New Data Shows 83% Subaru Buyers Choose Manual Transmission
Photo Credit – Subaru
Subaru WRX Drivers Embrace Manual Transmissions: A Stick Shift Comeback
The love for the stick shift is alive and well, especially in the Subaru WRX community. In an automotive world that’s rapidly shifting towards automatics and paddle shifters, the WRX stands tall as one of the last bastions for those who crave the connection of a manual transmission. According to Subaru, a staggering 83% of WRX buyers in 2024 chose the six-speed manual, a number that dwarfs the take rates of other performance cars. In comparison, Porsche’s prestigious 911 GT3, known for its exhilarating driving experience, saw only 46% of non-Touring customers opt for the manual.
But why does the WRX, a rally-bred performance machine, attract so many manual transmission enthusiasts? Is it the driving dynamics, the enthusiast culture surrounding the car, or the fact that the other option—a continuously variable transmission (CVT)—just doesn’t cut it for purists? Let’s dive into why the Subaru WRX remains a manual transmission stronghold, how it compares to other performance vehicles, and what this means for the future of enthusiast-driven cars.
The WRX: A Car Built for Enthusiasts
The Subaru WRX has long been a favorite among performance enthusiasts, thanks to its all-wheel-drive capabilities, turbocharged power, and rally-inspired handling. It’s the kind of car that begs to be driven hard, through twisty backroads or snow-covered tracks. And for those who truly want to extract the most from their WRX, the six-speed manual transmission offers a level of driver engagement that an automatic or CVT just can’t replicate.
Subaru knows its customer base well. In an era where automatics dominate new car sales, the WRX stands as a beacon for drivers who still love to row their own gears. The 83% take rate for the manual transmission is a testament to this. For comparison, the BRZ—Subaru’s rear-wheel-drive sports car—also boasts an impressive manual take rate of 79%, underscoring the brand’s connection to driving purists.
Subaru’s Decision: No New WRX STI, Yet Manual Demand Surges
Despite the high demand for manual WRXs, Subaru has yet to release a new WRX STI, the even more performance-focused variant that enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting. Many thought the STI’s return was a sure thing, given how much love the WRX gets from the driving community. But for now, Subaru has been content with the WRX in its current form, and the manual transmission take rate proves that buyers are still satisfied with the car’s offerings.
Subaru has always had its finger on the pulse of the enthusiast community, and if the strong manual sales aren’t enough to convince them to bring back the STI, it’s hard to say what will. Enthusiasts continue to clamor for a new WRX STI, hoping it will come equipped with the same manual gearbox that has made the WRX so beloved.
Why the WRX Manual Stands Out
For many WRX buyers, the manual transmission is more than just a preference—it’s essential. The WRX’s six-speed manual transmission offers a direct connection between the driver and the car, providing the tactile feedback and control that a CVT simply cannot deliver. Whether launching the car off the line or navigating tight corners, the manual transmission amplifies the driving experience, allowing the driver to truly feel the car’s power and agility.
Subaru’s CVT, on the other hand, doesn’t inspire the same confidence. While it’s functional and serves its purpose, it doesn’t offer the same performance-oriented experience that WRX buyers expect. Add in the fact that the CVT requires an additional $1,350 upcharge, and it’s easy to see why only 17% of WRX buyers chose this option. For a car like the WRX, where performance is paramount, the manual transmission is the clear choice for most enthusiasts.
A Look at the Competition: Porsche, Toyota, and Mazda
The WRX’s dominance in manual take rates becomes even more impressive when compared to other performance vehicles. The Porsche 911 GT3, a car that’s almost synonymous with driving pleasure, saw only 46% of its buyers choose the manual in the non-Touring version. Even the GT3 Touring, a more enthusiast-focused variant, saw a take rate of 75%, still falling short of the WRX’s 83%.
Other sports cars with strong manual take rates include the Mazda Miata, which continues to embrace its reputation as a driver’s car. The Miata saw a 60% manual take rate for its latest ND generation, placing it among the top stick shift options on the market. Toyota’s GR86 and GR Corolla also hold their own, with the GR86 boasting a 40% take rate and the GR Corolla projected to hit 80%.
BMW’s M2 saw a 50% manual take rate in 2023, while the Toyota Supra, which finally brought back a manual option, attracted 43% of buyers who wanted to shift their own gears. Even Mini, with its more refined approach to performance, saw a 51% take rate for its JCW models and a 22% rate for the Cooper S.
Why Do WRX Buyers Prefer the Stick Shift?
So why does the WRX outperform even luxury sports cars in manual transmission adoption? The answer likely lies in the WRX’s heritage and the unique community that surrounds the car. The WRX has always been a car for drivers who want to feel connected to their vehicle and the road. Its roots in rally racing, where precise control and driver skill are paramount, have made it a natural fit for those who appreciate the nuances of a manual gearbox.
Additionally, the WRX offers a quality manual transmission in a time when many other manufacturers are phasing out the third pedal altogether. For instance, the Volkswagen GTI, once a standard-bearer for affordable performance, is gradually moving away from the manual transmission in favor of automatics. In this context, the WRX stands as a refreshing option for those who still value the art of shifting gears.
The Decline of the Manual Transmission: A Global Trend
The rise of automatic and dual-clutch transmissions has been one of the most significant trends in the automotive industry over the past decade. These systems offer faster shift times, improved fuel efficiency, and greater convenience for drivers, making them appealing to a broad range of consumers. As a result, manual transmission adoption has steadily declined across most car segments.
In Europe, where manuals have historically been more common, automakers are moving toward automatics at an even faster pace. Emissions regulations and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) are driving this shift, as automatics and EVs tend to be more efficient and easier to manage from an emissions perspective.
However, for a niche group of performance enthusiasts, the manual transmission is more than just a method of shifting gears—it’s an integral part of the driving experience. Brands like Subaru, Porsche, and Mazda continue to offer manual transmissions in their performance models, catering to this passionate group of drivers.
The Future of the Manual WRX
With the overwhelming preference for the manual transmission in the WRX, Subaru faces an interesting challenge as it looks to the future. On the one hand, the world is moving towards electrification and automation, and Subaru will need to keep up with these trends. On the other hand, their core customer base clearly values the manual transmission experience, and any move away from this could alienate loyal buyers.
Subaru has shown a commitment to offering engaging, driver-focused vehicles, and the WRX is proof of that. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Subaru balances the demands of the future with the desires of its enthusiast-driven audience.
Conclusion: The WRX Manual Legacy Lives On
In an era where automatic transmissions dominate the market, the Subaru WRX stands as a symbol of driving purity. With 83% of WRX buyers choosing the six-speed manual, it’s clear that the connection between driver and machine still matters to many. Subaru’s commitment to offering a manual transmission in the WRX has paid off, keeping the car relevant to its enthusiast base while reinforcing its status as one of the last true driver’s cars.
For the WRX community, the stick shift isn’t just a transmission choice—it’s a way of life.
