The automotive landscape is rapidly changing as electric vehicles, hybrids, and ever more complicated forced induction powertrains take over the industry. This, coupled with stricter emissions regulations, has meant the manual transmission is disappearing at an alarming rate. For enthusiasts who love the feel and control that only a stick shift can provide, this is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s better to face its demise head on instead of pretending like it isn’t happening.
As we approach 2025, several models are bidding farewell to their manual options, marking the end of an era for many beloved vehicles entirely. Some of these vehicles are forgettable commuter cars that won’t bother many, but others are iconic enthusiast vehicles that we hate to see switch permanently to just two peddles. Fortunately, even though the future looks grim, it’s likely the manual transmission will exist for the foreseeable future in some capacity. Just don’t expect it to be cheap if it does. Here are all the manual cars we’re losing for 2025.
Mitsubishi Mirage
5-Speed Manual Transmission
| Engine | 1.2-liter Inline-3 cylinder |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 76 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 12.8 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) | 36/43/39 mpg |
The Mitsubishi Mirage has long been a budget-friendly option for those who prefer simplicity when it comes to their vehicle, but we can’t say we’re going to miss the hatchback or sedan when they drive off into the sunset at the end of the year. The main appeal they currently have is they’re cheap – but they aren’t even the cheapest vehicle in the US right now. That distinction goes to the Nissan Versa, and after having driven both, we can definitely say the Nissan is the better car. It’s always sad to see a manual car go, but we can’t say we’re going to miss this one too much.
| Engine | 2.0-liter Turbocharged Flat-4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) | 20/25/22 mpg |
The Porsche 718, available in both Cayman and Boxster variants, has slowly earned the respect of enthusiasts over the years despite not having the pedigree of it’s older sibling, the 911. The mid-engined platform has been refined over the years, and eventually given some of the brand’s best engines to make the most of it. Unfortunately, the next generation is going electric, and despite previous reports saying the combustion versions would live on along with it for a time, that’s apparently no longer the case as we’re saying goodbye to it mid next year.
Volkswagen GTI
6-Speed Manual Transmission
| Engine | 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 241 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) | 23/34/27 mpg |
The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential fun-to-drive hatchback, offering a blend of performance and practicality. The latest generation debuted for 2022, and although the interior controls left a lot to be desired, there was no denying the driving characteristics were as good as ever. Like with most vehicles, future GTI models are set to go electric, and this leaves no room for manual transmissions. For the first time in the model’s history, it won’t have a manual transmission option in 2025, signaling the end of an era.
Mini Cooper Hardtop
6-Speed Manual Transmission
| Engine | 1.5-liter Turbocharged 3-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 134 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 7.9 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) | 27/38/31 mpg |
The Mini Cooper Hardtop has always embraced its sporty heritage, with a manual transmission adding to its well-advertised “go-kart-like” driving experience. For 2025, the model has received a comprehensive update that has substantially changed the look and feel of the model without getting rid of its iconic character. Performance for the combustion versions of the model is pretty similar to before, featuring a turbocharged engine and FWD, but this time around your only option will be a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The company says there still could be hope for a manual to return in the future, but we’re not getting our hopes up.
