I'm looking for a car/SUV with AWD or full-time 4x4, but I really only want a manual transmission. I drive in a lot of deep snow, so ground clearance can also be a problem. What are my options?
SUVs that pair a manual transmission with AWD or full-time four-wheel drive include the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback and Jeep Patriot. The FJ is the most beastly and truck-like out of the bunch, with 9.6-inches of ground clearance — it will laugh in the face of deep snow; c’mon, just look at it.
The Forester, Patriot and Outback are all car-based models and have less ground clearance than the FJ, but will offer more a more civilized ride when you’re not plowing through snow banks. If you’re considering a car also, as you mention, the snow you need to get through can’t be super deep; if that’s the case, the car-based models will do fine. Subaru models with the most ground clearance include the Outback 2.5 XT Limited trim, with 8.7 inches, and the Forester 2.5 X, with 8.1 inches of clearance.
The Patriot has a multitude of “Freedom-Drive” packages with levels of offroad worthiness. We explain the Freedom Drive packages here. Only the Freedom Drive I package is available with the manual transmission, though. There’s a feature that locks all four wheels into motion for the heavy stuff, but the Freedom Drive I package is not one of Jeep’s Trail Rated packages — it sits an inch lower than Trail Rated versions. The available Freedom Drive II with a continuously variable automatic transmission is Trail Rated, however, with 9 inches of ground clearance and a two-speed transfer case.
what about suzuki grand vitara
You forgot a few:
BMW X5
BMW X3
Nissan Xterra
Some were hoping that the VW Tiguan coming to NA this year would have a 6MT version with AWD... it will in Europe. It now seems that the 6MT imported here in the US will only be the FWD model. But some are STILL hoping and pleading for an AWD 6MT Tiguan for NA. It's the sporting thing to do.
You also forgot the Hummer H3 also available in a stick, which won the Baja 1000.
How can you mention the Jeep Patriot in this list but not the Wrangler?
There is also the Dodge Nitro, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Tuscon.
Not to mention the Jeep Liberty.
Also I think all small pickups come in 4x4 with a manual. And most can have 4 doors.
How do they cost for SUV
Also 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7 was available with manual transmission, part-time true 4x4 with low range and even with 7-passenger capacity!
this is my dilema....i need an SUV, and will not drive automatic. My lease on H3 ends soon. I was relying on the tiguan, but now only manual in FWD???? X3 is an option, but i feel too expensive and efeminate
It is absolutely depressing that there are so few options for SUVs that have manual transmissions. What is the deal with America, are we that lazy?? Someone needs to make stick shifts more relevant in this country. My first vehicle was a '95 Toyota 4-Runner, and it was a standard. Now they don't even make one in a stick??
1st Generation BMW X5 3.0 can be had in a stick. great car.
I too am on the hunt for a car/SUV with AWD or 4X4 drive and am very disapointed with available vehicle selection. Some base models may be had with a manual transmission, but if you want higher output engine or other options you are forced into an automatic transmission. All of the cross-overs which are sold as 4 wheel drive sports cars, are available only with automatic transmissions (at one time sports cars and automatic transmissions were mutually exclusive entities). Also, have you tried to find a full sized pickup truck with a manual transmission? It appears that all car manuafactuers are targeting little girls and old ladies (and suburbanite wanna-bees) as their primary customers, and have totally forgotten about those of us that want a real SUV type vehicle with a manual transmission.
Yeah, there is now a manual offered in the Holden Captiva... but diesal.....
and in the Honda - crv, but the stick is in such an awkward position and with a deep blind spot... I don't recommend...
Yeah, i am currently expereincing difficulty, I want a manual transmission SVU with style still.... come on.... where is the stick love!!!!!
Wife got an 2002 Xterra 2WD cause it was new and under 20K back then. She wanted a mt but had to go auto. Now after getting no traction on snow she wants AWD this time preferring mt still. Found an outback sport with
manual but too small and low profile tires, geesh!
Ever hit a bump with those things?
sak
Thanks. All these make me feel better. I'm now on my third model car that had a stick when I purchased, but the manufacturers just had to tinker and none of these models have them anymore. I guess they will have to bankrupt before they figure out that bigger and more bells isn't always better.
Thanks. All these make me feel better. I'm now on my third model car that had a stick when I purchased, but the manufacturers just had to tinker and none of these models have them anymore. I guess they will have to bankrupt before they figure out that bigger and more bells isn't always better.
How about vans? I am in the market for a van for my company and want to get a manual. With awd if possible, do i have any options at all? I can't find one.
Unfortunately, BMW canceled manual on all X5 model trims starting with the 2007 (or 2008?) refreshed version. A very poor decision by BMW, and alienated a small but passionate segment of the market.
Now the AWD xDrive 5-series wagon has been canceled starting with the new 2011 refresh.
See if your question has already been asked and answered
Your question has been successfully submitted to Ask.cars.com. It will now be reviewed by our editors and we'll answer it soon if we think it's a useful question. You will be notified via e-mail when the answer is posted. Ask.cars.com tackles your questions about new cars and the car-buying process. Unfortunately we can't answer questions regarding:
Have our experts answer any of your questions about new cars.
Don't worry — we won't publish your last name or email.
New Forester coming in March. It has good AWD, Manual tranny, 8+in ground clearence, and gas mileage FJ Cruiser can dream of.