AWD cars you drive are some of the easiest, fastest, and most fun. All-wheel drive makes controlling and gripping the road more accessible, making hands-on gears more fun. When driving an AWD manual car, you can feel safe on snowy, winding mountain roads or an exciting trip. Many in the car business still prefer manual transmissions. This is despite the rise of automatic gears and front-wheel drive. Our best AWD cars with manual transmissions are for drivers who like to be in charge and have fun.
Must Check: Top 10 Best Cars for Turning RWD or AWD
Note: We researched sources like KBB, Motor Trend, and Edmunds to find the best AWD cars with manual transmission. Our top 8 picks offer high performance, better ride height, and a comfortable drive. Discover the cars that will elevate your driving experience!
#1. 2024 Subaru WRX ($32,000)
The 2024 Subaru WRX has a turbocharged engine. It has a rally-inspired style and a top all-wheel-drive system. Fans of speed and control love how fierce it looks, how fast it is, and how high-performance it is.
Manual Transmission:
A 6-speed manual transmission in the 2024 Subaru WRX makes driving more fun. Better driving comes from precise, quick gear changes. They show that Subaru cares about speed and fun.
Why the Subaru WRX stands out
In contrast to many new cars, the 2024 Subaru WRX stays true to its roots in speed. Those who enjoy being scared will find this small race car great. It’s all-wheel-drive tech makes it easy to drive in many situations. The WRX might be a good choice for drivers who want speed and utility.
#2. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla ($37,000)
How fast is the Toyota GR Corolla? It features all-wheel drive, distributing power between the front and back wheels. This enhances steering in wet conditions and stability during quick turns. Its sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel drive make it easy to drive on any surface—the GR Corolla rockets forward with an incredible pace. Modern engine technology boosts drivers’ confidence. So, it’s great for city streets and winding mountain roads.
Manual Transmission:
The 6-speed manual transmission in the Toyota GR Corolla makes driving more fun. Each gear change is exciting because of how the driver and car work together. The short-throw switch makes quick, accurate changes. It makes the most of the turbocharged engine’s power. The well-balanced clutch has the proper pressure to make driving easy and fun. Fans of manual transmissions will love this setup. It gives them more control and faster response times.
Why the Toyota GR Corolla stands out
AWD and a manual gearbox make the Toyota GR Corolla stand out. Toyota is targeting drivers who want control and connection. Automatic gears now dominate the market. Fans of fast, all-wheel-drive cars will love the GR Corolla. It focuses on speed and handling.
Also Check: Best Underrated Street Racing Cars | Best Reliable Sports Cars Over 400 HP | Sedans with High Ground Clearance
#3. 2024 Volkswagen Golf R ($45,000)
The VW Golf R is a small but strong car with all-wheel drive. This provides a secure grip in wet conditions and steadies the turn. Driving on city streets and twisty roads is fun. The new engine and tuned chassis make it so. The Golf R is one of its group’s fastest and strongest cars. That’s possible because its engine uses cutting-edge technology.
Manual Transmission:
Driving the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R with its 6-speed manual transmission is more fun. A short-throw shifter and quick gear shifts make every move precise and satisfying. The clutch is well-balanced. It has the correct pressure. It makes driving smooth and exciting. This setup gives fans more control and faster response. It improves the driver-machine connection.
Why the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R stands out
The Volkswagen Golf R stands out in the racing car market. It has an all-wheel drive and a manual transmission. In a world of automatic cars, Volkswagen is famous. Fans want to be more involved in driving. The Golf R is perfect for those who want a fast, fun car for daily driving and weekend trips. It focuses on speed, handling, and driver engagement.
#4. 2025 Audi S4 ($52,000)
The small Audi S4 with Quattro all-wheel drive stays stable on sharp turns. It grips the road well. It’s exciting to drive on city streets or winding roads. The car handles well and has an advanced engine. The S4 is fast and robust because it has a high-tech engine.
Manual Transmission:
The 2025 Audi S4 is thrilling to drive thanks to its 6-speed manual transmission. The gearbox’s quick, smooth shifts make each change feel sharp and snappy. The clutch is well-balanced, giving you the right amount of pressure to make driving fun and easy. This setup gives the driver more power and engagement, making every trip more fun.
Why the 2025 Audi S4 stands out
The Audi S4 sports car has a manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi gets car fans who want to run the vehicle by hand in a market ruled by automatics. Because it is fast, agile, and involves the driver, the S4 is excellent for both daily trips and fun on the weekends.
#5. 2024 BMW M3 ($75,000)
The tiny BMW M3 with rear-wheel drive does an excellent job of going around tight turns. It’s precise handling and top-notch engineering make driving on city streets and winding roads fun. Because it has powerful engines, the M3 is fast and fun to drive.
Manual Transmission:
There are six speeds on the 2024 BMW M3, which makes it fun to drive. This tool provides easy operation, and the engine makes seamless transitions. It’s fun to drive because the clutch has the proper grip and weight. With this setup, the driver has more power and control, making driving better.
Why the 2024 BMW M3 stands out
The BMW M3 is perfect for people who like manual transmissions in a market where automatics are the norm. It has a rear-wheel drive and a manual clutch. The M3 is great for weekend fun and daily drives. It’s fast, agile, and designed for the driver.
#6. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek ($24,000)
The small, all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek is great for outdoor trips. It can handle various terrains well. Its precise handling and good suspension let it handle city streets and rough roads. The Crosstrek’s strong engine gets good gas mileage.
Manual Transmission:
Driving the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is more fun with its 6-speed manual transmission. Every change in the manual gearbox makes sense and ties the driver to the car. The engine and Subaru’s AWD work well in various driving conditions.
Why the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek stands out
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek stands out. This SUV boasts a manual transmission in a sea of automatics. Adventurers will like this. They will also like the Crosstrek’s off-road and all-wheel-drive abilities. The Crosstrek is reliable and fun to drive in snow, mud, or steep roads for people who want to take risks and be in charge.
#7. 2025 Porsche 911 ($115,000)
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is fast and stylish. It’s a classic choice for engineers who need to be exact. The Carrera 4’s all-wheel drive gives it speed and control on city streets and mountain roads. Its powerful engines give it great speed and fuel economy.
Manual Transmission:
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 has a 7-speed manual gearbox. It improves the driver-car connection. The smooth, precise gear shifts make driving more fun. They also showcase Porsche’s racing past.
Why the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 stands out
Almost all cars are automatics. But the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 has a manual for proper drivers. This sports car is an excellent choice for luxury and performance fans. Its all-wheel drive makes it easy and safe to control in all conditions.
#8. 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch ($42,000)
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch Package is cool to look at. The axles lock, the tires are 35 inches, and the frame has a high clearance. With this setup, it works great on bumpy roads. It’s also strong, light, and good on gas, so it’s great for the road.
Manual Transmission:
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 has a 7-speed manual gearbox. It improves the connection between the driver and the car. The smooth, precise gear shifts make driving more fun. They also showcase Porsche’s racing past.
Why the 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch stands out
Almost all cars are automatics. But the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 has a manual for proper drivers. This sports car is an excellent choice for luxury and performance fans. Its all-wheel drive makes it easy to control and safe in various conditions.
Conclusion
All-wheel drive and manual engine cars offer a unique mix of control, speed, and excitement for people who love driving. These cars are the best to drive, whether on rough roads or just like the feel of a manual gearbox. Thanks to all-wheel drive’s better grip and a manual transmission’s satisfying feel, you are in charge on any road. For fans of both accuracy and power, this setup is the best way to drive.
