Let’s be honest with ourselves: manual is dying. There are fewer and fewer new cars with manual transmissions, and it’s because all of you are killing them! I’m just kidding, but there are very few of us left who know how to drive a manual, which means decreased demand for the transmission.
By 2026, there are now fewer than 30 new cars offering a manual transmission as an option. That’s because of an increase of electric vehicles, automatic technology improving, a declining demand and fewer sales, and people just wanting an easy, convenient commute while stuck in traffic. It’s fine. It makes sense. I guess.
But some vehicles keep the dream alive. It was recently revealed that the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro will have a six-speed manual transmission as an option, along with a V8. It almost sounds illegal to say, like it’s doing something forbidden. But you don’t hae to wait until 2028 to drive some sweet new manual cars. Here are the best manual cars currently available in 2026.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Let’s be real: Miata is always the answer. You’ll find it on almost every list out there, despite the price sneaking past $30,000. It’s still a relatively cheap sports car that can make you smile during your commute or even keep up with Porsche on the track.
The Miata is known for its exceptional handling, like an oversized go-kart, with responsive steering and perfect weight distribution. The Miata is best experienced with manual, allowing you to feel fully in control of your drive. Let the top down and cruise on a winding road, and you’ll understand why the Miata is the ultimate answer.
Lotus Emira
It’s no Elise, but some in the Southern California Lotus Club will tell you it’s superior. Nothing can beat the visceral feel and perfect handling of the Elise, especially its steering, but the Emira offers the styling, performance, and comfort of a supercar at a fraction of the price.
Paired with a supercharged V6, the six-speed manual Emira has 400 horsepower and will make you the star of track day. The low-slung, aerodynamic design will also have people asking you everywhere you go if you are driving a Lamborghini, even though you “only” paid around $120,000. You’ll get that raw sports-car feel while being far more comfortable in your plush seats (unlike us in the Elise’s bucket seats).
Ford Mustang
A manual V8? Sign us up! I always tell my boyfriend his Mustang has more horsepower than my cars combined — and that power is really something to behold. You really feel like a menace behind the wheel, even just speeding up on an on-ramp. The Mustang has so much carefree, effortless power. You only know you’re pushing the limits when you hear that roar. It’s one of the most distinctive sounds in America. Freedom!
The Drive described the Mustang as a “couch on wheels,” and I can see that. It’s not as bare-bones as a driver’s car, but that’s where the manual option comes in handy. You can feel a lot more in sync with the Mustang rather than just blindly unleashing its full rage while keeping cozy in the cabin.
Toyota GR Supra
This is the Final Edition, so enjoy it while you can. With a refined chassis, larger brake rotors, and a new underbody brace, the Supra has been fully refined for spirited driving. Everything is sharper, with more responsive steering and aggressive handling. The manual is the only way to go.
The 0-60 is a respectable sub-4, and the top speed hits 160 miles per hour. This may be the last Supra with a six-cylinder, so the $70,000-plus price tag could be worth it to some.
Porsche 911
While I’d never wish for anyone’s downfall, I have to say I’m pretty happy to hear Porsche’s EV plans didn’t work out and that they are pivoting back to sports cars. The 911 is one of the most coveted manual sports cars out there, from the 911 Carrera T to the GT3.
The mid-engine layout and legendary handling of the 911 make it an incredible contender on the track. Owners say there’s really not much else like it — the sound, the steering feel. Especially with the manual option, you feel you are at one with the car. On top of that, the 911 has managed to stand out from other sports cars with fewer sharp edges and angular design choices.
BMW M2
Car and Driver called the M2’s manual “delightful.” While BMW is a luxury brand with plenty of tech and conveniences, you will forget all that on the track. It has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a six-speed manual that reaches up to 523 horsepower. When paired with its rear-wheel drive and stiff suspension, the M2 offers a controlled and reflexive drive that can handle any winding road or track before it.
Why didn’t I put the M3 or M4 competition? I feel the M2 offers a very similarly rewarding driving experience at a much lower price point. This is a car that can roar around the track or be a grocery getter, making it very versatile and rewarding. You’ll almost beg to do the errands knowing that you’ll get to take the M2 out.
