Manual Transmission Cars Still Available in 2026: Full List of Stick-Shift Models
In an era when automatic and dual-clutch transmissions dominate roadways, the classic manual remains a rare treat. It’s a way for drivers to stay truly connected to the road, and preserve the visceral joy of driving. At Ontario Auto Center, we still appreciate the stick-shift faithful, and we wanted to highlight one manual-transmission model from our brands that continue to offer a “three-pedal” ride in 2026.
Here’s our curated list of manual cars still available new in 2026, ranging from compact sport coupes to rugged SUVs:
Toyota — Toyota GR86
Toyota remains one of the few mainstream brands still offering true driver-focused manual transmissions, a feature that appeals strongly to automotive enthusiasts.
The 2026 GR86, a sleek rear-wheel-drive coupe equipped with a 2.4-liter boxer engine producing 228 horsepower, comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination provides a pure and engaging driving experience that is hard to find in today’s market of increasingly automated vehicles.
With its balance of practicality and excitement, the GR86 is not just a car, but a daily driver designed to bring joy to every commute and weekend drive. Come check it out at Crown Toyota at Ontario Auto Center!
Nissan — Nissan Z
For those looking for a performance coupe with a modern twist, the Nissan Z delivers excitement and precision in every drive. Several trims, including the base Sport and Performance versions, come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, giving drivers complete control and a more connected feel behind the wheel.
Paired with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, this combination provides the thrilling, old-school sports car experience while offering the reliability and technology expected in a modern vehicle. Every shift, every corner, and every acceleration reminds drivers that the Nissan Z is designed for pure driving enjoyment without compromise. At Empire Nissan, in Ontario Auto Center we’ve got your Nissan Z waiting and ready for you. We just got some 2026 Nissan Z’s in stock as well!
Hyundai — Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai has largely shifted toward automatic transmissions in recent years, but the Elantra N remains the brand’s last conventional gas model offering a true manual stick. This makes it a standout for driving enthusiasts who still crave full control and engagement behind the wheel. The Elantra N packs a serious punch with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 276 horsepower.
Paired with a six-speed manual transmission and precise rev-matching, it delivers a driving experience that is both fun and exhilarating. Agile, quick, and full of character, the Elantra N proves that even mainstream manufacturers can still embrace the spirit of the manual, giving drivers an exciting and authentic connection to the road. At Ontario Hyundai we’ve got plenty of Elantra N’s for you, in different fun colors. Take a look at our inventory!
Jeep — Jeep Wrangler
In the world of rugged off-road SUVs, few models still offer manual transmissions, but the Jeep Wrangler remains a standout. The 2025 Wrangler quipped with the 3.6-liter V6 continues to feature a six-speed manual gearbox, giving drivers the opportunity to fully engage with the trail in a hands-on, visceral way that automatic transmissions simply cannot replicate. Every shift, every climb, and every descent becomes part of the driving experience, allowing enthusiasts to feel completely connected to the terrain and the vehicle.
As one of the last remaining manual SUVs available in 2026, the Wrangler holds a unique place in the market, proving that traditional driving enjoyment and rugged off-road capability can still coexist in a modern world. Take a look at all the new Jeep Wranglers we’ve received in our inventory at JCDRF of Ontario.
BMW — BMW M2
While many premium automakers have moved away from manual transmissions in favor of automatics and dual-clutch setups, BMW continues to offer them, at least for its performance-focused models. The 2026 BMW M2 coupe comes equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a six-speed manual transmission, alongside other available transmission options. This setup gives driving purists a rare opportunity to experience a modern performance BMW the old-fashioned way, with full control over every shift and gear change.
The combination of precise handling, potent acceleration, and the tactile engagement of a manual gearbox allows drivers to connect with the car on a level that automated systems cannot replicate. For enthusiasts who crave the thrill of a stick shift without sacrificing modern technology, the M2 delivers an exhilarating and authentic driving experience. Check out new M2’s in stock only at BMW of Ontario!
Honda — Honda Civic Type R
Honda remains firmly committed to manual-transmission enthusiasts, especially through its performance-oriented Civic lineup. The 2025 and 2026 Civic Type R continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission, giving drivers precise control over every shift and a more connected, engaging driving experience. Paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 315 horsepower, this hot hatch delivers blistering acceleration, sharp handling, and an aggressive driving character that few front-wheel-drive cars can match.
