Why did Subaru discontinue manual transmission?
Subaru largely stopped offering manual transmissions in its mainstream lineup as automatic transmissions became the default choice for most buyers; only a small subset of models, notably the BRZ and WRX, still offer a manual option.
The shift reflects broader industry trends and Subaru’s product strategy. As consumer demand for manual gearboxes has dwindled in many markets, automatics—especially modern CVTs and dual-clutch designs—deliver better fuel economy, lower emissions, and easier daily use. Maintaining two transmission families across a wide model lineup also adds cost and complexity for engineering, certification, and dealer support. While enthusiast-oriented models continue to offer manuals, the overall lineup has moved toward automatic transmissions to meet regulatory targets and market preferences.
What drove the change
The following factors collectively helped drive Subaru away from widespread manual transmission availability in its mainstream models.
- Declining demand for manuals among the general car-buying public, especially in non-performance segments.
- Pressure to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions, where automatic transmissions typically perform better or are easier to optimize.
- Regulatory and fleet-average targets that incentivize simpler, more uniform drivetrains across an automaker’s lineup.
- Increased production and service costs associated with maintaining two transmission families for a single model range.
- Advances in automatic transmissions and CVTs that narrow any perceived performance gaps with manuals, making automatics a more attractive default choice for most buyers.
In summary, market preferences, efficiency goals, and cost considerations converged to push Subaru toward more automatic-only mainstream offerings, while preserving manuals in its few remaining enthusiast-focused models.
Where a manual is still offered
Although Subaru has moved away from manuals in most of its lineup, a small number of models continue to provide a manual option for enthusiasts. Availability can vary by market and model year.
- Subaru BRZ — The BRZ remains a focal point for manual enthusiasts, traditionally offering a six-speed manual with an automatic option in some markets or trims, depending on the year and region.
- Subaru WRX — The WRX has long offered a manual transmission in many markets, with a six-speed manual available alongside an automatic option in various configurations and years.
For buyers considering a manual, it’s important to verify current transmissions with a local dealer, as availability can change between model years and regions.
Regional nuances
Manual transmission availability varies by market. In some regions, stricter emissions regulations or consumer preferences may influence whether a model is offered with a manual. Enthusiast-oriented models like the BRZ and WRX are more likely to retain a manual option globally, but even these can shift in different countries or over new model cycles.
Summary
Subaru’s broader move away from manual transmissions stems from a combination of shrinking consumer demand for manuals, efficiency and emissions pressures, and the cost of supporting multiple drivetrain options. Manuals remain a niche feature primarily in performance-oriented models such as the BRZ and WRX, while most of Subaru’s mainstream lineup prioritizes automatic transmissions to align with market trends and regulatory targets.
Can you still get a Subaru with a manual transmission?
Yes, Subaru still makes manual transmissions, but they are only available on a few select performance models like the WRX and BRZ. Other models, such as the Crosstrek and Impreza, no longer offer a manual option for newer model years.
- Available models: You can find a manual transmission in the Subaru WRX and the BRZ.
- Unavailable models: Subaru has discontinued the manual transmission option for the Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback in recent model years.
- Reason for limited availability: Some modern safety technologies, like the EyeSight driver assist system, are not yet compatible with manual transmissions, which has reduced the number of available models.
Are Subaru manual transmissions reliable?
Yes, Subaru manual transmissions are generally considered reliable, especially when properly maintained, with many lasting over 200,000 miles. Their reliability is often compared favorably to Subaru's automatic (CVT) transmissions, as they are less complex. The main point of wear for a manual is the clutch, which is a normal maintenance item.
Factors affecting reliability
- Proper maintenance is crucial: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is key to a long-lasting transmission.
- Normal wear and tear: The clutch is a wear item that will eventually need replacement, which is a normal part of ownership, not a transmission defect.
- Driving style matters: Aggressive driving, such as launching the car or harsh shifts, can lead to premature wear, particularly in some high-performance models.
- Model-specific performance: Some models may have specific transmissions with a reputation for fragility, like the TY75 5MT in older turbo models, which can be an issue for those launching the car frequently. However, under normal driving conditions, these are generally reliable.
Advantages of manual transmissions
- Simplicity: Manual transmissions are mechanically simpler than CVTs, which can make them less prone to certain types of complex and expensive failures.
- Lower repair costs: Repairing a manual transmission, like a clutch replacement, can be less expensive than replacing a failed CVT valve body.
- No extended warranty issues: Unlike CVTs, which can have specific extended warranty coverage, manuals are less likely to have a specific, long-term warranty concern.
Things to consider
- Availability: Manual transmission options have become less common in recent Subaru models, and they may lack some of the modern safety features offered on automatic models.
- Performance: Some manual gearboxes may lack the refinement of newer, more modern transmissions.
- Safety features: The availability of certain advanced safety and driver-assist features, like Subaru's EyeSight system, is often limited or unavailable on manual transmission models.
Why is Subaru discontinuing manual transmission?
Subaru is discontinuing manual transmissions due to a combination of factors, primarily a decline in customer demand and the incompatibility of older manual gearboxes with advanced safety technology like the EyeSight driver assist system. While some newer models have found ways to integrate EyeSight with manual transmissions, many models are moving towards being manual-free because of lower sales volume, the increasing costs of development, and the industry's shift toward electrification, where manual transmissions are not used.
You can watch this video to learn more about the potential discontinuation of manual transmissions in WRX models: 1mCircuit DemonYouTube · Aug 18, 2023
Reasons for discontinuation
- Declining customer demand: Sales of manual transmissions have significantly decreased, making it a lower priority for manufacturers to develop and offer them across more models.
- Safety technology integration: Subaru's EyeSight safety system was originally incompatible with manual transmissions, and the cost and effort to make the system work with a manual gearbox were not considered worthwhile for many models with low manual take rates.
- However, Subaru has since developed a version of EyeSight that can work with manual transmissions, as seen in the 2024 Crosstrek.
- Shift to electrification: The automotive industry is moving toward electric and hybrid vehicles. These vehicles use electric motors that provide instant torque, and they do not require manual transmissions. As more models go electric, the relevance of manual transmissions decreases.
- Development and production costs: The cost of developing and producing a manual transmission option for a limited number of buyers is not always justifiable, especially compared to the benefits of focusing resources on other features or technologies.
- Improvements in automatic transmissions: Modern automatic transmissions are now more fuel-efficient, faster, and perform better than older manual transmissions, further reducing the benefits of a manual option for the average driver.
What was the last year for the manual transmission in the Subaru 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.
