Manual transmissions in SUVs? In today’s automotive landscape dominated by automatics and EVs, it might sound like a nostalgic whisper from the past. Once a common feature in SUVs, manual gearboxes have become increasingly scarce, almost relegated to niche sports cars and budget-friendly compacts. The reasons are multifaceted – the rise of convenient automatics, their improved fuel efficiency, and shifting consumer preferences towards ease of driving, particularly in urban environments. However, for a dedicated group of driving enthusiasts, the engagement, control, and sheer fun of a manual transmission remain irreplaceable. If you’re among those who prefer to row your own gears and want the practicality of an SUV, you’re in luck – albeit a limited one. While the selection is considerably smaller than it once was, there are still SUVs available in the US that offer the joy of a stick shift. Let’s explore ten 2016 models that cater to this specific desire, proving that the manual SUV isn’t entirely extinct.
2016 Jeep Renegade: Entry-Level Fun with a Stick Shift
The 2016 Jeep Renegade provides a compelling entry point into the world of manual transmission SUVs. Available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Renegade caters to drivers seeking a more involved driving experience in a compact SUV. You can opt for either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations with the manual transmission, giving flexibility depending on your needs and driving conditions. The base engine paired with the manual is a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4, originating from Fiat, offering a peppy and fuel-efficient option. While a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine is also available in higher trims, it exclusively comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Renegade shares its platform with the Fiat 500X, highlighting its European roots and nimble handling. Fuel economy is respectable for an SUV, with the EPA rating the 1.4-liter manual version at 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for both FWD and 4WD models. Starting at an MSRP of $17,995 for FWD and $19,695 for 4WD, the Jeep Renegade manual is an affordable and fun option for those seeking a smaller SUV with driver engagement.
2016 Mazda CX-5 Sport: Sporty Driving Dynamics with Manual Option
For those prioritizing driving dynamics in a compact SUV, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Sport stands out, especially in its manual transmission guise. The CX-5 has long been praised for its car-like handling and engaging driving feel, and the 6-speed manual transmission available in the Sport trim level further amplifies this. It’s important to note that the manual is offered only with front-wheel drive, so if all-wheel drive is a must, you’ll need to opt for the automatic. The engine paired with the manual is an efficient 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, delivering a good balance of performance and fuel economy. EPA estimates for the CX-5 Sport manual are 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, making it a fuel-conscious choice in the SUV segment. Higher trim levels like Touring and Grand Touring feature a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but these are exclusively paired with a 6-speed automatic. With a starting MSRP of $23,595, the Mazda CX-5 Sport manual offers a compelling blend of sporty handling, fuel efficiency, and driver engagement in a practical SUV package.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek: Manual Gearbox and Standard All-Wheel Drive
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek caters to those who desire both the control of a manual transmission and the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive. Based on the Impreza hatchback, the Crosstrek offers a lifted ride height for light off-roading adventures and Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system as standard. For manual enthusiasts, the Crosstrek 2.0i and 2.0i Premium trims are available with a 5-speed manual transmission. This gearbox is paired with a 2.0-liter flat-4 “boxer” engine, characteristic of Subaru, known for its distinctive sound and balanced performance. Fuel economy for the manual Crosstrek is EPA-rated at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. While Subaru’s CVT automatic transmission offers slightly better fuel efficiency (26/34 mpg), the manual provides a more engaging driving experience. The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $21,595, making it an accessible option for those seeking a manual, AWD SUV. Notably, the fuel-efficient Crosstrek Hybrid is not offered with a manual transmission.
2016 Jeep Patriot: Most Affordable Manual SUV Option
If budget is a primary concern and you still desire a manual transmission SUV, the 2016 Jeep Patriot is a strong contender. It holds the title of the least expensive SUV offering a manual gearbox in 2016. The Patriot is available with a 5-speed manual transmission and offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) versions. The base engine in the FWD Patriot is a 2.0-liter inline-4, while the 4WD models and optional FWD versions are powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4. Sharing its platform with the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber, the Patriot is a no-frills, utilitarian SUV. With FWD models starting at just $17,695 and 4WD versions at $19,695, the Jeep Patriot manual provides an incredibly affordable entry point into the SUV segment with the added driver engagement of a stick shift. Given that 2016 was potentially the last model year for the Patriot, there may be opportunities to find deals on remaining inventory.
2016 Fiat 500X Pop: Stylish and Compact with Manual Option
The 2016 FIAT 500X brings Italian flair and style to the subcompact crossover segment, and surprisingly, it also offers a manual transmission in its base Pop trim. While its SUV classification might be debated due to its smaller size, the 500X shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade and offers a higher ride height than a typical hatchback. The 500X Pop comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 engine, providing a fun and efficient driving experience. Higher trim levels like Easy, Trekking, and Lounge upgrade to a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-4, available with both FWD and all-wheel drive (AWD), but these versions are exclusively paired with an automatic transmission. Starting at $20,000 for the FWD 2016 Fiat 500X Pop, this stylish crossover offers a unique blend of Italian design, manual transmission engagement, and urban practicality.
