Manual transmissions used to be the standard. But these days? There aren’t very many new cars with manual transmissions. The good news is that, according to TrueCar, these affordable cars are among some of the best new cars with manual transmissions. 

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line is one of the best new cars with a manual transmission

If you’re in the market for an affordable new car with a manual transmission, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line is among the best, TrueCar reports. This year’s model starts at $24,100 and comes equipped with a 201-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. According to TrueCar, this affordable new car comes stocked with features too.

It’s standard with popular features like leather sport seats, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen display featuring wireless Android Auto and AppleCarPlay. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line is standard with wireless device charging too. 

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a budget-friendly new car under $20,000

Say the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N isn’t quite your style. If that’s the case, TrueCar reports that the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a budget-friendly new car under $20,000. It’s also among the best new cars with a manual transmission. 

Starting at $19,990, this year’s Jetta comes equipped with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s paired with a six-speed manual transmission. According to TrueCar, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta handles and rides like a much more expensive vehicle with this combination under the hood. 

The 2021 Mazda3 comes with a manual transmission

Perhaps you would like a new Mazda instead. The good news is that the 2021 Mazda3 is a new car with a manual transmission. However, you will have to go with a specific configuration to land this model with a six-speed manual.

That means opting for the 2021 Mazda3 Hatchback Premium, which starts at $28,000. While this does make the 2021 Mazda3 one of the more expensive options on the list, opting for this particular model does get you features like push-button start, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a Bose premium audio system.

Check out the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback if you want a manual transmission

The Mazda3 Hatchback isn’t the only new car available with a manual transmission. The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback offers a manual transmission too. According to TrueCar, that’s not all the Toyota Corolla Hatchback has going for it either.

Opt for the XSE with a six-speed manual transmission, and this new car offers practicality and agile handling. It benefits from a long list of people-pleasing features too. Enjoy interior amenities like leather-trimmed heated sports seats, a premium leather-trimmed steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.  

The 2021 Kia Forte is an affordable new car under $20,000

According to TrueCar, the 2021 Kia Forte is a practical sedan that boasts more style and sportiness than most of its competitors. It offers up seating for five passengers and indeed aims to please when it comes to standard features. It’s also one of few new cars with a manual transmission.

But let’s talk about those features. Starting at only $17,890, this new car is stock full of standard amenities. Sure, it’s standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but it also comes outfitted with an 8-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s standard with a slew of driver-assist technology, too, including forward-collision avoidance assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and driver attention warnings.

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster N is a “performance bargain”

If you’re in the market for a new car that’s driven by performance, you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N, TrueCar reports. In fact, starting at $32,250, TrueCar calls this year’s model a “performance bargain.” They aren’t wrong either.

Under the hood of this year’s model, you’ll find a 275-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Teamed with a six-speed manual transmission, TrueCar says that this new hatch boasts a “fun-to-drive attitude.” Even better, this new car with a manual transmission boasts multiple drive modes to keep you even more engaged behind the wheel.

There’s a lot to like about the 2021 BMW M3

Now, there’s no beating around the bush here. The 2021 BMW M3 is easily the most expensive car on this list. In fact, this year’s model starts at $69,900. For many new car shoppers, that price tag is prohibitively expensive. 

But if you do decide to drop nearly $70,000 on this new car with a manual transmission? You can expect “superb acceleration, handling, and braking,” TrueCar reports. Even better? Several luxury amenities are standard in this sedan.  

The 2021 Nissan Versa is one of the cheapest new cars under $20,000

For one of the cheapest new cars with a manual transmission, check out the 2021 Nissan Versa. This affordable new car costs under $15,000 and comes standard with a 122-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, this pairing offers “superb fuel efficiency and nimble handling for getting around town,” TrueCar reports.

For such a cheap new car, you might expect the 2021 Nissan Versa to compromise on features. Fortunately, that’s not the case at all. Instead, this year’s model comes outfitted with NissanConnect, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. It’s also available with heated seats.

Is it worth buying a car with a manual transmission?

If you enjoy driving a stick shift, then buying a new car with a manual transmission might just be worth it for you. Fortunately, there are several options available when shopping for a new car with a manual transmission. To determine the best new car with a manual transmission for you, we recommend taking a few of these options out for a test drive.