before making your decision:
Pros of Manual Shift SUVs
- Lower Purchase Price: Manual shift SUVs are generally less expensive to buy compared to automatic versions of the same model.
- Enhanced Driver Engagement: Manual transmissions provide a more hands-on driving experience, offering a greater sense of control and connection with the vehicle.
- Potentially Cheaper Maintenance: Maintenance and repair costs for manual transmissions can sometimes be lower than those for complex automatic transmissions.
Cons of Manual Shift SUVs
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Manual shift SUVs often have slightly lower fuel economy ratings compared to automatics.
- Less Convenient in Traffic: Operating a manual transmission can be less convenient in stop-and-go traffic compared to the ease of an automatic.
- Limited Choice: The availability of manual shift SUVs in the United States is extremely limited, restricting your options.
FAQs About Manual Shift SUVs
What are the best SUVs with a manual transmission?
In the USA, your choices for manual SUVs are currently limited to the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Both offer a manual transmission option alongside an automatic. The “best” manual SUV ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Is a manual SUV more reliable than an automatic SUV?
Manual SUVs are not inherently more reliable than automatic models. While automatic transmissions are more complex and potentially more expensive to repair, modern automatics are highly reliable. Overall vehicle quality and manufacturer reputation are more significant factors in determining reliability than the type of transmission.
How much does a manual SUV cost?
The price range for a new manual shift SUV is relatively narrow due to the limited selection. A manual Ford Bronco starts at $37,995, while a manual Jeep Wrangler has a starting price of $32,095 in its base configuration.
Sources: Ford, Jeep
