The manual transmission’s decline continues unabated, with several popular car models set to lose the stick shift option for 2025. This ongoing shift highlights changing consumer preferences, with fewer drivers opting for manual gearboxes, alongside stricter emissions standards that favor automatic alternatives.
Honda Civic Hatchback: The 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback will no longer feature a manual transmission option on its base trims. Although the sporty Si and high-performance Type R variants retain their manual setups, the base model now comes exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Jeep Gladiator: Known as the last pickup truck offering a manual gearbox, the Jeep Gladiator has now transitioned entirely to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This marks the end of manual pickups, a notable loss for off-road enthusiasts who appreciated the tactile control of stick shifts.
Kia Forte/K4: Kia’s redesigned K4, replacing the Forte in global markets, has dropped the manual transmission that was previously available on the sportier GT model. The updated K4 comes equipped solely with automatic options, reflecting Kia’s focus on efficiency and mass-market appeal.
Mini Cooper: The beloved Mini Cooper lineup, including the high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) variants, has fully embraced a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This change signifies the brand’s broader shift towards electrification and advanced transmission technologies.
Volkswagen GTI/Golf R: The Volkswagen GTI and Golf R, long celebrated as enthusiast-favorite hot hatches, have abandoned manual gearboxes. Both models now exclusively feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, delivering faster shifts but sacrificing the connection many drivers cherished.
Volkswagen Jetta: The Volkswagen Jetta has also joined the trend, offering only an eight-speed automatic transmission for 2025. The absence of a manual option makes the once-versatile sedan less appealing to driving purists.
This collective move towards automatic transmissions marks a profound transformation in the automotive landscape. Manufacturers increasingly favor automatics for their convenience, fuel efficiency, and compatibility with advanced driver-assistance systems. However, for many driving enthusiasts, this trend represents the gradual disappearance of a cherished driving experience defined by engagement and control.
The extinction of manual transmissions underscores the industry’s march towards a more automated, efficient future, leaving behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered by a dwindling number of purists.