Goodbye to Manual Transmissions: Cars Transitioning Away from Stick Shifts in 2025

The Decline of Manual Transmissions in 2025

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the automotive industry away from manual transmissions. By 2025, this trend continues, with many popular cars eliminating the manual option altogether. This change is largely due to decreased consumer interest, leading manufacturers to focus on automatics and other advanced transmission types. Let’s explore some key models that will no longer offer manual transmissions in their upcoming lineups for 2025.

Vehicles Parting Ways with Manual Transmissions

Honda Civic Hatchback

The Honda Civic Hatchback has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts for its fun driving experience, primarily its manual transmission. However, for 2025, the base model will no longer offer the option to shift gears manually. Instead, it will come only with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While car lovers can still enjoy a manual in the Civic Si and Type R variants, the standard five-door version will feature a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter engine or a hybrid variant with an output of 200 horsepower.

Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator is one of the last pickup trucks that offered a manual transmission, but this will change for the 2025 model year. Jeep has decided to switch to an automatic-only setup, replacing the beloved six-speed manual with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While this change keeps the Gladiator’s powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine intact, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, off-road enthusiasts who preferred the manual for better control may need to adjust to the new setup.

Kia Forte / K4

The Kia Forte has officially retired its nameplate, and with it, the option for a manual transmission has vanished. The new K4 sedan will replace the Forte and will be available with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) producing 140 horsepower or an eight-speed automatic transmission in the GT-Line Turbo, which delivers 190 horsepower. For fans of sporty compact cars with manual options, this signals another significant loss.

Mini Cooper

Mini has built a reputation for fun and engaging driving experiences, often associated with manual transmissions. Unfortunately, for 2025, the entire Mini Cooper lineup—including the performance-focused John Cooper Works model—will only be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Drivers can still choose between a base model offering 161 horsepower or a more powerful S trim providing 201 horsepower, but the joy of shifting gears manually will be absent.

Volkswagen’s Manual Transmission Changes

Volkswagen is eliminating the manual transmission option from several models in 2025. The Golf GTI will no longer offer a six-speed manual; instead, it will feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, combined with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower. Similarly, the Golf R will transition to an automatic-only model, utilizing a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and offering a robust 328 horsepower.

Additionally, the base version of the Volkswagen Jetta will remove the manual transmission option, now available solely with an eight-speed automatic. For those who still wish to enjoy a manual driving experience, the sportier Jetta GLI variant will retain its manual transmission for the time being.

Why Are Manual Transmissions Disappearing?

The gradual elimination of manual transmissions can be attributed to several factors:

• Consumer Preferences: A shift in consumer preferences towards automatic transmissions has led manufacturers to focus on delivering products that meet market demands.
• Fuel Efficiency: Automakers are prioritizing fuel efficiency and performance, which are often better achieved with modern automatic and CVT systems.
• Cost and Complexity: Manufacturing modern manual transmissions can be more complex and costlier, leading to their reduced inclusion in new models.

Future of Manual Transmissions

While the manual transmission is becoming increasingly rare, certain performance models still offer this option, keeping the spirit of manual driving alive. However, for the average consumer, affordable manual options are dwindling. If you enjoy the art of driving with a manual transmission, now may be the time to consider purchasing a model before they become even less accessible.

Conclusion

The decline of manual transmissions is notable in the automotive landscape of 2025. Although a few performance-oriented models still allow drivers to engage with the vehicle through a manual gearbox, the trend clearly indicates a broader move towards automatic transmissions. For car enthusiasts and driving purists, this shift might be disheartening, but it reflects the changing preferences and priorities in the modern automotive market.