If you’re looking to buy a 4WD or AWD manual car new from a U.S. dealer, there are only a few options out there. CNBC reports only 13% of all new 2020 vehicles can be had with a manual transmission, down from 37% in 2011. That number is even lower if you want to power all four wheels. While the list of 4WD manual cars keeps getting shorter each year, you still have options. The following 9 vehicles, by only 5 car manufactures, are all the AWD and 4WD vehicles available with three pedals and a stick shift in 2020.
All New 4WD & AWD Manual Cars in U.S. in 2020
BMW 440i xDrive
If you want an AWD BMW and manual transmission, you’ll want the 440i xDrive. The powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six-cylinder engine makes 320 HP and can be paired to a six-speed manual transmission. BMW claims the speedy coupe will do 0-60 in a scant 4.7 seconds.
Jeep Compass
The Compass is Jeep‘s compact crossover. While there are multiple trim levels available, the Sport and Lattitude can be had with AWD and the company’s C635 six-speed manual transmission. Jeep’s 180 HP 2.4-liter MultiAir engine is paired with this gearbox. Sadly, the Trailhawk model, the most off-road capable Compass, is only offered with an automatic transmission.
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep’s Gladiator pickup is powered by a 285 HP 3.6-liter V6 and can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Whether you opt for the entry-level Sport package or the off-road-capable Rubicon model, these pickups will let you shift them yourself. All include a part-time 4WD system with a low-range transfer case.
Jeep Wrangler
When people say “Jeep,” most think of the iconic Wrangler. Beloved by people worldwide, it’s also available with a six-speed manual transmission. The 285 HP 3.6-liter V6 engine is the only option on offer with the manual. Wrangler’s 4WD system uses a manually engaged two-speed transfer case. The beloved SUV is available in two or four-door variants and is extremely capable off-road, especially when modified with some quality off-road parts.
Porsche 911
Porsche allows you to get its legendary 911 sports car with a manual gearbox paired with AWD. This includes the Carrera, Targa, and GTS models. The ultra-quick GTS makes a stunning 450 HP and has a blistering top speed of 192 MPH! Porsche recently added its new seven-speed manual transmission to its 911 for maximum performance.
Subaru Crosstrek
Based on the Subaru Impreza, the AWD Crosstrek hatchback offers additional ground clearance and unique styling cues compared to a regular Impreza. Forego the Premium and Limited models and it can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox. Power comes from a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed engine making 152 HP. Oh, and you can get it in orange!
Subaru Impreza
Whether you opt for the sedan or the wagon, the popular all-weather-ready Impreza is available with a five-speed manual gearbox and standard AWD. While its transmission gets one less gear than the Crosstrek, it uses the same 2.0-liter 152 HP engine. Similar to the Crosstrek, the manual transmission is only available on the entry-level Impreza, not the Premium or Sport.
Subaru WRX/STI
With their legendary rally racing DNA, Subaru’s WRX and STI AWD sports sedans offer powerful turbocharged engines and sport-tuned suspension systems sure to please driving enthusiasts. Both cars are available with six-speed manual transmissions mated to the company’s famous boosted boxer engines. The WRX has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 268 HP; the STI has a 2.5-liter four-pot making 310 HP. No matter which you choose, they’re fast, fun cars in any weather.
Toyota Tacoma
If you like to row your own gears and want a Toyota Tacoma pickup, you’re in luck. The 2020 TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro models can have a six-speed manual behind their 278 HP 3.5-liter V6 engines. All will feature 4WD with a high/low range transfer case to get you through snow, sand, mud, or rocks.
U.S. 4WD & AWD Manual Cars 2020
- BMW 440i xDrive
- Jeep Compass, Gladiator, & Wrangler
- Porsche 911
- Subaru Crosstrek, Impreza, & WRX/STI
- Toyota Tacoma
While you can technically find these nine new 4WD or AWD manual cars on U.S. dealer lots in 2020, it is easy to argue that this list is even smaller than that. The Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler are essentially iterations of the same vehicle. The three Subaru’s on this list are all based on the same basic chassis, and the WRX/STI being just a tuned-up Impreza. If you factor in these similarities the list of AWD and 4WD manual cars on offer drops to only six.
The AWD manual car is a dying bread in the U.S. new-car marketplace. If you want the power to go to all four wheels and the joy of rowing your own gears then you better snag one of these 4WD or AWD manual cars soon!
