Only Two Manual SUVs Are Left in 2026 and One Is Much Cheaper

While SUVs have become a staple of American roads over the past couple decades, very few new ones are still available with a manual gearbox. Truth is the manual isn't being sold as an option with many cars these days given the public's switch towards more relaxing smooth automatic transmissions which have gotten way better recently. Plus many modern autos have a manual shifting mode that still lets drivers have some control and ramp up the fun factor without working a clutch.

Still, if you're dead set on having an SUV with a manual it's still possible. Just barely. Only two new models are offered in 2026, both made by American manufacturers.

This looks at which is the cheapest new manual-equipped SUV you can buy in the U.S. in 2026. Every SUV sold in the U.S. with the option of a manual was considered with the vehicle with the lowest base MSRP crowned the winner.

Jeep Wrangler Is the Cheapest Manual-Equipped SUV Left

Only two SUVs still feature any sort of manual transmission these days: the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, both angled towards the off-road adventure sector. Of the two famous nameplates the Wrangler has enjoyed a much longer run. First introduced in 1986 as a replacement for Jeep's old CJ range, the Wrangler has been continuously developed over the last few decades to remain relevant.

Traditional in the adventure SUV class, the Wrangler has its recognizable retro styling which has thrilled off-road junkies in various forms since World War II. Enjoyed the sector pretty much all to itself for years following the discontinuation of the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. But the return of the Bronco in 2021 means it's had to deal with fresh competition.

Latest Wrangler Arrived in 2018

Current fourth-gen JL Wrangler was introduced back in 2018 and brought refinements like a more modern cabin, up-to-date tech, plus a range of new engines and an enhanced automatic transmission. These upgrades ensured the Wrangler remained current though the model was still focused more towards being an off-road beast than a comfortable on-road cruiser.

Manual Wrangler Way Cheaper Than Its Ford Rival

Wrangler is easily the cheapest way of picking up a new manual SUV in 2026 with the Jeep setting you back around $6,000 less than the cheapest Bronco. Six-speed manual gearbox is the standard transmission on the base Sport trim which can be had in two or four-door forms. Most affordable is the smaller two-door model starting at $35,790. At this price the gearbox comes mated to Jeep's venerable 3.6-liter naturally aspirated Pentastar V6.

Given its relatively low price and focus towards being an effective off-roader first, don't expect an endless list of toys as standard. Comes with adequately comfortable manually adjustable cloth bucket seats, 12.3-inch UConnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus basic air conditioning. Do at least get a decent suite of safety equipment like rearview camera, Electronic Roll Mitigation, front and side airbags.

Some Extra Cash Nets a Nice Range of Extras

If you fancy jazzing up your new Wrangler there are a fair number of options to spend cash on. Outside you can grab more upmarket-looking mods like a satin black grille, more dynamic colors, graphics, even stainless steel sidesteps, all under $1,000 each. Can also have a hardtop roof which remains detachable like the standard canvas. Inside the cloth seats can be upgraded to Nappa leather for just under $2,000 while stainless steel door sill guards help bring a bit more energy to the generally drab cockpit.

If the two-door Wrangler feels a little limited from a practicality standpoint the four-door variant starts at $37,290.

2026 Wrangler Is an Excellent Off-Roader But Still Decent On-Road

For 2024 Jeep made a bunch of changes to the Wrangler to improve not only its off-road ability but its on-road poise too. Aside from a refreshed face the model also got better sound deadening compared to the previous model reducing road noise by around 2.5 decibels. CarBuzz found that while the ride remained more on the firm side when we drove it in 2024, its considerable suspension travel and huge tires meant comfort wasn't too badly compromised.

Wrangler really shines off-road thanks to features like its part-time four-wheel-drive system, off-road-geared 3.45 gear ratio, plus a heavy-duty rear axle and differentials front and rear. Even comes with protective gear like a fuel tank shield to prevent damage when crawling over objects plus skid plates for the transmission and transfer case. Specially-developed suspension setup ensures even beginners can enjoy taming the wilderness. 285-horse V6 provides enough grunt to lift itself across a range of challenging terrain. For those who enjoy the challenge the Wrangler's standard manual puts more value on precision.

While there are better-suited SUVs for drivers who spend 99% of their lives on the road, those who enjoy exploring will love the mighty Wrangler.

Bronco Is the Better Daily Driver But Demands a Premium

If using your new manual SUV on the road is more important the Wrangler's Ford Bronco rival might suit you better. Its rack-and-pinion steering offers more precision and better driver confidence than the Wrangler's aging recirculating ball setup. Bronco's ride is also more supple. Cockpit is better put together than the Jeep's meaning the Ford comes out ahead in terms of being a refined daily cruiser. That said even the base two-door version costs $38,995, considerably more than the Wrangler.

For this the Bronco has a more powerful and efficient powertrain. Turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder kicks out 300 horses but can also achieve 21 MPG on average, two up on what the Wrangler manages. Bronco also gets a seven-speed manual with the extra gear being a crawler gear to help keep the vehicle's speed as low as possible when traversing tricky terrain. Ford is an excellent option off-road though it still sits in the shade of the trusty and more rugged Wrangler in this regard.

Choice is simple then. If off-road performance matters most the cheaper Wrangler is a no-brainer when buying an SUV with a manual. If daily driving is a bigger priority the more expensive Bronco bears considering.