Which Acuras Have a Manual Transmission?
Older RSX, TL, and ILX have manual options—and the upcoming Integra will come with a six-speed manual, too.
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Does Acura still make a manual?
- Acura TL Type S (2020) with optional six-speed manual
- Acura Integra (2023) with optional six-speed manual
- Acura RSX/Type-S (2006) with five or six-speed manual
- Acura TL (2009) with five or six-speed manual
- Acura ILX (2016) with optional six-speed manual
- Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
The upcoming 2023 Integra is set to release with a six-speed option and other manual Acuras include the 2020 TL Type S, 2006 RSX, 2009 TL, and 2016 ILX.
- In 2019, Acura phased out manual transmissions—but that will change in 2023.
- Some Acuras come with an optional six (or 10) speed manual.
- Manuals can be more affordable and provide more control over the vehicle.
- Manual transmissions are far less common today than automatic transmissions.
- In 2019, Acura phased out manual transmissions—but that will change in 2023.
- Some Acuras come with an optional six (or 10) speed manual.
- Manuals can be more affordable and provide more control over the vehicle.
- Manual transmissions are far less common today than automatic transmissions.
Does Acura still make a manual?
Not yet, but the upcoming 2023 Integra will come with a 6-speed manual gearbox option. This is a bold move for the luxury automotive brand—however, it makes sense given the automaker’s history.
Acura discontinued their manual models in 2019, but the first Acura to feature a manual transmission was actually the 1990 Legend. This Japanese-designed coupe came in various trims based on the Honda Civic Type R, hoping to inspire stylish daily drivers and custom-part obsessed gearheads alike.
Can’t wait for the 2023 Integra? For a similarly sporty ride, get an Acura with the A-Spec package and enjoy a gloss black decklid spoiler, alloy wheels, and gorgeous interior features.
MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars
Acura TL Type S (2020) with optional six-speed manual
Starting price: $53,325
The Type S features a 3.5-liter V6 engine tuned to 286 horsepower, with either a five-speed automatic (with F1 style paddle shifters) or six-speed manual transmission. It may have SH-AWD, Acura’s Super Handling all-wheel drive system.
Combining speed with luxury, the type S manual transmission includes a limited-slip differential—designed to put down loads of power without affecting traction. You’ll also enjoy 21 combined mpg.
Sadly, 2020 was the last Type S to offer manual transmission—so act fast to get your hands on one with low mileage. The 2022 TLX Type S will ship with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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Acura Integra (2023) with optional six-speed manual
Starting price: $30,000
Not much is known about the new
Integra
. Amongst the tidbits of information Acura has dropped, the 2023 model will ship with a four-door design, hatchback style, and an (optional) six-speed manual transmission. This vehicle is truly a love letter to stick-shift enthusiasts who support the Acura brand.
Acura RSX/Type-S (2006) with five or six-speed manual
Starting price: $18,548-$23,845
Discontinued in 2006, the Acura RSX and
RSX Type-S
are classic mid-2000s sports sedans. Even better, you can still find plenty of low-mileage versions for cheap (typically between $2,000 to $6,000 for a used manual RSX).Both the RSX and Type-S offer drivers a sporty, performance-oriented 200 horsepower. The RSX came with a five-speed manual transmission—the Type-S, a six-speed.
Note that most Acuras from 2018 and later should have Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard features, but double-check before you buy if these features are important to you.
Acura TL (2009) with five or six-speed manual
Starting price: $37,700
The Acura TL was an Acura sedan in production for almost two decades—from 1996 to 2014. Throughout its lifecycle, the TL manual transmission went through several iterations.
- 2004 TL: Five-speed “shift-it-yourself” option
- 2007 TL: Restricted manual shifting to its Type-S model, with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
- 2009 TL: The last model to feature manual transmissions came with a six-speed, 3.7 liter V-6, AWD option—and, for all intents and purposes, was a beast.
Acura ILX (2016) with optional six-speed manual
Starting price: $27,300
This entry-level Acura sedan dropped in 2013. The original
ILX
came with a 2.4L engine and (optional) six-speed manual transmission—borrowed from the Honda Civic Si. Acura continued to produce a stick speed option up until the 2016 ILX.Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
Nothing is perhaps more ubiquitous in the world of car lovers than the debate over manual versus automatic transmission. But before you pick a side, let's go over both—beginning with the benefits of an Acura manual transmission:
- Pro: Manual transmissions are more affordable.
- Pro: Manual transmissions are more enjoyable to drive!
- Pro: Manual transmissions give you more control over your speed.
- Pro: Repairs are cheaper for transmission issues
- Pro: Not all car thieves can drive a manual
Like all things, manual transmissions come with their disadvantages too:
- Con: It’s harder to learn how to drive a manual—or find someone who knows how.
- Con: Stop-and-go traffic involves lots of pedal work in a manual.
- Con: Depending on how you drive, a manual could burn fuel more quickly.
Despite being preferred by many car enthusiasts, the fate of the manual transmission is similar to that of the American cowboy—slowly extinguished by the easier way of doing things.
Honestly, the biggest hurdle for manual drivers is finding one. As of 2019, almost 99% of new car sales in the United States were automatics—and just
27 new cars with a manual transmission
were available in the US during 2021. For example, the MDX was never made with a manual transmission—which is a shame, since the MDX and RDX are the only Acuras to offer a head-up display.
Key Takeaway Manual transmissions lend you more control and can be lots of fun, but they’re difficult to find in the United States.
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FAQs
Is a manual or an automatic better?
That’s up to you—a manual transmission comes with plenty of advantages and disadvantages. Those who can drive a stick shift love them for their added control, affordability, and enjoyment. But, manuals can also be hard to find and have a steep learning curve.
Is a manual transmission Acura more reliable?
A manual transmission is more mechanical than an automatic—this simplicity makes them more reliable! Manuals are also cheaper to repair if you experience damage to your vehicle's transmission. You can get the technology package with blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control for extra safety, but AcuraWatch’s baseline suite of safety features is very strong.
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