SUVs With a Manual Transmission of 2023

Driving a stick shift isn’t popular in the US, so finding an SUV with a manual transmission is likely to be tricky. Manual gearboxes are generally reserved for sports cars and vehicles aimed at providing an engaging experience for the driver, and since various types of automatic transmission options exist, the most efficient ones are generally made standard. The SUV segment, in particular, is almost devoid of manual transmissions - but if you know where to look, you may find one.

Here is a list of the best SUVs with a manual transmission available in the USA for 2023:

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Characteristics of The Best SUVs With a Manual Transmission

Manual SUVs are few and far between in the US, and there’s more to them than meets the eye:

They are limited in number and variety
They are generally rugged with off-road capabilities
They get poorer gas mileage than their automatic counterparts
They are typically cheaper than models with automatic gearboxes

What to Consider When Buying an SUV with a Manual Transmission

If you’re unsure whether to opt for an SUV with a manual transmission or not, here is what you need to keep in mind before signing up:

Pros

Cheaper to buy than automatic versions
Hands-on feeling to driving with more driver control
Maintenance and repair on manual transmission SUVs are typically cheaper
Dealing with low-traction surfaces manually helps to dig you out of snow or mud

Cons

Poorer fuel economy figures than auto ‘boxes
Less convenient in bumper-to-bumper traffic than an automatic
Steep learning curve for driving a manual SUV
Very few SUVs with a manual transmission in the United States

FAQs About SUV Models With a Manual Transmission

What are the best SUVs with a manual transmission?

The choice is very limited in the USA, with only three examples available at the time of writing. The Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Subaru Crosstrek are all available with a manual transmission or an automatic gearbox. The latter is more expensive by some margin.

Is an SUV with a manual transmission more reliable than one with an automatic?

Experts suggest that the complexity of automatic transmissions makes them more expensive to maintain, repair, and replace, but with the advent of technology, there’s no reason one should be less reliable than the other. The overall quality of the specific model and its manufacturer is a more accurate representation of reliability.

What does a manual SUV cost?

With so few options, the price of a new manual SUV isn’t very broad. A manual Ford Bronco starts at around $35k (the automatic version is around $1,600 more expensive), while a Jeep Wrangler with a manual gearbox will cost you well under $35k. The Subaru Crosstrek is significantly cheaper, starting at under $25k with a manual transmission.