If you are someone who still enjoys shifting gears by hand, now might be the time to appreciate every drive a little more. According to the latest 2026 reports, manual gearboxes are getting closer to disappearing completely. What was once the default choice in more than 80% of new cars in markets like the UK has now dropped to less than a quarter of the options available.
New data from CarGurus reveals that only 67 models from major manufacturers still offer a manual gearbox for 2026, compared to 82 models last year. It is a sharp decline that shows just how quickly the car industry is moving away from traditional driving experiences.
Manual Gearboxes Are Nearing Extinction
The numbers tell a clear story. Out of nearly 300 models included in the study, 225 are now offered only with automatic transmission. With SUVs dominating the market, along with the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles, there is simply less space for a clutch pedal in modern cars.
Several well-known brands have now walked away from manual gearboxes entirely. Mini and Honda, both long associated with fun manual driving, have officially dropped the option. Mercedes, Volvo, and Tesla decided some time ago that the future is fully automatic and electric. Even BMW’s M division has admitted that the manual gearbox does not have much time left.
Why Carmakers Are Moving Away From Manuals
There are a few major reasons behind this shift. Modern automatic transmissions are smoother, quicker, and often more fuel-efficient than manuals. They also perform better in emissions testing, which has become more important than ever for manufacturers.
The move toward hybrid and electric powertrains is another big factor, because these vehicles do not need a traditional manual gearbox in the first place. On top of that, most drivers today simply prefer the convenience of automatic transmissions, especially with growing traffic and long daily commutes.
There Is Still Hope For Enthusiasts
Despite all of this, there are still a few cars keeping the spirit of manual driving alive. Models like the Porsche 911 GT3 and Mazda MX-5 continue to offer that old-school connection between the driver and the machine. Some pickup trucks and hatchbacks, including the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, still come with manual options too.
Chris Knapman, Editorial Director at CarGurus, said the number of new manual cars has dropped by more than half over the past decade. However, he pointed out that drivers who still value control and engagement can still find plenty of great options in the used car market.
ArabGT Opinion
We are witnessing the end of a great mechanical era. The manual gearbox was never just a way to change gears, it was part of the connection between the driver and the road. While automatic transmissions may be faster, smarter, and easier to live with, they can never fully replace the feeling of driving a proper manual car.
Our advice is simple: if you own a special manual car, hold on to it. In the near future, it could become something truly rare and valuable.
Tell us what you think through the ArabGT app. Are you still holding on to the joy of driving a manual sports car, or have you already switched to the comfort of automatics?
