In the world of fading U.S. automotive niches, there’s but one AWD car with a manual transmission; basically none remain. The intoxicating combination of having your own shift action paired with all-wheel drive security and traction is just about the most wonderful thing that drivers in colder states could enjoy.
A Rare Combination
So, the issue is to find a new car having both of these. Most choices available today are either very expensive with few having been really conceived with driving enthusiasts in view. So, should you want that little something more-that extra bit of feeling connected to the road, with yet a better level of control-then there’s good news and bad in what follows. A close-up look at the last remaining AWD manual cars available for purchase today.
The Enthusiast’s Choice
Though they may not be many in number nor made by many manufacturers, they are unique in their own aspect as they offer a more pleasurable driving experience and reliable performance. So if you want an AWD manual car, then these rare gems will give you just something to smile about.
Top 10 Cars with AWD and Manual Transmission
In a world where manual transmissions and all-wheel drive are both increasingly rare, there’s something special, unique to the combination of control, performance, and pure enthusiast appeal inherent to each of these 10 cars. Whether it be snowy winter roads or simply a more engaging drive, they stand out as the last bastions of that cherished automotive combination.
1. Toyota Tacoma
- Transmission: Manual Transmission available on the base SR and off-road TRD Pro trims to give you ultimate control.
- AWD System: It provides the greatest grip on challenging trails and snow-covered roads, equipped with adventure in mind.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a rugged capability wrapper with a traditionalist touch-availability of manual transmission with 4×4-compactly wrapped in a compact segment standout. The Tacoma goes against the grain in a world increasingly dominated by automatics and hybrid systems. It will still offer a hands-on driving experience for enthusiasts while delivering robust performance on and off-road.
And other models like the 4Runner and Tundra continue impressing, considering that Toyota offers durability and power. Another illustration is the Toyota Camry, whose feel-good reliability and comfort enable it to bag the lion’s share of American choice.
- Engine Variants: Option of a turbocharged 2.4 liter 270hp or a very powerful 278hp V6.
- Features: Stall-avoidance and clutch start-cancel included in its features, helpful when trying to handle the smooth terrain.
- Price: $36,900 starting gives you RELIANT reliability and a manual 4×4 setup all in one.
2. Jeep Wrangler
- Transmission: Six-speed manual (automatic available)
- AWD System: The Jeep Wrangler has AWD and 4WD, offering the best performance and capability.
The Jeep Wrangler is a true off-road icon, known for rugged capability and classic Jeep design. With an available six-speed manual transmission and a powerful 3.6L V6 engine, the Wrangler delivers a raw mechanical driving experience that its enthusiastic owners really love.
Of course, with the offering ranging from the base Sport trim to the adventure-ready Rubicon, both as two-door and four-door Unlimited; the Wrangler caters to a wide swath of tastes and needs. Its removable doors and roofs do make it an even more magnetic proposition to those just going outdoors, which is part of what makes the Wrangler perhaps the most authentic off-road-specific choice around.
- Engine: 2.0L turbo-four, 3.6L V6 (manual available with V6)
- Power: 285 horsepower
- Trims: Sport, Rubicon, and more
- Body Style: Two-door; four-door Unlimited
- Off-road: Solid axles; high articulation suspension
- Distinctions: Removable doors and roof
3. Jeep Gladiator
- Transmission: Six-speed manual (eight-speed automatic available for an additional $2,000).
- AWD System: Rock-Trac 4×4 in Gladiator Rubicon has a 4:1 low range transfer case and 84:1 crawl ratio for intense control only on really tough lands.
This pickup truck is very unique. Some of the best off-road capabilities can be found today in the market with it. The windshield folds flat and the roof and doors are removable, which gives a feel to the driver, unlike anything before. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator will have a six-speed manual transmission mated with a 285-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine.
It sacrifices some on-road acuity to achieve excellent off-road capability but, with heavy-duty axles and a trio of 4×4 systems to choose from, it’s more than serious about traversing the rough stuff. With the stick, you can get a super low crawl ratio of 84:1, but as with all these things, it pays to use it frequently to keep the engine in the sweet spot.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 285-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6.
- Base Price: $38,990.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 2,000 kg with the manual transmission.
- Unique Features: Removable roof and doors, foldable windshield.
- Off-Road Capability: Heavy-duty axles, up to four 4×4 systems.
- Manual Gearbox: 84:1 crawl ratio, requires frequent shifting.
- On-Road Performance: Less refined, vague steering and clumsy shift quality.\
4. Toyota GR Corolla
- Transmission: Six-speed manual, automatic
- AWD System: Variable front/rear torque distribution
The Toyota GR Corolla is a screaming deal of a performance hatchback, melding rally-developed engineering with day-to-day livability. It starts at $36,500 for the base Core model and ranges to the extreme Circuit Edition for up to $45,140; along the way, it packs a 300-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a snappy six-speed manual gearbox tailor-made for enthusiast drivers.
The advanced AWD system spools with varied settings between the comfort-oriented drive at everyday driving, real established bias, and rendered neutralized on track performance. With a rev-matching technology and dual LSD further upped dynamic cornering traction, the GR Corolla promises a driving excitement experience across a broad range of driving skills and style.
- Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-3, 300 horsepower
- Performance Features: Rev-matching function, dual LSD
- Trim Levels: Core and Circuit Edition
- Starting Price: From $36,500
- Enhancements: Interior quality, mechanical specifications of personal preference
5. Subaru WRX Sedan
- Transmission: Six-speed manual
- AWD System: Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD
The Subaru WRX is a sporty compact sedan with its rally-derived personality and its beefy performance. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four makes 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The price range for this car goes from $32,735 to $44,215. A six-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system are available for the WRX, which tailors driving dynamics to its enthusiasts.
While the base model is modest, the higher trims really work for a heightened experience with features therefore performance capabilities that extend the WRX to be a choice worth reckoning in the hot compact segment of sedans. Other top lineups from Subaru include versatile models such as rugged Outback, practical Forester, and innovative Solterra, an electric SUV. All these are known for their amazing abilities and some pretty impressive features.
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four, 271 horsepower
- Performance: Rally-bred handling, long-travel suspension
- Price Range: $32,735 to $44,215
- Variants: Includes STI model with a close-ratio manual
- Features: Road grip and fun to drive, all-weather ability
6. Volkswagen Golf R
- Transmission: Six-speed manual
- AWD System: VW’s R-Performance 4Motion with torque vectoring
It just doesn’t get much more aggressive in the performance category for hot hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf R with such a mix of sporty dynamics and everyday practicality. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder shoots 315 horsepower at $45,665 and channels all its power to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
This makes it one of the most popular cars with manual transmission and all-wheel drive. VW’s R-Performance 4Motion AWD system and torque vectoring, the Golf R is impressively glued to the corners, its stiffer suspension and big 19-inch tires making it handle very well. It’s markedly balanced in its driving character, and it can hold its line under full acceleration and when cornering hard.
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, 315 horsepower
- Performance Features: Stiffer suspension; large 19-inch tires
- Price: $45,665
- Driving Dynamics: Exceptional grip; handling
- Practicality: Blends sportiness with everyday usability
7. Porsche 911
- Transmission: Seven-speed manual or PDK automatic transmissions with a no-cost manual option.
- AWD System: Traction and stability are enhanced, suitable for all kinds of total driving conditions.
The 2024 Porsche 911 completes the package of timeless style paired with leading performance technologies, including a responsive seven-speed manual transmission and an otherwise outstanding PDK automatic, which offer choice and tailor driving experiences. It is also available with a premium Bose system, complete with 12 high-performance speakers.
- Variants: Available models include Carrera 4S and Carrera 4 GTS, both AWD.
- Performance: Swift acceleration from PDK and lots of engagement with the manual.
- Features: Additionally, the Sport Chrono pack, rev-matching, and mechanical limited-slip rear differential are available.
8. Ford Bronco
- Transmission: Seven-speed manual, geared for off-road performance
- AWD System: All trims come fitted for enhanced grip and driving dynamics.
Here comes the Ford Bronco, an SUV-style off-roader with a bid to conquer territories ruled by the very iconic Wrangler. Its unique toughness and manual transmission versatility have been fitted out with a seven-speed gearbox that has further incorporated a specialized “crawler” gear for easy off-road maneuverability, hence delivering rather an adrenaline-jerking driving experience tailored for adventurous territories. Other than that Ford brands are also known for their latest blue cruise vehicles.
- Models: Offered in several trims, ranging from a two-door base model
- Engine: Not compatible with 2.7L V6
- Price Differential: More reasonably-priced than the automatic transmission variant
9. BMW 440i xDrive
- Transmission: Six-speed manual available
- AWD: Available on 440i models
The BMW 4 Series coupe is barely holding its ground as one of the last bastions for enthusiasts. It’s among a very few remaining performance vehicles to offer a manual transmission. For the maximum thrills, look to the 440i model, which replaces last year’s 435i and packs a meaningful wallop from its 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six. An available M Power Kit upgrade bumps up the performance even further with an even more raucous exhaust note.
- Model: BMW 4 Series Coupe. Precisely, the 440i variant.
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six; 320 hp, 330 lb-ft of torque
- Optional Upgrade: M Power Kit to 350 hp, 370 lb-ft
- Suspension: Adaptive suspension system to fine-tune both performance and comfort.
10. Subaru Crosstrek
- Transmission: Five-speed manual transmission available
- AWD System: Most trims come with a standard AWD to provide great traction and stability in various conditions.
The Subaru Crosstrek will be the only such model at this budget price featuring AWD and a manual transmission. First introduced in 2018, the Crosstrek brings together compact-crossover practicality along with the agility of Subaru’s AWD system and shifting engagement from a manual gearbox. These features make it one of the best cars with all wheel drive and manual transmission.
- Engine: A 2.0L boxer-four producing 152 hp, 145 lb-ft of torque
- Design: It’s fitted with more ground clearance along with more rugged exterior cladding to make it off-road ready.
- Fuel Efficiency: More efficient drivetrain settings enable better fuel economy and better acceleration performance.
In summary, as fast as the landscape of cars with AWD and manual transmission is shrinking, these remaining erstwhile models truly show what the spirit of enthusiast driving is all about. What comes out loud and clear in each car on this list is a really special blend of control, performance, and plain driving enjoyment, something that’s increasingly rare in today’s automotive market.
Whether you’re plowing through snowy roads or just looking for an infinitely more interesting drive, these cars represent the final strongholds for a beloved automotive pairing. Combine manual shifting with AWD security, and hit the road in style with some of the best of the breed.
