At their inception, SUVs were the rough-and-tumble types, with go-anywhere aspirations and basic, truckish roots. These simple, durable, rugged machines usually had a manual transmission. Things have changed a lot since then. But while scanning today’s crop of decidedly less authentic, car-based crossovers and those few remaining truck-based SUVs, we still managed to find a dozen models that can be had with a stick shift. It is worth noting, however, that in only seven of these twelve can one pair the manual transmission with four-wheel drive. Without that feature, many of these manual-transmission crossovers are hardly distinguishable from the hatchbacks they’re based on. Nevertheless, here are the twelve SUVs and crossovers that haven’t yet done away with the shift-it-yourself option.
Honda HR-V
Trim levels: LX (FWD), EX (FWD)
We’re glad that Honda, long known for its delightful manual transmissions, decided to offer a row-your-own gearbox on its Fit-based HR-V small crossover. It’s offered only with front-wheel drive, but at least you can get it on both the base LX and the decently equipped EX model, which comes with heated seats, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a sunroof.
Honda HR-V
The six-speed manual itself isn’t quite up to typical Honda standards because of its long throws, but it at least adds some involvement to the HR-V’s otherwise uninspiring driving experience.
Outlander Sport SEL
Trim level: ES (FWD)
Mitsubishi has placed nearly all of its eggs in the crossover basket, with its Outlander and Outlander Sport SUVs making up the majority of the company’s U.S. sales. The smaller of the two, the Outlander Sport, still gives buyers the choice of a five-speed stick shift on the base, front-wheel-drive ES model.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The manual transmission is paired with a 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the ES also includes 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth, a USB port, and keyless entry for just $20,490. To get any more equipment than that—or to get all-wheel drive, or the larger, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower—you’ll have to settle for a CVT automatic.
Jeep Renegade 1.4T
Trim levels: Sport, Latitude
Possibly the most adorable SUV on the market, Jeep’s Renegade is a charming little box chock-full of classic Jeep cues. Its base engine, a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, is offered only with a manual transmission. The six-speed can even pair with an optional all-wheel-drive system and can be had on several of the Renegade’s trim levels.
Jeep Renegade 1.4T
You cannot, however, get the most off-road-capable Renegade Trailhawk with a stick, as that model comes only with the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder and nine-speed automatic. You’d probably be better off climbing rocks in a Wrangler anyway.
Fiat 500X
Trim level: Pop
Fiat’s first entry into the crossover class is the cutesy 500X, which has plenty of European charm. But, in a decidedly un-European turn, Fiat limits the 500X’s manual transmission to the base Pop model, as stepping up to any of the other four trim levels replaces the Pop’s 1.4-liter turbo four with the automatic-only 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Fiat 500X
Staying with the Pop means you’re stuck with front-wheel drive and a paltry load of equipment—Bluetooth, a backup camera, automatic headlights, and automatic climate control are all missing from this stripped-down Italianite SUV, as are many of the vibrant color options offered on other versions.
Mini Cooper Countryman
Trim levels: All
Mini prides itself on its fun-to-drive reputation, so it’s no surprise that the company is generous with its manual-transmission offerings. The Countryman crossover and its two-door Paceman variant (yes, they still sell that) are no exception, as a six-speed manual transmission is standard regardless of trim level or engine choice.
Mini Cooper Countryman
The standard Mini Cooper Countryman comes with a 121-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder—we’d suggest opting for the turbocharged Cooper S, which bumps power output to 181 horsepower and opens up the all-wheel-drive option ($1750). Going for the full-bore JCW model brings on even more grunt and standard all-wheel drive, along with a lofty starting price of $36,700.
2015 Mazda CX-5
Trim level: Sport
CX-5 buyers who want to shift their own gears give up a lot in order to do so. Only the base Sport trim level offers a six-speed manual, which pairs with a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive. It’s also offered only in black, silver, or gray, while automatic models offer a much broader color palette.
