Less than a quarter of new cars from the UK’s top vehicle manufacturers are available with a manual gearbox, down from 66% a decade ago.
According to the latest Manual Gearbox report from CarGurus, just 67 of the 292 new models currently offered by the UK’s top 30 manufacturers are available with a manual transmission. This is down sharply from 197 models in 2016, reflecting the rapid decline in options for drivers who prefer the control of a manual gearbox.
The manual gearbox has been in decline for some time. Automatic transmissions have become the norm amongst carmakers, while battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) do not require a normal transmission.
To highlight this decline, the total for 2026 is down by 18% year on year. This figure of 82 was a drop of 8% compared to 2024. This current rate of decline, combined with the upcoming 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel car sales, suggests the manual gearbox could well be nearing its end in mainstream cars.
Conversely, automatic-only models continue to rise. In 2026, 225 out of 292 models analysed are available exclusively with an automatic gearbox, up from 197 in 2025.
Trends phase out the manual gearbox
In total eight brands have completely phased out the manual gearbox, and now exclusively sell automatic vehicles. Fiat and Honda are the latest manufacturers to do this, joining Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Volvo, Tesla, MINI, and Lexus.
This is up from six brands in 2025 and five in 2024, representing a 60% increase in the number of automakers without manual options over just two years.
CarGurus experts suggest that several factors are contributing to the phasing out of manual options. Automatic transmissions are becoming the default as SUVs, premium vehicles, hybrids, and BEVs make up a larger share of new models.
The growing popularity of Chinese car brands in the UK is reinforcing the shift away from the manual gearbox. Among the fastest-growing brands, BYD, Jaecoo, and Omoda offer 15 new models, none of which are available with a manual transmission.
Keeping the old fleet moving
Despite the reduction in manual options for new cars, there remains a varied selection of manual cars on the used market. As with diesel vehicles, these models are likely to get older, as they remain in demand.
Drivers who do not want an automatic will look to older cars for a manual gearbox, and these models will likely be serviced by the independent sector.
“Manual gearboxes are becoming increasingly rare in the new car market, now making up just under a quarter of all models,” commented Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK Editorial Director.
“Over the past decade, the number of new manuals has more than halved, reflecting the wider shift towards automatic, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Yet for drivers who still value the engagement and control of a traditional gearbox, the used market still offers a wide variety of options.”
