If you seek thrill in your everyday driving, there is nothing better than driving cars with all wheel drive and manual transmission. With this dynamic combination in your vehicle, you get unparalleled control, performance, and engagement, making every trip an adventure.
Although integration of this impressive duo is getting scarce with the rise of automatic transmissions and electric vehicles, there are still some automakers continuing to cater to this prized pairing in the niche market.
Today, in this comprehensive guide, we will explore the latest and upcoming cars with AWD and manual transmission, ensuring you stay updated on the best options available in 2024 and 2025.
Let’s dive in.
Why Choose All-Wheel Drive With Manual Transmission?
Whether you are a purist or a performance seeker, the combination of all-wheel drive (AWD) and manual transmission is going to make you happy. Auto enthusiasts cannot stop gushing over this performance duo, and I totally understand why:
- Enhanced Control: The AWD systems impressively distribute power to all four wheels of your ride, providing overall better traction and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions like heavy rainfall, etc.
- Improved Handling: The manual transmission allows precise control over the gear selection, enabling you to tailor your vehicle’s behavior to your driving style.
- Engaging Driving Experience: If you desire to be in full control of your automobile, manual gearboxes are the best. The manual transmission offers direct control over gear changes, allowing you to feel more in power and connected to your ride. Overall, you get an exhilarating driving experience.
- Performance Boost: The coordination between AWD and manual transmission delivers improved acceleration and an overall performance boost, enhancing your drive.
- Versatility: Whether you are navigating your motor vehicle through slick city streets or tackling rugged terrains, this powerful combo ensures your ride’s adaptability across various driving scenarios.
Latest Cars Offering AWD and Manual Transmission (2024-2025)
The automotive industry is shifting towards front-wheel drive and automatic transmission systems, leading to the downfall of manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite this, there are still some manufacturers in America that continue to cater to car enthusiasts by offering models that feature both manual gearboxes and AWD.
Although the number of automobiles with this combination is scarce for 2024 and 2025, they are still among the best rides you can spend your hard-earned money on.
2024 Subaru WRX
- MSRP: From $32,735
- MPG: Up to 19 city/26 highway
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 271 hp
- Transmission: Continuous variable transmission, 6-speed manual
- Dimensions: 184″ L x 72″ W x 58″ H
- Trims: 5 (Base, Premium, Limited, TR, GT)
The Subaru WRX is an impressive performance sedan that continues to offer a blend of practicality and sporty prowess in 2024. This consumer’s favorite car features a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The six-speed manual transmission is standard and delivers precise and responsive gear shifts. In addition, there is Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, known for providing optimal traction and stability.
With the latest WRX, you can attain a top speed of 134 mpg and accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
The exterior of this Japanese ride boasts aggressive styling with functional aerodynamics, including a bold front grille and integrated rear spoiler. Whereas the interior is all sporty with supportive seats, a user-friendly infotainment system featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen, and advanced driver-assistance features.
What’s New for 2024?
- Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite is now standard.
- 11.6-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard.
- The TR trim rejoins the lineup.
- CVT is discontinued in the base model.
Why Choose the Subaru WRX?
The new WRX offers an impressive balance between daily drivability and weekend thrills. Its robust AWD system, paired with the manual transmission, makes it a versatile choice for anyone seeking a performance-oriented sedan who does not wish to compromise on comfort and safety.
2024 Volkswagen Golf R
- MSRP: From $45,665
- MPG: Up to 22 city/31 highway
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 315 hp
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Dimensions: 169″ L x 70″ W x 58″ H
The 2024 Golf R is an impressive and affordable European sports car, simultaneously offering an exciting and composed ride. With its impressive performance credentials and refined features, it has elevated the Aerican hatch segment.
It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine delivering 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque under its hood. The 7-speed automatic transmission is standard, but for drivers who prefer hands-on control, there is a six-speed manual transmission available.
Volkswagen also offers a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring for enhanced handling and cornering abilities. With this sports car, you can attain a top speed of 155 mph and rapidly accelerate with a 0–60 mph time of just over 4.7 seconds.
The exterior comprises a sporty and understated design that features LED lighting, aerodynamic enhancements, and distinct R-badging. Its interior is spacious and filled with high-quality materials, a digital cockpit display, and a 10-inch infotainment system with advanced connectivity options.
Overall, the Volkswagen Golf R is a wildest hatchback that seamlessly blends practicality with exhilarating driving dynamics.
What’s New for 2024?
The latest Golf R is a carry-on model, and thus there are no major changes in it for the current model year.
Why Choose the Volkswagen Golf R?
The Golf R stands strong in the sports car segment, all thanks to its refined performance and everyday usability. It features a sophisticated AWD system and manual transmission that offer a driving experience that is both exciting and comfortable. Thus, this ride is ideal for everyone, from spirited drivers to daily commuters. Also, unlike the Ford Mustang, there is no availability issue with this ride.
2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
- MSRP: From $121,700
- MPG: 18 city/24 highway
- Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 379 hp
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic, 7-speed manual
- Dimensions: 178-180″ L x 73-75″ W x 50-53″ H
If you can afford to splurge on your car purchase, then the Carrera 4 trim from the 2024 Porsche 911 model lineup is an excellent choice. This latest sports car is legendary and is hailed for offering unmatched luxury and performance.
This year, this model provides the option of a manual transmission coupled with the confidence of AWD, delivering thrilling acceleration and supple performance. There is a 3-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine channeling 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque under its hood. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, whereas a seven-speed manual transmission for a classic and engaging driving feel is optional.
What I like about this automobile is its Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system, which ensures optimal power distribution and stability, making it a great choice even for everyday commutes.
