Only 3 SUVs in 2023 Still Have a Manual Transmission
It’s hard to argue that the manual transmission is objectively better than the best modern automatic transmissions. I don’t mean to sound like a heretic; it’s just that, between car buyers not buying manual cars and the automatic tech getting better and better, I can understand why the three-pedal cars are going away. However, there are still a few alive out there. As far as manual SUVs in 2023, there are only three models left.
Which SUVs in 2023 still come with a manual transmission?
While there are still well a handful of cars with manual transmissions, the SUVs are nearly extinct. So let’s see which SUVs still give us that good old-time feeling.
The only manual SUVs left are the 2023 Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Subaru Crosstrek (I know, it barely counts).
Only a few years ago, there was double the number of manual SUVs. The Mini Countryman, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Jeep Compass all recently nixed their stick shifts. Knowing the list is shrinking, these might be our last shot.
Does the 2023 Ford Bronco still have a manual transmission?
Thankfully, the 2023 Ford Bronco still comes with a stick shift if you choose. However, it requires a great deal of sacrifice to get it.
The only Ford Bronco trim levels in which you can still get three pedals are the Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Heritage Edition, and Badlands. The 7-speed manual can only be paired with the smaller 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Basically, any amenities you want will force the manual option out of your buggy on the Bronco builder portal. According to Car and Driver, Ford gave in to the court of public opinion and allowed Bronco buyers to get the off-road-focused Sasquatch package with the 7-speed.
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler still has a stick shift
The Jeep Wrangler is a constant. I won’t say the manual transmission will never go away in Wranglers, but I will say the day it does, Jeep as we know it will cease to be. That said, the stick shift is available in the following trims: Sport, Willys Sport, Freedom, Willys, Sport S, Sport Altitude, and Rubicon.
The Wranglers that don’t have the 6-speed manual option are the ones with optional powertrains, like the eTorque hybrid system, the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, or the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6.
Does the Subaru Crosstrek still come in manual?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is the only crossover SUV that still offers a “standard-shift” transmission. However, the Crosstrek has the most limitations on which trims get a stick. Only the Base and Premium trims come with a manual option. If you want a manual Crosstrek, the only way is to get the 152-hp 2.0-liter engine.
It breaks my heart, but the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will be the last of its name to get three pedals. Come 2024, the model will be CVT only; more’s the pity.
Get a manual SUV while you still can
These last three SUVs will be mourned when they are gone. Despite the downward trend of manual cars, in general, I keep hoping that something will snap and more people will choose to buy them. At least to keep the few we still have alive.
