For car enthusiasts craving a visceral driving experience, the Sports Sedan Car segment has always been a sweet spot. Marrying practicality with performance, these vehicles offer the best of both worlds. Historically, power was channeled to either the front or rear wheels, but the advent of all-wheel drive (AWD) revolutionized the game, especially for performance-oriented machines. While AWD was present in SUVs and trucks earlier, it was the 1990s that saw this technology truly blossom in the realm of performance cars. The iconic Audi Quattro, a rally legend, spearheaded this movement in 1980, bringing AWD into mainstream performance. Later, the 1990 Mitsubishi 3000GT marked a significant milestone, introducing AWD to the American sports car market.
While AWD systems inherently bring a slightly higher maintenance cost and a marginal increase in drivetrain power loss compared to front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations, the advantages in traction and all-weather performance are undeniable. When coupled with a potent engine, AWD empowers drivers to unleash the full throttle without battling tire slip, inspiring confidence in cornering and navigating diverse road conditions. This is precisely why high-performance marques like Lamborghini and Bugatti embraced AWD for their hypercars, recognizing its pivotal role in maximizing power delivery and handling.
However, the automotive landscape is in constant flux. The beloved manual transmission, once a staple for driving purists, is facing extinction, gradually being replaced by more fuel-efficient automatic transmissions. Even driver-centric performance cars like the VW Golf R, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 911 Turbo S have succumbed to the automatic trend in recent years, leaving a dwindling number of enthusiast-focused vehicles with the classic three-pedal setup for the 2025 model year – predominantly in RWD form.
In the hot hatch arena, the Toyota GR Corolla stands as a valiant exception, still offering AWD paired with a manual gearbox. But for those seeking the same exhilarating combination in a true sports sedan car, the options are vanishingly scarce. In fact, as of 2025, there’s essentially only one new car left that delivers this coveted configuration: the Subaru WRX.
The 2025 Subaru WRX: The Last Bastion of AWD Manual Sports Sedan Cars
A Legacy of Performance and Driver Engagement
The Subaru WRX, a name synonymous with rally-inspired performance, has been captivating enthusiasts since its inception in Japan in 1992, and its subsequent arrival in America in 2002. Even in its latest iteration, launched in 2021, the WRX remains true to its roots. While the legendary STI trim is currently absent, the WRX boasts a larger 2.4-liter engine and crucially, retains the cherished 6-speed manual transmission as standard, alongside a CVT automatic option. Remarkably, Subaru reports that a staggering 83% of WRX buyers in 2024 opted for the manual transmission, highlighting the strong appeal of the WRX to driving purists and the robustness of its manual gearbox.
Being the sole AWD sports sedan car on the market with a manual transmission in 2025 is a significant distinction, but the WRX is more than just a novelty. Subaru has meticulously honed its symmetrical AWD system for over half a century. While Audi’s Quattro is often credited with popularizing AWD performance, Subaru pioneered AWD passenger cars almost a decade earlier with the Leone in 1972.
Alongside Porsche, Subaru stands alone in its commitment to boxer engines. Despite past challenges like head gasket issues, Subaru persevered, refining its boxer engine and AWD formula. This dedication has paid off, as Subaru now produces some of the most reliable vehicles globally. Consumer Reports recently recognized Subaru as the most reliable car brand in 2025, a testament to their engineering prowess and focus on durability.
Uncompromising Performance and Reliability in a Sports Sedan Car
The new Subaru WRX embodies this legacy of reliability and performance. It features a robust, turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, producing a conservative 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from the factory, mated to a standard manual transmission and AWD. This intentionally under-stressed engine design provides a solid foundation for both long-term reliability and aftermarket modifications, catering to enthusiasts who seek to push the boundaries of performance. This same engine, albeit detuned to 260 hp, powers the Subaru Ascent, Outback, and Legacy XT models, all of which received an impressive 82/100 reliability rating from J.D. Power in 2024.
The WRX: Affordable Performance in a Sports Sedan Car Package
[ ](Photo: Subaru)
2025 Subaru WRX Specs:
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbo flat-four |
|---|---|
| Power | 271 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
(Subaru)
The WRX confidently competes with front-wheel-drive rivals in its price bracket, including the Hyundai Elantra N, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Acura Integra, often outperforming them in terms of all-weather capability and, arguably, driver engagement thanks to its AWD and manual transmission. Interestingly, the WRX delivers comparable acceleration to the Subaru BRZ sports car and can even surpass it on a track or in highway driving scenarios.
