What year did Subaru stop making manual transmissions?
There is no single year when Subaru stopped making manual transmissions; as of 2025, the company still offers manual gearboxes in its sportier WRX and BRZ models, while many other models use CVT or automatic transmissions.
In practice, Subaru began shifting away from manual transmissions in non-performance models over the 2010s, and in recent years most mainstream sedans and SUVs have moved to automatic transmissions. The current lineup reflects a deliberate narrowing of manual choices to appeal to enthusiasts, while preserving a couple of stick-shift options in the brand’s performance-focused vehicles.
Current manual offerings
Here’s where you can still find a manual transmission in a Subaru in 2025.
- WRX — continues to offer a 6-speed manual transmission (with a CVT option on select trims).
- BRZ — offers a 6-speed manual transmission as a common configuration, with an automatic option available on some trims.
These two models represent Subaru's explicit commitment to keeping manual gearboxes in its lineup for performance-oriented buyers, at least for the foreseeable future.
Models that have moved away from manual transmissions
Most of Subaru's mainstream models have shifted to automatic transmissions, typically CVT, in recent years. This reflects market demand and efficiency targets rather than a brand-wide abandonment of manuals.
- Outback, Forester, Crosstrek — current generations are CVT-only in many markets, with no manual option widely advertised.
- Impreza/Legacy and other sedans — trends show a move toward CVT or automatic where still offered; some models have been discontinued in certain regions.
Enthusiasts seeking a manual Subaru should rely primarily on WRX and BRZ, as the rest of the lineup has largely moved away from stick shifts.
Market evolution and the road ahead
Subaru's shift toward automated transmissions aligns with broader industry trends toward efficiency, emissions reductions, and electrification. While manuals offer engaging control for enthusiasts, the cost, weight, and complexity of keeping manual options across a wider range of models have driven the pivot to higher shares of CVTs and automatics.
- Expectations for the near future are that manual availability will remain limited to WRX and BRZ, with little to no expansion into mainstream models unless consumer demand shifts dramatically.
- Electrification plans could further constrain manual offerings, as future powertrains emphasize electrified automatics and, in performance segments, advanced transmissions.
For those who prize the feel of a manual, the current state of Subaru still provides two viable options—WRX and BRZ—though buyers should verify specific model year configurations with dealers, as availability can vary by market.
Summary
There is no single year Subaru stopped making manual transmissions. Manuals persist in WRX and BRZ as of 2025, while most other models use CVT or automatic gearboxes. The trend reflects industry-wide shifts toward efficiency and electrification, leaving enthusiasts with two primary Subaru options for a stick shift and a continued commitment to performance-oriented driving experiences.
What was the last year Subaru made a manual transmission Outback?
The last Subaru Outback with a manual transmission was the 2014 model year in the US. This 6-speed manual was an option on the 2.5i model, while the 6-cylinder 3.6R was only available with an automatic transmission through 2014. While a manual was offered in some international markets after 2014, 2014 is the final model year for the US.
You can watch this video for a review of the 2010 Subaru Outback with a manual transmission: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Feb 4, 2020
- United States: The 2014 Outback was the final model year for the manual transmission option.
- Canada: A manual transmission was available on the 2.5i model for a few years longer, through the 2017 model year.
- Engine: The manual transmission was only paired with the 2.5-liter engine, not the 3.6-liter engine, in the US market.
When did Subaru stop offering manual transmission?
2024
The 2018-2023 Crosstrek featured a six-speed cable shifted manual transmission. It is similar in design to the six-speed transmission found in the 2010-2014 Outback. Subaru stopped offering the Crosstrek with a manual transmission starting with the 2024 model year.
Which subarus still have manual transmission?
Subaru offers manual transmissions in its current models, the BRZ and WRX. While past models like the Crosstrek, Impreza, Forester, and Outback also had manual options, they are not available on recent versions of those vehicles.
- Subaru BRZ: A sports car that is still available with a manual transmission.
- Subaru WRX: A performance model that comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission on most trims.
- Past models: Manual transmissions were previously available on other models such as the Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, but these are no longer produced with manual options.
What years did Subaru have transmission problems?
While Subaru has improved its CVTs over the years, certain models are more prone to failures:
- 2010–2013 Subaru Outback & Legacy (First-generation Lineartronic CVT)
- 2013–2017 Subaru Crosstrek (Early FB20 engine models)
- 2014–2018 Subaru Forester (FB25 engine models)
- 2019+ Subaru Ascent (Higher torque load on the CVT)
