10 Cheapest Manual Cars Enthusiasts Are Buying Brand New

As automatic transmissions dominate the market with convenience and efficiency, and as electric and hybrid technologies continue to take over manufacturer lineups, the space for manual cars keeps shrinking at a rapid pace. For enthusiasts like us, the used market is where most of our options are. From JDM icons to European sports cars and American muscle, the search for the perfect manual is an exciting quest, but older cars inevitably bring regular maintenance and unpleasant repair costs. And if you’re on the lookout for a modern car with up-to-date features and a manual gearbox, you won’t have the luxury of choice. Still, a few manufacturers continue to cater to drivers, offering manual transmissions even for their entry-level models. Whether you’re after a sedan, SUV, or sports car, here is our list of the 10 most affordable, brand-new manual cars you can still buy today.

10

Ford Bronco

MSRP: $40,495

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The last manual car to make it on this list is the Ford Bronco. It is one of the very few modern SUVs that still offers a manual transmission, but you will need to make sure to pick the right trim. The Bronco in its manual form is available for the base Bronco, which starts at the high price of $40,495. The pricier Big Bend, Badlands and Heritage Edition trims are also available with a 7-speed manual. The off-road and stick-shift combo is more than just nostalgia, as its manual transmission offers the traditional six gears for everyday driving, and a dedicated crawler gear with a ratio of 94.7:1 that allows the car to creep safely at extremely low speeds of just 1 to 2 mph.

9

Acura Integra A-Spec

MSRP: $39,200

Acura

After a long absence in the automotive scene, the Acura Integra made a comeback in the US market for the 2023 model year. And while the Acura Integra starts at around $33,000, the manual transmission option does not come as standard. The six-speed manual gearbox is exclusively tied to the Integra A-Spec trim with Technology Package, which starts at $39,200. Far from being the most affordable on this list, the Acura steps into a more premium category, but it still has a clear appeal. While sharing the same platform and engine as the Civic, it feels more grown up. It is refined and stylish, all while keeping the driving experience fun for enthusiasts.

8

Hyundai Elantra N

MSRP: $35,100

Hyundai

Amidst the Japanese and American manuals on this list, one South Korean sedan makes it on this list. At a starting price of $35,100, the Hyundai Elantra N packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. While other manufacturers’ performance models such as Type R and GR models are often out of reach, Hyundai offers its performance N model at a more accessible price point. But do not mistake it for a budget, imitation car either. Hyundai takes its N Line very seriously, developing N models in their Namyang R&D center, and putting them to the test at the Nürburgring in Germany. In terms of engineering and looks, the Elantra N has what it takes. Now its biggest obstacle still remains perception.

7

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

MSRP: $33,745

Volkswagen

While Volkswagen’s Golf GTI and Golf R have already said goodbye to their manual transmissions, this is your final chance to get your hands on a manual Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers a rare combination of affordability, practicality and fun, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 228 hp and paired with its 6-speed manual gearbox. With a starting MSRP of $33,745, the GLI presents one strong argument after another. The German compact car shares quite a bit of DNA with the Golf GTI. It uses a version of the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which gives you plenty of torque upfront. As Volkswagen will also be discontinuing the manual Jetta GLI for the 2027 model year, this is your final chance to get your hands on a brand-new, manual Volkswagen.

6

Subaru WRX

MSRP: $32,495

Subaru

The current Subaru WRX is all you’d want from a car with a name that stands for “World Rally eXperimental.” The rally-inspired, four-wheel-drive compact car is practical, seats four, and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. At a base MSRP of $32,495, the entry-level WRX model remains one of the few affordable performance-oriented sedans that still offers a manual transmission as a core part of its identity. Though we are still waiting on the STI variant, as of now, the base WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing 271 hp will do.

5

Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: $32,445

Toyota

If sports cars and sedans aren’t your cup of tea, but you’re still on the lookout for a great, brand new manual, Toyota has you covered. As one of the last new pickup trucks still available with a manual transmission option, the Toyota Tacoma is a rare gem in this current market as it combines off-roading, hauling and towing capabilities with a more connected driving experience. However, not all Tacoma models offer a manual transmission option, and for a pickup truck with three pedals, you will want to make sure you go for the four-door, four-wheel-drive, 5-foot-bed configurations of the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims. The Tacoma comes with rev-matching and stall-avoidance tech that modernizes the setup without stripping away the low-speed gear-and-clutch control that still matters off-road.

4

Mazda3 Hatchback

MSRP: $31,650

Evan Williams / HotCars / Valnet

The Mazda3 Hatchback only belongs here in its 2.5 S Premium form, which is the only Mazda3 trim to offer a manual gearbox. This hatchback is a great alternative for those who prefer the sleek Mazda design over the Honda Civic Si’s sedan looks, as it starts at just under $32,000. It is without a doubt a standout choice for enthusiasts, as you’ll get to enjoy sharp and stylish looks, a premium interior, and an engaging driving experience. The 6-speed manual gearbox feels smooth, the chassis feels polished. Overall, the Mazda3 finds the right balance between performance and refinement, especially with features such as Mazda’s Skyactiv tech that cleans up the car’s cornering behavior. If you’re looking for a dynamic yet sophisticated manual, this one may be it.

3

Honda Civic Si

MSRP: $31,495

Honda

While the Civic Type R is the ultimate, manual driver’s car to come out of Honda, not everyone can afford the Japanese manufacturer’s top-of-the-line sports car. All hope is not lost, as you just need to go down a notch to enjoy similar perks and looks, all at a more affordable price. With its slick, 6-speed manual gearbox, its well-tuned chassis and its practical sedan configuration, the Civic Si offers a pretty well-rounded package for a starting price of under $32,000. Sure, it is no Type R, but the Civic Si is engaging to drive and makes for a great daily driver. In a market dominated by automatics, SUVs and EVs, it’s a rare example of an affordable and practical daily that also works as a driver’s car.

2

Toyota GR86

MSRP: $31,400

Toyota

Toyota knows exactly what it is doing when it comes to affordable manual sports cars, starting with the GR86. The spiritual successor to the iconic “Hachi-Roku” has quickly become one of the go-to choices for enthusiasts looking for an affordable new car with a manual transmission since its release in late 2021. Combining a naturally aspirated, 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the GR86 offers a rewarding driving experience that you’ll rarely find at this price point. With a sub-$32,000 starting price, it’s one of the few new rear-wheel drive sports coupes built around a manual gearbox. It also remains the more affordable choice when compared to the Subaru BRZ. It shares the GR86’s engine and platform, and looks almost identical to the GR86, but starts at $35,860 for the 2026 model year.

1

Mazda MX-5 Miata

MSRP: $30,430

Mazda

As models come and go, there is one constant in the car world, and that is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. A list of manual cars without including the Miata wouldn’t make much sense as it has long remained one of the most affordable ways to buy a brand-new manual sports car. The small Japanese sports car comes with a lightweight chassis, a rear-wheel-drive layout and a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Though it “only” produces 181 hp, the Miata delivers a pure driving experience that enthusiasts crave. With an MSRP starting just over $30,000, the Miata is the manual car with the lowest price tag on this list. The Miata is the embodiment of the affordable manual sports car, as it offers a simple, engaging driving experience within reach. In short, it’s a breath of fresh air in an era where cars are becoming increasingly expensive and complex.

Sources: Mazda, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Acura