The List Of New Cars With Manual Transmissions Is Shorter Than Ever For 2027

By now, it’s clear that the manual transmission is an endangered species. What used to be the obvious performance choice has since been muscled-out in favor of objectively superior conventional and dual-clutch automatics. Eventually, it may lose. Not today, though. While the certain list of 2027 model-year cars available with stick-shifts is shorter than in any prior year, it still contains some absolute gems. Let’s run through them.

First, let’s pour one out for the lost. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing ended production several months ago, and the current CT5-V Blackwing will be put out to pasture by the end of the year. The Honda Civic Si and Acura Integra A-Spec 6MT are stuck in purgatory following the conclusion of the 2026 model year as their powertrains await further EPA certification. The BMW Z4 and Toyota GR Supra are no longer, and the Volkswagen GLI loses a pedal for good with the arrival of the 2027 model year. Considering the manual gearbox is already an endangered species in North America, the loss of seven models stings a bit.

Then there’s the big maybe: The Toyota GR Corolla. Will it return for 2027? Toyota hasn’t issued an official announcement, and scouring the forums hasn’t revealed a dealer order guide for next year. Mind you, the regular Corolla hatchback continues on for 2027, and with the recent opening of an assembly line in Britain to fulfil GR Corolla demand, I want to believe. Until credible signs of life surface, we’re going to have to temporarily bench this one.

So, that leaves us with 18 new mass-produced models heading into the 2027 model year with manual transmissions. It’s a more exclusive list than ever, but if you simply can’t stand letting your left leg do nothing, these are the new cars to have.

Acura Integra Type S

While the Acura Integra A-Spec 6MT is taking a breather, the Integra Type S is expected to keep the flame alive for 2027. While Acura hasn’t officially announced any updates or changes to the model, I can say it’s public knowledge that the Integra Type S is a semi-finalist for the 2027 Canadian Luxury Car of the Year award. That’s as good proof as any that this 320-horsepower, six-speed sport compact with a banging sound system is still with us.

BMW M2

Good news! The BMW M2 is still available with a six-speed manual gearbox for 2027, and it’s still going to rip. Sure, the steering’s a bit wooly and the looks are challenging, but a reasonably compact 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged coupe with hand-made shifts is nothing to sneeze at.

BMW M3

Just as the M2 keeps the stick-shift flame alive, so does the M3. Same platform, more wheelbase, more doors. For 2027, the big story is the M3 CS Handschalter, a limited-run special that pairs the handling, weight, and appearance tweaks of the harder-core M3 CS with the sheer satisfaction of a six-speed manual. Oh, and did I mention that Germany isn’t getting it? This one’s just for us, and there’s something weirdly pleasing about that.

BMW M4

You didn’t think I’d forget about the M4, did you? Like the M2 and M3, BMW’s slightly larger two-door M model maintains the option of a six-speed manual transmission for 2027. With a new 3 Series already launched, don’t be surprised if we’re getting into the twilight years of one of BMW’s more controversial performance models. Still, if you don’t mind the grille, there isn’t much else out there offering two doors, this much space, and a manual.

Ford Mustang GT & Dark Horse

The Mustang does, though, and you can only have it with a raucous V8. Yeah, Ecoboost models continue to only offer the ten-speed automatic, but a far slicker MT-82 six-speed in the GT and a stout Tremec TR-3160 in the Dark Horse offer two ways to choose your own gear, all the time. Judging by the order guide, actual changes for 2027 seem pretty much isolated to minor color and equipment alterations, so you already know what to expect.

Ford Bronco

While the big story for the 2027 Bronco is the replacement of the 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 with a three-liter force-fed unit, the order guide reveals that the standard combination of a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four and a seven-speed manual is still trucking along on both two-door and four-door models. It’s a big win for people who want a proper off-roader with independent front suspension civility, retro charm, and a stick-shift, and it’s probably the better choice for road-focused folk than a Jeep Wrangler.

Honda Civic Type R

Although the Civic Si is on hiatus, the 2027 Civic Type R might be the hot Civic perfected. For 2027, Honda’s improved the cooling, increased downforce, tweaked the damping and rev-matching function, tinkered with the brakes, and added heated front seats. All valiant tweaks, especially as the 315-horsepower model continues to only be available with a wonderful six-speed manual transmission. It’s an old testament hot hatch, this one.

Hyundai Elantra N

The Hyundai Elantra N is an outstanding sport compact car, arguably even more of a driver’s car than a Honda Civic Type R. However, it’s had one main problem since its inception: It looks just as mad as it is. Well, good news and bad news on that front. Hyundai is launching a new monochrome appearance package for 2027 that tones down the visual hooliganism just enough to not tip your co-workers off…in Canada. Still, if the TCR Edition making it to America is any sign, trickle-down across the northern border is possible, and the Elantra N in general is expected to ride on for 2027.