You can sprint to 60 mph from zero in approximately 4 seconds with this car and reach a maximum speed of 180 mph. As per the EPA’s website, this Italian car gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, which is good gas mileage for the class.
The exterior of the current Carrera 4 comprises the iconic 911 silhouette with modern touches, including LED headlights and a deployable rear spoiler. On the other hand, the interior is luxurious and customizable. There is a driver-focused cabin filled with high-quality materials, advanced infotainment, safety, and driver assistance features.
What’s New For 2024?
This year, the S/T trim joins the 911 model lineup, and the Sport Class model is discontinued.
Why Choose the Porsche 911 Carrera 4?
If, in your new car purchase, you are looking for the pinnacle of performance and luxury, the 911 Carrera 4 stands tall on all fronts. Its AWD system provides confidence-inspiring control in various driving conditions. Whereas its manual transmission option allows you to fully engage with this ride’s capabilities.
Check Out Upcoming AWD Manual Cars To Watch In 2025
As we are about to enter the new model year, one thing is clear: the market for AWD and manual transmission vehicles is niche. It is becoming rare to find cars with all-wheel drive and manual transmission on the display. But do not get disheartened, as there are still some auto manufacturers who hint at their future models to accommodate this, car fanatics’ beloved segment.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
The upcoming GR Corolla is one of the most anticipated rides of the model year 2025. This hot hatch from Toyota promises thrilling performance and agile handling. With its performance-oriented design and manual transmission, I have no doubt in believing that it will deliver what it promises.
Here, take a look at some of the anticipated features of this upcoming Japanese sports car:
- Engine:This Toyota car will feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing around 300 horsepower.
- Transmission: Like its previous models, the upcoming one is also likely to feature a 6-speed manual transmission for hands-on driving control.
- AWD System: We are most likely to get an advanced all-wheel-drive system with adjustable torque distribution settings.
- Performance: The GR Corolla for the new model year is said to offer quick acceleration and dynamic handling characteristics. This ride is said to have a top speed of 143 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds.
- Interior:This new ride will come with a sporty and functional interior with the latest integrations in terms of connectivity and safety. The supportive seats, modern infotainment, and driver-assist technologies will make your every single journey a breeze.
- Exterior:The new GR Corolla is one of the best AWD manual cars and boasts aggressive styling inspired by Toyota’s motorsport heritage, including aerodynamic enhancements and unique GR badging.
Why Anticipate The Toyota GR Corolla?
With the all-set-to-release GR Corolla, Toyota aims to inject excitement into the compact hatchback segment. The brand offers a compelling package for drivers seeking performance and practicality. Plus, this ride’s anticipated features clearly project it as a car that is ready to compete with established players in the market.
2025 Audi RS3
The other upcoming car that features both manual transmission and all-wheel drive is the German-built Audi RS3. It is rumored that with this model, Audi is set to bring back the manual transmission option for the U.S. market. The best thing about this sports car is that it comes paired with Audi’s renowned Quattro AWD system, making every performance car enthusiast happy.
Check out the most anticipated features of this vehicle:
- Engine: This ride is most likely to feature a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 engine capable of channeling over 400 horsepower.
- Transmission: There is a high possibility of the reintroduction of a six-speed manual transmission in American market releases.
- AWD System: You will get a Quattro all-wheel-drive system with performance-tuned dynamics. In my opinion, this could be a must-have for those who love driving.
- Performance: This Audi car is expected to offer blistering acceleration and sharp handling.
- Interior: Its interior is anticipated to be luxurious yet sporty and filled with cutting-edge technology and premium materials.
- Exterior: You are most likely to get a bold design with aggressive aerodynamic features and RS-specific styling.
Why Anticipate The Audi RS3?
If you are considering going for an upcoming release, this vehicle is a great one to anticipate. One of the biggest reasons to go for the Audi RS3 is that if the brand reintroduces the manual transmission to the RS3, it would make this model a standout in the performance sedan segment.
The combination of the four-seat capacity with the brand’s legendary Quattro system promises an exhilarating yet controlled driving experience for its buyers.
The Future of AWD and Manual Transmission Vehicles
The global automotive industry is evolving at a high rate with major advancements in automatic transmissions and the ultimate rise of electric vehicles. Due to this, the availability of AWD and manual-transmission cars is becoming increasingly rare.
But despite this, the demand for manual transmissions paired with all-wheel drivetrains remains strong among aficionados who value the tactile and engaging driving experience this combination provides. This is why rides with manual transmissions and AWD are not obsolete. There are still some car manufacturing companies releasing models featuring this potent partnership.
You sure can get yourself the ride of your dreams; if not today, it may be in the near future. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:
- Limited Availability: The availability of cars with AWD and manual transmission is now limited. But as there are still demands from passionate fans, some manufacturers continue to offer selected models with this combination.
- Niche Market: Building automobiles with manual transmissions and AWD has now become a niche market. This is why, whatever limited models hit the dealerships, they are mostly performance-focused and cater to a particular group of enthusiasts.
- Performance Focus: The vehicles featuring AWD and manual transmissions are typically designed to be performance-oriented, mainly appealing to drivers who seek thrilling driving experiences.
- Customization and Personalization: The brands are offering more customization options, allowing you, the buyers, to tailor vehicles to their preferences, including drivetrain and transmission choices.
The 2024 and 2025 model years offer exciting options for those who want the best of both worlds—AWD and manual transmission. Whether you’re looking for a practical performance sedan, a hot hatch, or a luxury sports car, the automobiles in this guide provide engaging driving experiences (for daily commuters and adventure seekers) that are increasingly rare in today’s market.