In terms of raw performance, a stock WRX accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Car and Driver testing has even shown the manual transmission version to be quicker than the CVT variant, making the choice for the manual a clear win for performance enthusiasts. Considering its starting price of $36,920 and the practicality of a sports sedan car, the WRX offers exceptional value. Manual transmission equipped models also benefit from an automatic rev-match feature, enhancing downshifts during spirited cornering.
The 6-speed manual transmission is standard across all WRX trims except the GT, where it becomes an option alongside the CVT. Opting for the manual also results in a roughly $1,500 price reduction compared to the CVT on all trims. Let’s explore the different WRX trims and their pricing:
Trim Levels and Pricing:
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Premium ($36,920): As the base trim for 2025 (the previous base model was discontinued), the “Premium” WRX is far from basic. It comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission (CVT optional) and is well-equipped with features like heated front seats, keyless entry, and a large 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment screen. It also upgrades from the previous base model’s 17-inch wheels to standard 18-inch alloy wheels.
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Limited ($41,130): Stepping up to the “Limited” trim adds a touch of luxury and enhanced features, including a Harman Kardon sound system with a 504-watt amplifier, Recaro suede and leather front seats (power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support), blind-spot detection, and a power moonroof.
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GT ($46,875): The GT trim prioritizes luxury, making the CVT transmission standard and the manual unavailable. It builds upon the Limited trim with a red-stitched suede dash panel, power-adjustable Recaro front seats, and a new electronically adjustable ride control suspension for improved road compliance.
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tS ($46,875): New for 2025, the tS trim (“tuned by STI”) is designed for peak performance. While power output remains the same, the tS gains an upgraded suspension with adaptive dampers, larger gold-painted Brembo brakes and rotors, distinctive black exterior trim accents, and 19-inch gray wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires. This trim is the ultimate out-of-the-box track-focused WRX.
Exploring Used AWD Performance Car Alternatives with Manual Transmissions
While the new Subaru WRX stands alone as the last AWD manual sports sedan car, the used market offers a few compelling alternatives for enthusiasts seeking this configuration at potentially more accessible price points.
Ford Focus RS MK3: A Rally-Bred Hot Hatch Alternative
| Engine | 2.3-liter turbo inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Power | 350 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
The Ford Focus RS MK3, discontinued in 2016, is a potent hot hatch with rally DNA. It delivers even more power than the current WRX and combines it with a practical hatchback design. While its successor, the front-wheel-drive Focus ST-line, exists in other markets, it’s unfortunately not available in America. A well-maintained Focus RS MK3 can be found for around $33,000 on the used market.
2015-2021 Subaru WRX STI: The Iconic Predecessor
| Engine | 2.5-liter turbo flat-4 |
|---|---|
| Power | 310 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
The previous generation Subaru WRX STI, discontinued after 2021, presents an interesting dilemma for WRX buyers. The new WRX is arguably the more sensible and reliable choice, while a used STI offers more aggressive styling, a stiffer suspension, and a track-oriented drivetrain. Unless you specifically intend to track your car or plan significant modifications, the 2025 WRX, particularly in tS trim, offers ample performance and capability.
BMW 340i xDrive F30: A Luxurious AWD Manual Sports Sedan Car
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 |
|---|---|
| Power | 320 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | Under 5 seconds |
The BMW 340i xDrive F30 is a rarer find – an AWD sports sedan car that was offered with an optional six-speed manual transmission. It boasts even more power than the WRX and delivers it in a more refined, luxurious package. Its B58 engine is renowned for its reliability and tuning potential. Sadly, the F30 340i xDrive marks the end of an era, as newer G20 generation 3 Series xDrive models are exclusively paired with automatic transmissions. Used 340i xDrive models can be found for under $30,000.
Audi TT RS MK2: An Underrated AWD Manual Sports Car
| Engine | 2.5-liter turbo inline-5 |
|---|---|
| Power | 335 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds |
The Audi TT RS MK2 stands out as a unique and often overlooked sports car. Built on a dedicated sports car chassis, it features a potent 2.5-liter inline-5 engine shared with the RS3. Despite being a true sports car, it surprisingly offers Audi’s Quattro AWD (exclusive to RS models) and a manual transmission. This combination of AWD and a lightweight chassis results in exceptional acceleration and cornering prowess. Used TT RS MK2 models can be found for around $32,000.
Sources: Subaru, Classic.com
