07:02 16-02-2026

Subaru considers manual transmission return in SUV lineup

Subaru is once again tugging at enthusiasts' heartstrings. In the US, owners of the brand received a survey with a direct question: would they be willing to buy an SUV with a manual transmission? A snippet of the questionnaire quickly surfaced on Reddit, sparking an immediate reaction. The community interpreted it as a possible signal that manuals might return to the lineup.

While Subaru doesn't specify a model, the most logical candidates are the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, particularly their Wilderness variants. These versions target fans of authentic driving, so a manual gearbox fits their concept better than it would in the family-oriented Ascent or the electric Solterra.

Historically, Subaru has gradually phased out the "third pedal": the Crosstrek lost it after 2023, the Forester after 2018, and the Outback as far back as 2015. The trend in recent years seemed irreversible, driven by automation, hybrids, and emissions regulations. But the enthusiast market has shown signs of life. By 2025, only about 32 manual models remained in the US, with demand holding steady at a modest 1–2%.

For Subaru, bringing back a manual isn't about mass sales—it's about image. The brand has spent decades building a reputation as a maker of cars for those who love to drive, not just ride. Even if sales volumes are minimal, the mere option would serve as a powerful marketing move and a reminder of the brand's sporting heritage.

For now, this is just a survey. But the fact that Subaru is even asking the question shows that the manual transmission isn't down for the count just yet.