Once upon a time, manual transmissions were the gold standard. But these days? Manual transmissions are practically a thing of the past. In fact, when it comes to SUVs, there is only a handful available with a manual transmission.

The 2021 Ford Bronco can be had with a manual transmission, but you’re going to have to wait for it

Ah, the 2021 Ford Bronco. Odds are, you’ve heard of it. After all, it was reintroduced just last year, and Ford did start taking orders only a few months after. Unfortunately, the Ford Bronco won’t hit dealerships until later this year. So if you want a Ford Bronco SUV equipped with a manual transmission? You’re going to have to sit tight for a tad bit longer.

Chances are, though, the wait will be worth it in the end. According to Ford, you can expect the revived Bronco to be an expert off-roader. It comes ready for the trails and is available with additional off-road-ready features, including 35-inch mud-terrain tires, beadlock-capable wheels, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and a sway-bar-disconnect feature. It also boasts 11.6 inches of maximum ground clearance and the ability to ford up to 33.5 inches of water. Not bad, am I right?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is an off-road capable SUV with a manual transmission

The 2021 Ford Bronco isn’t the only off-road-ready SUV with a manual transmission. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler can also be had with a manual transmission. Actually, it comes standard with it. And, according to Car and Driver, when paired with the Wrangler’s V6 engine, this year’s Wrangler can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. 

A standard manual transmission isn’t the only thing that the 2021 Jeep Wrangler has going for it, either. All new Jeep models now come standard with Jeep Wave Customer Care. This complimentary program includes the first three oil changes and tire rotations during the first 36 months that you own your Wrangler. It also includes no-charge same-day vehicle rentals for routine maintenance, trip interruption coverage up to $1,000 per occurrence, and 24/7 roadside assistance coverage for five-years/60,000-miles.

The 2021 Kia Soul is a quirky SUV that comes standard with a manual transmission

This one was a bit of a surprise. Of all the SUVs that you can still buy with a manual transmission, the 2021 Kia Soul is one of them. Seriously, opt for a base model Kia Soul, and you can expect it to come outfitted with a six-speed manual transmission. It won’t cost you all that much either, especially when compared to the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler. In fact, a base model Kia Soul will only have you spending $17,590, which is ridiculously affordable for a new SUV with a manual transmission. 

Is an SUV with a manual transmission the right choice for you?

If you’re on the hunt for a new SUV with a manual transmission, there aren’t that many options out there. So if these SUVs don’t quite do it for you? You might want to consider purchasing a used SUV with a manual transmission instead. But if these SUVs are appealing to you? Then it’s time to get behind the wheel for a few test drives.