Is manual transmission being phased out?
Manual transmissions are not being erased from the road, but they are rapidly shrinking from the mainstream car market. In other words, manuals are not banned, but they are increasingly rare in new vehicles, reserved mainly for enthusiasts and certain niche markets.
Across the globe, automakers are prioritizing automatic gearboxes—often dual-clutch or conventional automatics—for efficiency, emissions, and ownership cost. The pace and pattern vary by region, price tier, and vehicle type, with some markets preserving traditional manual options longer than others. This article examines the current state of manual transmissions, regional differences, notable models that still offer a clutch, and what it means for buyers and drivers in 2025.
Global trend: fewer mainstream options
To understand the current landscape, here is a snapshot of how common manual transmissions are at the point of sale in new cars and what factors are driving the shift.
- Automakers increasingly favor automatic gearboxes—especially dual-clutch transmissions and CVTs—for efficiency, emissions, and ownership cost.
- Manufacturing and development costs rise for manuals as volumes fall, encouraging brands to drop the option in many models.
- Consumer demand for convenience and ease of use leans toward automatics, further squeezing the manual market.
- Regulations around fuel economy and emissions push automakers toward efficient automatic transmissions and electrification, which do not require traditional manuals.
For many buyers, the result is a landscape where manuals are now rare in mainstream models, but still present in a handful of sportier or more affordable options in certain regions.
Regional snapshots
The prevalence of manual transmissions varies by region, reflecting consumer preferences, dealer inventory, and the models offered by automakers in each market.
- Europe: Manual gearboxes remain common in many compact and traditional models, but the share is shrinking as automatics gain ground, including diesel and hybrid options. Enthusiasts still find manuals in certain affordable sports cars and hot hatches.
- North America: The manual has largely disappeared from mainstream sedans and SUVs, surviving mainly in a few enthusiast-focused or affordable performance models and in legacy or special-edition releases.
- Asia-Pacific: Markets vary; some country-specific regulations and preferences keep manuals available longer in entry-level or sport-focused cars, while many automakers push toward automatics due to efficiency and safety trends.
- Other markets: In many developing markets, automatics are less common due to price and maintenance, but manual options can still be found in lower-cost vehicles or in fleets where cost of ownership matters.
Overall, the region-by-region picture shows a shared trend toward fewer manual choices, with notable exceptions for enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers.
Notable exceptions: models that still offer a manual
While the market is thinning, several models around the world still provide a manual option, catering to drivers who prize engagement and control.
- Small sport cars and roadsters: widely cherished manual options include the Mazda MX-5 Miata and, in the same family, some Toyota and Subaru sports cars in certain markets.
- Sport compacts and enthusiast-grade coupes: a small roster of cars continues to offer manual transmissions to appeal to driving purists and performance enthusiasts (for example, FR or MR layouts, hot hatch lines, etc.).
- Region-specific trims and legacy models: some markets maintain manual options in older-generation models or region-specific trims where demand remains higher.
If you are set on a manual, your best bet is to research current model lineups in your region and consider cars known for maintaining a manual offering, such as certain MX-5, BRZ/GR86-style platforms, and select corner-case models from luxury or sport brands.
What this means for buyers and drivers
For buyers, the decision comes down to availability, cost, and personal preference. Here are practical considerations for navigating a shifting market.
- Check current model lineups carefully: many brands offer manual only on a few trims or specific engines; availability can change yearly.
- Consider the used-car market: if you want a manual, older but well-maintained models can offer strong value and continued driving enjoyment.
- Expect longer wait times or limited dealer stock for manuals in some regions; alternatives include automatics with manual-mode paddles or traditional automatics.
- Evaluate long-term ownership factors: manuals can affect resale value and maintenance costs, depending on your region and the age of the car.
In short, manuals are still out there, but a buyer will typically need to hunt in the right segment or market to find one, and expect limited choices as the market continues to evolve.
Notable models still offering a manual (quick reference)
Below is a snapshot of example categories where manuals persist, illustrating the niche status of clutch-equipped cars today.
- Enthusiast sports cars and roadsters
- Selected compact sports cars and hot hatch derivatives
- Region-specific trims where demand remains strong
Note that model availability can vary by year and market; always verify with local dealers or manufacturer websites before making plans.
Summary and outlook
Manual transmissions are not disappearing overnight, but their future in new-car lineups is shaped by a shift toward automated gearboxes, electrification, and stricter efficiency standards. The manual will likely persist in a shrinking number of niches and markets—primarily among driving enthusiasts and in certain regional offerings—before it becomes largely the exception rather than the rule. For drivers who value involvement, the next few years will continue to offer a limited but meaningful set of options.
In the broader context, the trajectory suggests gradual consolidation toward automatic systems in mainstream cars, while the manual continues to survive in specific performance-focused or budget-conscious corners of the market. Consumers who crave a clutch should stay informed about model-by-model changes as automakers recalibrate their lineups for future generations and regulatory requirements.
