Introduction
If you’re wondering what a manual SUV is, it’s a sport utility vehicle that gives you the power to shift gears yourself—with a stick. That used to be normal, but these days, manuals are almost disappearing. People love automatics—or are driving electric vehicles—but for drivers who crave control, manual SUVs still exist in just a few modern models. Let’s zoom into which SUVs still offer this stick‑shift magic in 2025.
Manual SUV Landscape: 2025 Snapshot
| SUV Model | New or Used | Manual Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | New | Yes – still offered |
| Ford Bronco | New | Yes – manual on off‑road trims |
| Subaru Crosstrek | Used | Yes – older models |
| Honda HR‑V | Used | Yes – earlier versions |
| Jeep Compass | Used | Yes – base manuals |
| Mini Countryman | Used | Yes – older trims |
| Fiat 500X | Used | Yes – base manual units |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Used | Yes – early editions |
| Subaru Forester | Used | Yes – previous trims |
| Nissan Xterra | Used | Yes – older models beloved by fans |
Why Manual SUVs Are Vanishing (and Why Some Still Stick Around)
Manufacturers are phasing out manual transmissions because automatics and EVs are easier to drive and more fuel‑efficient. In the UK, manual cars made up only about 22% of new-car sales recently—a sharp drop from 86% twenty years ago. That’s a fast fall, and lots of brands like Mercedes, Land Rover, Tesla aren’t even offering manual options anymore. Still, a few holdouts survive—mainly in the SUV and off‑road segment where rugged, driver‑engaged experience matters most.
The Manual SUVs You Can Still Buy in 2025
Even with the decline, there are at least two new SUVs you can buy brand new with a manual transmission:
- Jeep Wrangler – Known for its go‑anywhere off‑road spirit, the Wrangler keeps a manual gearbox for drivers who want the pure feel of shifting through rough terrain.
- Ford Bronco – Built to challenge tough trails and deliver classic SUV vibes, the Bronco still offers a manual stick on certain trims, especially off‑road focused ones.
Those are basically the last two standing new SUVs that come standard with a real stick shift. Every other SUV is either automatic or, if older, available only in the used market.
Used Manual SUVs
If you’re okay with a pre‑owned ride, there are a few more manual SUVs out there:
Older models like the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, Jeep Compass, Mini Cooper Countryman, Fiat 500X, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and Subaru Forester sometimes came with manuals, but mostly they’re found as used units now.
Selling platforms like CarMax and Carvana list many used manual SUVs—for example, CarMax features the 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend, 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, and others with manual, but again, these are second‑hand.
What Makes Manual SUVs Special
Driving a manual SUV isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about engagement, control, and sometimes even better off‑road performance. Reddit threads from enthusiasts say:
“My 6‑speed manual Nissan Xterra has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned.”
That’s a real quote from a driver who loves their manual gear. For many, shifting gears themselves feels more connected to the road. On trails, manuals let you match engine revs exactly when crawling over obstacles or reversing steep slopes.
Story Time: Why Sticks Survive in Jeeps and Broncos
Imagine driving a Jeep Wrangler on a rocky, muddy trail—it’s slow, bumpy, and tricky. With a manual, you can feather the clutch, slip the revs, and crawl precisely. Automatics can get confused, hunting for the right gear. That’s why the Jeep Wrangler still offers sticks. The same goes for the Ford Bronco, especially the Sasquatch package for real off‑road challenges.
What the Future Holds for Manual SUVs
Cars are shifting fast. Some say that in just a few years, manuals will be extinct. Yet as long as brands like Jeep and Ford keep embracing stick-shift fans, manual SUVs will hold onto a lifeline. Enthusiast buyers still spend extra for manuals—45% take rate on some models like the WRX shows there’s still love there.
Conclusion
Manual SUVs are rare, but still exist. If you’re hunting for one in 2025, your best bet is a new Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, or a used model from brands like Subaru or Mitsubishi. They give you control, fun, and a real connection to the drive. But they’re fading fast—so for gear‑head thrill‑seekers, now’s the time to stick to sticks.
FAQ: Manual SUVs in 2025
Which new SUVs still offer a manual transmission in 2025?
Only the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco continue to offer manual gearboxes in new models.
Why are manuals disappearing from SUVs?
Because automatics and EVs are more common, easier to drive, and more fuel-efficient. Regulations and consumer trends are pushing manufacturers away from manuals.
Where can I find a used manual SUV?
You can find used manual SUVs like Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, Jeep Compass, and more listed on platforms like CarMax and Carvana.
Are manual SUVs fun to drive off-road?
Yes! Driving off-road with a manual gives you more control over gears and climbing abilities, which is why off-road teams like Jeep and Ford still offer manuals.
Do manuals offer better reliability?
Some users report strong reliability—one comment praised a manual Nissan Xterra for lasting over 135,000 miles.
Will manual SUVs go extinct soon?
Possibly. With only a couple models offering stick-shifts and growing trend toward automatics, manual SUVs might disappear in the next few years.
Do enthusiasts still buy manual-only trims?
Yes. Some models like the WRX have a high manual take rate, showing strong enthusiast demand.
What used SUV models with manuals are most common?
Models like the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, Jeep Compass, and Mini Cooper Countryman are often available in manual versions in used markets.
What modern SUVs once had manuals but now don’t?
Many compact and crossover SUVs dropped manual options in recent years, so older generations are typically the only ones with stick-shift choices.
Should I buy a manual SUV now or wait?
If you’re passionate about manual driving, now is the time. With manuals fading fast, grabbing one soon means fewer to choose from later.
I’m Waqas, an electric vehicle enthusiast and tech writer with over 6 years of experience covering the EV industry. I write in-depth articles, comparisons, and reviews to help readers understand the fast-evolving world of electric mobility. From battery technology to EV launches and charging trends, I aim to make complex EV topics simple, engaging, and informative for everyday drivers and curious readers alike.
