What cars come with paddle shifters?
What paddle shifters are and how they work
Paddle shifters are small levers located on or behind the steering wheel. They let the driver manually upshift or downshift a vehicle’s automatic or dual-clutch transmission without using a clutch pedal. In most cars, paddle shifters engage only when the transmission is in a sport or manual mode, or when a “manual” or “sport” drive program is selected. They’re designed to give the driver more direct control over engine brake, rev-matching, and overall responsiveness, especially in spirited driving or track use.
Sports cars and exotics with paddle shifters
In the realm of high-performance and exotic machines, paddle shifters are a near-universal feature. They accompany dual-clutch or high-performance automatics to enable fast, precise gear changes without a clutch pedal.
Notable examples
- Porsche 911 (992 generation) — PDK dual-clutch automatic with steering-wheel paddles
- Chevrolet Corvette C8 — 8-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddles
- Ferrari 488, F8 Tributo, and other modern Ferraris — high-performance dual-clutch transmissions with paddles
- Lamborghini Huracán and Aventador — paddle-shift-equipped automatics
- Audi R8 and other Audi performance models — S tronic/DSG transmissions with paddles
- BMW M3/M4 and other M models — paddle shifters on sport automatic/dct variants
- Mercedes-AMG GT, C63, E63 — paddle shifters on automatic options
- Nissan GT-R — advanced dual-clutch transmission with paddles
- Acura NSX — multiple electric motors with a paddle-shiftable transmission
- Jaguar F-Type — automatic variants use steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting
These cars illustrate how paddle shifters have become a standard expectation in performance lines, providing quick gear changes without a manual transmission.
Luxury sedans and SUVs with paddle shifters
Beyond sports cars, many luxury sedans and SUVs offer paddle shifters on sportier trims or AMG/RS/M variants. They are especially common on models with performance-oriented automatic transmissions and manual modes.
Representative examples
- BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and other M Performance models — sport automatics with paddles
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, and AMG variants — paddle shifters on automatic options
- Audi A4/A6/A7 and other S/RS models — paddles for sport shifting
- Lexus LC 500 — luxury grand tourer with paddle shifters on its automatic transmission
- Alfa Romeo Giulia (including Quadrifoglio) — paddle shifters on the automatic option
- Jaguar F-Type (R-Dynamic and higher) — sport trims with paddles
In these categories, paddle shifters offer a performance-oriented control feel without requiring a manual transmission, making them popular among buyers seeking immediacy and a tactile connection to the drivetrain.
Mainstream performance cars with paddle shifters
Even many mainstream coupes, sedans, and sports hatchbacks provide paddle shifters when equipped with a performance-oriented automatic. They’re commonly found on models that emphasize sporty driving dynamics without a manual gearbox as standard.
Popular picks
- Toyota GR Supra — 8-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddles
- Nissan Z — 9-speed automatic with paddles (manual available in a separate transmission option)
- Ford Mustang (GT and higher trims) — 10-speed automatic with paddles
- Chevrolet Camaro (automatic variants) — sport automatic with paddles
- Dodge Challenger/Charger (automatic variants) — paddles for manual-style shifts
- Volkswagen Golf R — DSG 7-speed automatic with paddles
For buyers seeking everyday usability with a touch of sport, these mainstream performers show that paddle shifters are not limited to rare exotica but are increasingly common in widely available models.
How to verify paddle shifters on a model you’re considering
Because features vary by trim and market, it’s best to confirm before you buy. Look for “Sport” or “Manual” mode in the transmission options, inquire about paddle shifters on the steering wheel, or check the official spec sheet. If you’re shopping used, review the window sticker or the dealer’s build sheet to ensure paddles are included on the exact configuration you’re considering.
Summary
Paddle shifters have moved from niche performance cars to a near-ubiquitous feature across a broad spectrum of vehicles. Whether you’re shopping for a rally-bred sports car, a luxury sedan, or a mainstream coupe, there’s a strong chance your automatic will offer paddle shifting in a sport or manual mode. If manual gear control is important to you, focus on sport trims and automatic transmissions marketed with a manual mode or paddle-shift capability.
Which car comes with paddle shifters?
171 Latest Cars with Paddle Shifters in India
- Hyundai Creta. 4.3. ₹ 10.73 - ₹ 20.20 Lakh*
- 4.2. ₹ 10.95 - ₹ 19.76 Lakh* 1490cc 20.58 kmplPetrol, Hybrid, CNG.
- 4.7. ₹ 10.50 - ₹ 19.99 Lakh*
- 4.2. ₹ 7.55 - ₹ 12.80 Lakh*
- Tata Nexon. 4.4.
- 4.2. ₹ 8.26 - ₹ 14.14 Lakh*
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. 4.1.
- Skoda Octavia RS. ₹ 49.99 Lakh*
Do all cars come with paddle shifters?
No, not all cars have paddle shifters; it is a feature on many but not a standard component on every vehicle. Paddle shifters are most commonly found on sports cars and performance trims of automatic and some manual transmission vehicles, allowing the driver to manually shift gears without taking their hands off the wheel. However, a large percentage of automatic cars do not have them.
- Common on performance vehicles: Paddle shifters are standard on many performance-oriented cars to give the driver more control during activities like racing or spirited driving.
- Less common on standard automatics: Many standard automatic cars, even modern ones, do not have paddle shifters because most drivers do not need or use them.
- Found in many modern cars: Despite not being on every car, paddle shifters are a feature available in a wide variety of modern cars, trucks, and SUVs.
- Not on every manual car: Paddle shifters are not typically found on conventional manual transmission cars, although some performance models combine a manual gearbox with paddle shifters.
What are the disadvantages of paddle shifters?
As for cons, there are a couple. First, despite all the advancements in automatic transmissions, paddle shifters sometimes have difficulty reading the road under severe weather conditions. The other negative is the extra cost.
What is the cheapest car with paddle shifters?
The cheapest new car with paddle shifters is difficult to pinpoint definitively as prices and availability vary, but options often include sportier trims of economy cars or older performance models. For a new car, the 2025 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is a candidate for the cheapest, with some sources citing it as the cheapest available new car with paddle shifters. However, many older, used sports cars like the Nissan 370Z or Mazda Miata offer a more budget-friendly path to paddle shifters, with many models available for under $15,000.
New and late-model options
- Hyundai Veloster Turbo: Listed as potentially the cheapest new car with paddle shifters, but availability may be limited as the model was discontinued. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
- Toyota GR Corolla: For 2025, this hot hatch now offers a new automatic transmission with paddle shifters, though its starting price is higher at approximately $38,860.
- Kia Sonet: An SUV option available in certain markets, it comes with paddle shifters on various trims, paired with both its turbo petrol and diesel engines.
Older, used options
- Nissan 370Z: Automatic versions of this sports car include a 7-speed transmission with paddle shifters and can be found used for under $15,000, according to online.cars.
- Mazda Miata (ND generation): The automatic versions of this lightweight sports car are equipped with paddle shifters and are a fun, albeit less powerful, alternative to the 370Z.
- Honda Prelude (5th generation): This model, especially the SH version, is a reliable and fun option, particularly if you're willing to look at older used cars, with some models available for under $7,500, notes this YouTube video.
- Saab 9-3: From the 2006-2010 model years, this model is available for a relatively low price and offers a unique driving experience.
- BMW Z4 (early models): Some early automatic Z4s had a paddle-shifted SMG transmission option that can be found for around £3,000, according to PistonHeads.
