10 of the Cheapest New Cars With a Manual Transmission in 2023
Row your own gears without breaking the bank
Subaru
Article QuickTakes:
| | | | |
The manual transmission is a rarity these days, found primarily in low-cost or enthusiast-focused models. We're focusing on the affordable ones, some of which also fall into the latter camp.
Honda
2023 Honda Civic Si: $30,000
This sporty compact Honda Civic Si is available only with a six-speed manual, paired to a 200-hp turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The transmission sends the engine's 192 lb-ft of torque exclusively to the front wheels. Drivers might appreciate the gearbox's rev-matching feature, while those who want to practice making perfect shifts can leave it turned off. It's a fun car to drive, albeit not as efficient as Civics with an automatic transmission: The Si returns 31 mpg, while less powerful models equipped with continuously variable automatic transmissions see up to 36 mpg.
Toyota
2023 Toyota GR86 $29,000/Subaru BRZ: $30,000
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are a pair of sports cars that feature a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a standard six-speed stick. Though their exterior styling is different, they are mechanically identical. Motivating these coupes is a 2.4-liter flat-four — an engine configuration prized for its low center of gravity. It puts out 228 ponies and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is enough power and grunt to make these sub-2,900-pound sporty cars feel agile, speedy, and fun.
Mazda
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata: $29,000
Affordable, lightweight, and spry, the rear-drive Mazda MX-5 Miata has long been a favorite of enthusiasts and track rats. Every Miata's top comes off, making it a perfect choice for shoppers who want to enjoy the sunshine while they drive. Whether you choose the soft top or the $38,000 retractable hard top, you'll get a 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Camaro: $28,000
The Chevrolet Camaro is available in coupe or convertible form with a four-, six-, or eight-cylinder engine — all of which come standard with a stick shift. The most affordable combo is the four-cylinder coupe. It makes 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and has a couple sweet features to make manual life easier, including hill-hold assist to keep the car from rolling backward when stopped on an incline and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility to ensure cables won't get in the way of the shifter.
Mini
2024 Mini Cooper: $27,000
While the two-door Mini Cooper's base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder offers just 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, the subcompact's low curb weight, short wheelbase, and six-speed stick make it a joy to drive. Buyers can also upgrade to the S or John Cooper Works model, which pairs the manual with a 189-hp or 228-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, respectively. The former powertrain (and the base setup) are available in the four-door hardtop as well. Keep in mind that the S and JCW models also noticeably increase the starting price.
Kia
2023 Kia Forte: $26,000
Rather than offer a manual transmission at the base level as other automakers do, Kia reserves the stick for the top trim of the Forte range. The GT Manual uses a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and doesn't skimp on features. The interior boasts a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats, a wireless phone-charging pad, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Subaru
2023 Subaru Crosstrek: $25,000
If you want an affordable vehicle with a manual transmission and off-road capability, look no further than the all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance ensure you can tackle trails with ease. Shoppers should look at the base or Premium trim levels to get the six-speed, which mates exclusively to a 152-hp 2.0-liter flat-four. They'll sacrifice a few miles per gallon, but they'll enjoy a more engaging driving experience in this subcompact crossover.
Volkswagen
2023 Volkswagen Jetta: $22,000
Want a budget-friendly German sedan with a manual gearbox? Volkswagen offers one in the Jetta with a turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It's nearly as efficient as the automatic (34 mpg versus 35), and it comes with a few desirable features, like blind-spot monitoring and an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster.
Subaru
2023 Subaru Impreza: $21,000
If you love manual transmission Subies but don't need as much ground clearance as the Crosstrek, consider the Impreza sedan or the slightly more expensive hatchback. Both are cheaper than the crossover, despite using the same 152-hp 2.0-liter flat-four, though their manual transmissions feature five gears instead of six. Thus equipped, these compact cars achieve EPA ratings in the mid-20 mpg.
Nissan
2023 Nissan Versa: $17,000
The Nissan Versa is the cheapest new car on the market, and it comes standard with a five-speed manual. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes just 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, and there are few amenities on the base model. For instance, it lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. That tech is offered with the automatic but not the manual. The manual Versa is at least fuel efficient, seeing 30 mpg, although that's 5 mpg less than what the automatic car is EPA-estimated to get.