Mazda CX-5
All automatic-transmission CX-5s also come standard with a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which ups the horsepower to 184 and also affords the possibility of equipping the crossover with all-wheel drive. And while the manual model is engaging to drive, it’s slow: When we tested a CX-5 manual, it took 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. One bright spot is that the CX-5 Sport manual starts at just $22,695—nearly $2000 less than the equivalent automatic-transmission model.
Nissan Juke NISMO RS
Trim levels: Juke NISMO (FWD), Juke NISMO RS (FWD)
When we first drove the Juke in 2010, its spirited turbocharged engine and six-speed manual gearbox made us think “hot hatch” more than “compact crossover.” Since then, Nissan has introduced an even peppier NISMO version and must figure that only enthusiasts who spring for the sportier Juke NISMO will truly want a manual, so that’s now where the six-speed gearbox lives.
Nissan Juke NISMO RS
Front-wheel-drive versions of the Juke NISMO and the even more hard-core NISMO RS come only with a six-speed manual to pair with their 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. If you want the Juke NISMO’s optional all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, you’ll have to consider your priorities carefully, as that model comes only with a CVT.
Subaru Crosstrek
Trim levels: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium
It’s not too surprising that Subaru would offer a manual transmission in the Crosstrek, since this lifted hatchback shares its powertrain—and almost everything else—with the Impreza hatchback.
Subaru Crosstrek
The 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder makes 148 horsepower in both cars and is offered on the Crosstrek with a five-speed manual on the base 2.0i and the 2.0i Premium trim levels. All-wheel drive is standard, as it is on all Subarus except for the BRZ coupe.
Jeep Compass
Trim level: Sport
Developed during the dark days of DaimlerChrysler, the Jeep Compass continues to linger in Jeep’s lineup and still sells in decent numbers today. At least it has received updates to its interior and powertrains over the years. It still offers a five-speed manual transmission on the lowest “Sport” trim levels, which pairs with either a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a slightly punchier, 172-hp 2.4-liter four for $545 extra on front-drive models.
Jeep Compass
The 2.4L/manual combination is also available with all-wheel drive, although the upgraded Freedom-Drive II four-wheel-drive system that earns the Compass a “Trail Rated” badge requires a continuously variable automatic. (European-spec model shown)
Jeep Patriot
Trim levels: Sport, Latitude
With its boxier styling, the Patriot fits into the Jeep lineup better than its platform-mate, the Compass. It also offers a slightly wider range of models available with a manual transmission. The base Patriot Sport can pair a five-speed manual with the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engine options as the Compass, with all-wheel drive offered as an option for 2.4L/manual models.
Jeep Patriot
The better-equipped Patriot Latitude also can be ordered with a stick shift, at least in front-drive form. Both the Compass and the Patriot will be replaced next year by a single model to slot between the wee Renegade and the Cherokee. We’ll see if it continues to offer a stick-shift option, but we’re not counting on it.
Subaru Forester
Trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium
Although the Subaru Outback dropped its available manual transmission with its most recent redesign, the smaller Forester SUV continues with a stick-shift option for the base 2.5i and the 2.5i Premium models. Manual-transmission Foresters get a slightly different all-wheel-drive system than do automatic models—it uses a locking center differential, while automatic versions have a more-advanced continuously variable transfer clutch to manage torque distribution.
Subaru Forester
What saddens us is that you can’t get the six-speed manual with the Forester 2.0XT and its more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s lifted from the WRX.
Jeep Wrangler
Trim levels: All
It stands to reason that Jeep’s old-school off-roader trumps nearly all other SUVs in terms of manual availability. After all, many dedicated off-roaders won’t settle for anything less than a shift-for-yourself transmission. The manual gearbox that pairs with the Wrangler’s 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is a six-speed, and it’s offered on every trim level regardless of whether you pick the two-door or four-door body style. (We’re leaving out the automatic-only right-hand-drive version of the Wrangler Unlimited that’s intended as a mail truck.)
Jeep Wrangler
Sure, a five-speed automatic is a $1350 option on most models, but that sucks some of the charm of driving a Wrangler. Plus, a Wrangler with a stick shift is surprisingly quick—a 2014 two-door Willys model got from zero to 60 mph in a swift 6.6 seconds in our testing.
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