Beyond raw performance, the Civic Type R offers a complete package for driving enthusiasts, combining modern technology, track-ready engineering, and a tactile, hands-on connection to the road. It remainsone of the most fiery, driver-focused front-wheel-drive hot hatches available today, proving that Honda is dedicated to keeping the spirit of the manual transmission alive for those who truly appreciate the art of driving. At Penske Honda Ontario, they’ve got your Civic Type R waiting for you!
Subaru — Subaru WRX
Subaru continues to keep the manual transmission alive with its rally-inspired WRX, a turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance sedan that drivers can still operate themselves. As of 2026, the WRX continues to offer a six-speed manual paired with its turbocharged flat-four engine, providing a rare combination of all-wheel-drive capability and stick-shift excitement. This setup allows drivers to feel completely in control on both tight mountain roads and open highways, delivering a driving experience that is engaging, precise, and full of character. The WRX balances everyday practicality with performance-oriented engineering, making it one of the few cars on the market that still offers the thrill of a manual transmission alongside modern reliability and technology. For enthusiasts who crave a hands-on driving experience with turbocharged power and all-weather traction, the Subaru WRX remains a standout choice in 2026. At Ontario Subaru they’ve got plenty of WRX’s in stock and be sure to check them out in person!
Volkswagen — Volkswagen Jetta GLI
With the manual versions of the Golf GTI and Golf R now discontinued, the Jetta GLI has become Volkswagen’s last U.S. model to offer a manual transmission as of 2025 and 2026. This makes it a standout choice for driving enthusiasts who still crave the engagement and control of a stick shift. The Jetta GLI blends everyday practicality with spirited performance, pairing a sporty 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The result is a driving experience that is both fun and connected, giving drivers precise control over each shift while maintaining the versatility and comfort expected of a compact sedan.
Beyond its performance credentials, the GLI also offers modern technology, a refined interior, and a smooth ride, proving that drivers no longer need to sacrifice convenience for excitement. For enthusiasts who value the tactile thrill of manual transmission, the Jetta GLI continues to uphold Volkswagen’s reputation for delivering engaging, driver-focused vehicles. Checkout Ontario Volkswagen at Ontario Auto Center to get this Jetta GLI while it’s in stock!
Why This Matters — And What It Says About Stick-Shift Culture Today
Manual transmission cars now represent a tiny fraction of new car sales. Autoblog+1. But for those who care about driver engagement, they offer something far more valuable than just shifting gears. They provide control, connection, and a mechanical simplicity that few automatics can match.
For Ontario Auto Center and car enthusiasts like you, that stick-shift list is more than nostalgia. It is a lifeline, a chance to preserve what makes driving fun even as the industry trends toward electrification, automation, and convenience.
The models above span a wide range, from affordable compact sports cars such as the Elantra N and Civic Type R, to hardcore performance coupes like the GR86 and BMW M2, to practical sedans with a soul such as the Jetta GLI, to off-road-ready SUVs including the Jeep Wrangler, and AWD rally-ready sedans like the Subaru WRX. If you are after a manual car, there is still something for nearly every taste and budget.
What It Means for Buyers — Especially at Ontario Auto Center
Limited supply: Because manuals are rare, they tend to sell out fast, especially performance-oriented trims like the Civic Type R, GR86, or WRX. If you see one, act quickly.
Enthusiast demand: Stick-shift buyers tend to value driving feel over convenience or luxury, so these cars often hold value longer among purists.
Diverse options: You don’t need to buy a sports coupe to get a manual. Sedans like the Jetta GLI or even practical compact cars like the Elantra N offer manual joy without sacrificing daily-driving practicality.
Experience matters: Driving a manual takes skill and commitment, but for many, that is the point. The throttle, clutch, and steering feedback loop creates a deeper bond between driver, car, and road.
At Ontario Auto Center, we’re proud to still offer and support manual-transmission vehicles. If you’re in the market for a new car and you value engagement over convenience, we’re here to help you find the right one.
Conclusion: Why Manuals Still Matter in 2026
In 2026, the manual transmission remains important because it keeps driving personal, intentional, and immersive.
As cars become more automated and electrified, manuals offer something increasingly rare: direct control and a genuine connection to the road.
They turn routine trips into engaging experiences, reward skill, and preserve the mechanical purity many drivers still crave. As long as even a few brands continue to build them, manuals will remain a meaningful reminder of what makes driving enjoyable at its core.