The Manual Volkswagen Is Dead

Volkswagen confirmed to TFLCar that it will no longer sell any car in the United States with a manual transmission after the 2026 model year. The automaker's last manual-equipped car, the Jetta GLI, will not be sold with its six-speed manual transmission past the 2026 model year. In a statement to the outlet, VW cited nonexistent demand as the reason for culling the car's six-speed manual transmission.

Volkswagen's statement cited demand as the brand's reason for cancellation: "As drivers and car enthusiasts, we appreciate manuals too! That's why our region worked very hard to keep them around-we know it matters to a small but passionate group of drivers who love being fully engaged and rowing their own gears. Even so, global demand continued to narrow to a point where the market can no longer sustain it. As much as it hurts, that reality meant making some tough choices."

The end of GLI manual production follows the end of the Golf GTI's manual transmission. Again, Volkswagen cited demand as the reason it would cull the hot hatchback's manual transmission, but the brand did so on a global scale. Tightening emissions regulations have made it difficult for any automaker to offer manual transmissions - automatics are simply more efficient in every measurable metric.

As for the GLI, it will be left with its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for the 2027 model year. It will likely be paired with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The end of manual GLI production is part of the slow death of the manual transmission. Fun though they may be, the transmission option is objectively archaic, both from a performance and an efficiency point of view. Without significant changes in market forces, most brands will continue to slowly cull manual transmissions from their lineups. In 2026, there are fewer than 30 cars on sale in the US that offer manual transmissions.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 10:14 AM.