Jeep Wrangler

Is the Jeep Wrangler still available with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a six-speed manual for 2027? You bet. It’s officially official, and while the turbocharged four-cylinder/eight-speed automatic combo is the more sensible choice, who buys a Wrangler to be sensible? The whole prospect of a mass-market solid-front-axle off-roader is an anachronism, so you might as well take it all the way. The shifter isn’t bad either.

Lotus Emira

If you love to drive, you either already know about the Lotus Emira, or you’re about to. With the Porsche 718 still in its chrysalis undergoing transformation from red meat sports car to carbon-friendly EV, the Emira is the feelsome machine within the reach of dreamers. The steering’s unlike any other new car for the money, and the combination of a 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V6 and a six-speed manual is absolutely the way to go. Get it while you still can.

Mazda 3

Who’d have thought that the last regular stick-shift compact car would be posh? The Mazda 3 continues to offer a row-your-own option for 2027 in one configuration and one configuration only: Hatchback, front-wheel-drive, loaded to the gills. It’s still powered by a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and makes for an upscale-feeling daily driver with a bit of extra engagement, but Americans are sure to appreciate a heated steering wheel joining the party for 2027. Not bad for $33,265.

Mazda MX-5

Rejoice! The best-value sports car on the planet lives on for 2027, and it ought to be fun as ever. With a standard six-speed manual gearbox, a properly low curb weight, and just enough modern refinement to be totally daily-driveable, the Mazda MX-5 is a reasonably priced revelation. Drop the gold-standard shifter into second, carry the momentum around an on-ramp, and you’ll want to beat the EPA’s footprint rule to death with your bare hands. Expect Zinc Green Metallic to join the options list, but otherwise, Mazda isn’t messing much with a good thing.

Nissan Z

The middleweight sports coupe segment is feeling a little light these days, thanks to the recent demise of the Toyota GR Supra and the long-ago cancellation of the Chevrolet Camaro. Thankfully, if you don’t want a Ford Mustang, the Nissan Z is still here, and it just got updated for 2027. The Nismo model gains the option of a manual transmission, while the standard model gets revised styling, updated suspension, and a fresh new fuel tank that aims to solve a long-running fuel starvation issue in high-g corners. Solid.

Porsche 911

While some automakers are restricting availability of manual gearboxes across trim levels, Porsche is expanding it on the 911. The Carrera S gains a manual gearbox for 2027, unlocking a whole host of options you can’t get on the less powerful but less expensive manual-only Carrera T. As expected, the GT3 still features a six-speed manual in winged, wingless, and new drop-top specs, although you really don’t need anything more than a Carrera T for the road.

Subaru BRZ

Granted, few can afford a new 911, but lots of enthusiasts want a proper sports car with a pair of emergency-use rear seats. That’s where the Subaru BRZ comes in. The 2027 model starts at $37,385, but comes well-equipped and is an absolute hoot on real roads and tight local circuits. Revvy engine up front, Torsen out back, smiling piece of meat in the middle. Plus, if you don’t stick with the standard six-speed manual transmission, Subaru punishes you with a six-speed automatic. Now that’s what I call malicious compliance.

Subaru WRX

Want proof Subaru listens? A few years ago, the firm axed the base trim on the WRX, and sales entered a decline. For 2026, it brought it back, and those sales charts have been absolutely ripping ever since. Unsurprisingly, the 2027 model is on its way, and the big headline item is the winged, gold-shoed GD25 limited edition. Beyond that, stay tuned for further announcements, but don’t be surprised if the base model survives as an attainable gravel-spitter.

Toyota GR86

Surprise! Just about everything that’s great about the Subaru BRZ is great about the Toyota GR86 because these coupes are basically identical twins. The 2027 model is officially happening, it will keep the manual transmission, and it’s going to be awesome. Especially because Toyota claims it’s made the shifter and throttle calibration even better. At $32,795 for the base model, this feels like a no-brainer if you need a bit more practicality than the Mazda MX-5 can offer.

Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is the last pickup truck left with a manual transmission, and according to an alleged leaked pricing communique, that’s expected to continue for 2027. With a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four pumping out 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, the stick-shift Tacoma still offers adequate acceleration and off-road-focused functions like a clutch switch override button. Handy for when you’re out on the trail and find yourself in a tight spot.

So there we are, the fortunate 18. Keep in mind, this list might expand as soon as I find out what’s happening with the GR Corolla, but it might also contract if further models are discontinued. In many ways, we’re lucky that the manual transmission is still around. The modern breed of multi-speed automatics is often faster, more efficient, and adds flexibility for fuel economy and drive-by noise compliance, yet the manual endures. Not because it’s better, but because there’s something human about it.

Top graphic image: BMW, Ford