Top 6 cars with a manual for under $35,000
Manual transmissions are becoming less common with each passing year, but these six models are keeping the feeling of shifting gears alive.
Manual transmissions aren’t all that common these days, with many automakers cutting the option simply due to a lack of demand. it's a shame, especially considering a manual transmission puts you more in tune with your car and the road.
There are still a handful of affordable cars with standard manual transmissions, though, and, as you might expect, they come with plenty of power under the hood.
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6. 2025 Hyundai Elantra N - $33,950
Hyundai’s N line brings a higher level of performance to the Korean automaker’s lineup. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N looks to add more thrills to the sedan segment without breaking the bank. Available in a single trim level, the Elantra N has an MSRP of $33,950.
The Hyundai Elantra N is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. That power is channeled through a standard six-speed manual transmission, and the Elantra N earns up to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
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5. 2025 VW Jetta GLI - $32,715
Starting at $32,715 MSRP, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI elevates the standard Jetta sedan’s performance. The Jetta GLI features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, with a seven-speed automatic available as an option.
The 2025 VW Jetta GLI comes in a single trim level with standard front-wheel drive. It rolls out on 18-inch wheels and includes a handful of sport-inspired features, including dual exhaust and an integrated light bar in the front grille.
4. 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback - $30,650
The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback starts at a low $24,950 MSRP, but that won’t get you a manual transmission. In order to get a manual, you’ll have to move up a few trim levels and settle for front-wheel drive. The Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 S Premium starts at $30,650 MSRP and is the only trim to feature a standard manual transmission, albeit without the turbocharged engine.
The Mazda3 2.5 S Premium comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the six-speed manual transmission, the Mazda3 Hatchback gets up to 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
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3. 2025 Toyota GR86 - $30,000
The 2025 Toyota GR86 sits low in the chassis and comes powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque sent through a six-speed manual transmission. An affordable sports car at heart, the Toyota GR86 comes equipped with rear-wheel drive and starts at $30,000 on the dot.
It's not the quickest sports car off the line, hitting 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. However, a multi-link rear suspension and MacPherson strut front suspension add to its overall agility on the road. The 2025 GR86 is estimated to earn an estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
2. 2025 Honda Civic Si - $29,950
The 2025 Honda Civic Si comes in a single trim level and starts at $29,950 MSRP. For that, you get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. That combination pumps out 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful sports sedan on the road, the Civic Si has a long history behind it.
The Honda Civic Si debuted for the 1986 model year. It was originally designed to offer drivers an affordable, performance-driven sedan, a goal it continues to strive for today. Even with 200 horsepower under the hood, the 2025 Civic Si earns up to 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
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1. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata - $29,330
Arguably one of the best-known roadsters today, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Starting at a $29,330 MSRP, the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Mazda
The base MX-5 Miata is only available with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive setup. Models equipped with the manual transmission earn up to 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway and retain the 53:47 weight distribution that the little roadster is so well known for.
Bonus: 2025 Jeep Wrangler - $32,690
The Jeep Wrangler technically isn’t a car, but it can be equipped with a manual transmission. Starting at $32,690, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler comes in six trim levels, five of which include a standard manual transmission. The new Jeep Wrangler comes stocked with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Power is channeled through a six-speed manual transmission, with the Sahara trim being the only Wrangler model to offer an automatic transmission. Fuel economy varies by trim and body style, but expect two-door models equipped with a manual transmission to earn around 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Final thoughts
There’s no doubt that the manual transmission is falling by the wayside as demand dwindles. Electric vehicles, which typically include a single-speed transmission, aren’t helping, either. Regardless, it seems some automakers want to keep the manual alive, even if it is just in performance cars and off-road SUVs.
