For those who appreciate the visceral thrill of a manual transmission and the practicality of towing capability, 2019 offered a surprisingly diverse selection of vehicles. While automatic transmissions dominate the market, these models kept the manual option alive, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the ultimate driving experience while still hauling their gear or trailers.
1. Jeep Wrangler
The iconic Wrangler, known for its off-road prowess, continues to offer a manual transmission option across its trim levels. The 3.6L V6 engine provides ample power for towing, with a maximum capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wrangler’s rugged nature and manual gearbox make it a true off-road legend.
2. Ford F-150
The F-150, America’s best-selling pickup truck, offers a manual transmission option with its 3.3L V6 engine. While the manual is only available on the base XL trim, it still provides impressive towing capacity, reaching up to 7,700 lbs. The F-150’s robust build and manual gearbox make it a reliable workhorse.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500, a direct competitor to the F-150, also offers a manual transmission option. The 4.3L V6 engine, paired with a six-speed manual, delivers respectable towing capacity, reaching up to 7,000 lbs. The Silverado’s comfortable cabin and impressive towing capabilities make it a compelling choice.
4. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500, known for its luxurious interior and smooth ride, offers a manual transmission option with its 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. The manual gearbox is available on the Tradesman and Big Horn trims, providing a maximum towing capacity of 7,730 lbs. The Ram 1500’s blend of comfort and towing capability makes it a standout choice.
5. Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma, a popular mid-size pickup truck, offers a manual transmission option with its 2.7L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engines. The manual gearbox is available on the SR and TRD Sport trims, providing towing capacities of 3,500 lbs and 6,800 lbs, respectively. The Tacoma’s off-road capabilities and manual gearbox make it a versatile choice for adventure enthusiasts.
6. Nissan Frontier
The Frontier, another strong contender in the mid-size pickup truck segment, offers a manual transmission option with its 4.0L V6 engine. The manual gearbox is available on the S and SV trims, providing a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 lbs. The Frontier’s rugged durability and manual gearbox make it a reliable workhorse.
7. Subaru WRX STI
The WRX STI, a performance-oriented sedan, is renowned for its rally-inspired handling and powerful engine. The 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, delivers thrilling performance and a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. The WRX STI’s exhilarating driving experience and manual gearbox make it a true enthusiast’s choice.
8. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The MX-5 Miata, a legendary roadster, offers a manual transmission option with its 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The manual gearbox is standard across all trim levels, providing a pure driving experience. While the Miata’s towing capacity is limited, its nimble handling and manual gearbox make it a joy to drive.
9. Honda Civic Si
The Civic Si, a performance-oriented compact car, offers a manual transmission option with its 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The manual gearbox is standard on the Si trim, providing a sporty driving experience and a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs. The Civic Si’s sharp handling and manual gearbox make it a fun and practical choice.
10. Hyundai Veloster N
The Veloster N, a hot hatch with aggressive styling, offers a manual transmission option with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The manual gearbox is standard on the N trim, providing a thrilling driving experience and a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs. The Veloster N’s sporty handling and manual gearbox make it a unique and engaging choice.
These are just a few of the many vehicles that offered manual transmissions and impressive towing capacity in 2019. Whether you’re looking for a rugged off-roader, a powerful pickup truck, or a sporty performance car, there’s a manual transmission option out there to suit your needs. The choice is yours, so get behind the wheel and experience the joy of driving with a manual gearbox while still having the capability to tow your gear or trailer.