2016 Honda HR-V: Versatile Subcompact with Manual Availability
The 2016 Honda HR-V impresses with its surprisingly spacious and versatile interior for a subcompact crossover. Offering more cargo space than many competitors in its class, the HR-V is a practical choice for urban dwellers and small families. For driving enthusiasts, the HR-V LX and EX trims offer a 6-speed manual transmission option, albeit only with front-wheel drive (FWD). The engine is a 1.8-liter inline-4, providing adequate power and Honda’s renowned reliability. Unfortunately, all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the HR-V are not available with a manual gearbox. Built on Honda’s adaptable Fit platform, the HR-V offers nimble handling and good fuel economy. The EPA fuel economy rating for the manual HR-V is 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Starting at an MSRP of $19,215, the 2016 Honda HR-V manual combines practicality, fuel efficiency, and the enjoyment of a stick shift in a compact package.
2016 Jeep Compass: Manual Option Across Drivetrains
Similar to its Jeep sibling, the Patriot, the 2016 Jeep Compass also offers a 5-speed manual transmission, providing another option for budget-conscious manual SUV shoppers. The Compass allows you to pair the manual gearbox with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), offering versatility depending on your needs. The base engine for the FWD Compass is a 2.0-liter inline-4, while a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is standard on 4WD models and optional for FWD. Fuel economy varies slightly depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, but the FWD manual Compass with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA rating of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The 2016 Jeep Compass starts at $19,695 for FWD and $21,695 for 4WD manual versions. With a new generation Compass expected in 2017, the 2016 model might present opportunities for deals and represents another affordable manual SUV choice.
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 2.0: Manual for Cargo and Value
For those prioritizing cargo capacity and seeking a manual transmission in a compact SUV, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 2.0 is worth considering. The Outlander Sport ES 2.0 trim is available with a 5-speed manual transmission, but exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD). This model is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and achieves an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the manual gearbox. Higher trim levels of the Outlander Sport, such as the ES 2.4, SE 2.4, SEL 2.4, and GT 2.4, offer a more powerful 2.4-liter inline-4 engine and available all-wheel drive (AWD), but these are only available with an automatic transmission. The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 2.0 manual starts at $19,595, making it a competitively priced option in the manual SUV segment. Opting for the automatic CVT transmission increases the starting price to $20,795.
2016 Subaru Forester: Spacious and Practical with Manual Option
The 2016 Subaru Forester is renowned for its spacious interior, practicality, and standard all-wheel drive, and for manual transmission enthusiasts, it offers a compelling option. The base Forester 2.5i and 2.5i Premium trims come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, paired with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-4 engine. This combination delivers 170 horsepower and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. While the CVT automatic transmission available in other Forester trims offers better fuel efficiency (26/32 mpg), the manual provides a more engaging driving experience and greater driver control, especially in varied driving conditions. The 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i manual starts at $22,595, making it a well-rounded and capable SUV with a manual gearbox for those who value driver involvement. Higher performance Forester 2.0XT models with a turbocharged engine are not available with a manual transmission.
2016 Jeep Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited: Ultimate Off-Road Manual SUV
For the most off-road capable SUV on this list and arguably the most iconic, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited stand alone. The Wrangler’s heritage traces back to the original Jeep CJ, and it remains the benchmark for off-road prowess. All 2-door Wrangler and 4-door Wrangler Unlimited models are equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, four-wheel drive, and importantly, a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. Compared to other SUVs on this list with smaller engines, the Wrangler offers significantly more off-road capability and a robust driving experience. The 2-door Wrangler Sport manual starts at $23,895, while the 4-door Wrangler Unlimited Sport manual starts at $27,695. Fuel economy is understandably lower due to its off-road focus and classic aerodynamic design, with the 2-door manual rated at 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, and the 4-door at 16/21 mpg. Despite the fuel consumption, the Jeep Wrangler manual remains the ultimate choice for those seeking uncompromised off-road ability and the pure driving engagement of a manual transmission in an SUV. A new generation Wrangler was anticipated for 2018, potentially adding even more appeal for off-road enthusiasts.
Conclusion:
While the era of widespread manual transmissions in SUVs may be behind us, these ten 2016 models demonstrate that the option still exists for drivers who crave a more connected and engaging driving experience. From budget-friendly and compact options like the Jeep Patriot and Fiat 500X to more spacious and off-road capable choices like the Subaru Forester and Jeep Wrangler, there’s a manual transmission SUV to suit a variety of needs and preferences. For those who value driver control and the simple joy of shifting gears, these SUVs are rare gems in a market increasingly dominated by automatics, offering a unique and rewarding driving experience.
