With only one model available in 2021 with a manual transmission, GMC makes shopping easy for stick-shift fanatics. The Canyon is priced at just under $27,000, which means it’s time to hit the road without lugging around buyer’s remorse.

It’s no surprise that most car enthusiasts prefer a manual gearbox over an automatic. But the joy of shifting gears with a clutch is not celebrated by all—in 2019, close to 99% of all new cars sold in the United States were automatics.

If you’re part of the crew that loves the thrill of manual handling,

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comparison and broker app

Jerry

can help you save money on your

GMC insurance costs

for your dream stick-shift! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Canyon and all the perks it has to offer.

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Does GMC still make a manual?

You bet it does. The Canyon is the only model available with a manual transmission from GMC. Though the manufacturer was one of the first truck producers to stop making manual transmissions on its vehicles, the company couldn’t resist keeping one model around. Gearheads rejoice!

MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars

Canyon

Starting price: $26,800

The classic Canyon is a pickup truck for drivers who desire heavy towing from a mid-size vehicle. With the base four-cylinder engine, it can tow up to 3500 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1599 pounds. If you’re looking for a little more towing power, the V6 engine can tow up to 7700 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1605 pounds.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) models with diesel earned 28 miles to the gallon, while the V6 earned 22 miles to the gallon. That means taking the trip off-road to catch some much-needed views will be worth every penny.

If you’re a stick-shifter who wants to mix the old with the new, the

GMC Canyon

is for you. The truck features an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. With other luxury details like automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a dampened tailgate, and remote start, you won’t regret feeding your manual transmission hunger.

Higher models of the Canyon feature a standard 308 HP 3.6-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you’re looking for a good used car, check out the 2018 GMC Canyon. It packs all the punch while remaining loyal to clutch consumers.

MORE:

The top cheapest trucks to insure

Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

The debate between manual and automatic transmissions could go on forever. Some drivers may know which side they’re on, but if you don’t, not to worry. Below are a few advantages and disadvantages of a manual transmission:

Pro: Manual transmissions tend to be cheaper than automatic transmissions.

Pro: Between

44%

and

84%

of US drivers don’t know how to drive stick, which could mean your manual transmission is less likely to get stolen.

Pro: Transmission issues busting the bank? Not so much. With manuals, you’ll have lower repair costs than you would for automatics.

Pro: Stick-shift driving is joyous!

There are a few drawbacks, of course. Here are few disadvantages to take into consideration:

Con: Changing gears can get tiring quickly, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Con: Learning to drive manual is not easy, and with fewer on the market, you might have a hard time finding a driver who can teach you.

Con: In the past, manual transmissions got better fuel economy, but

the opposite is true

these days.

Finding a new car with a manual transmission is hard to do. As of 2021, just

27 new cars with a manual transmission

were available in the US.

Key Takeaway Manual transmissions are fun to drive and have the potential to save you more on repair costs, but they’re harder to drive and much harder to come by.

MORE: How to get cheap truck insurance

How to find affordable GMC insurance

Whether you’re a manual fanatic or you prefer to stick to your automatic,

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Using Jerry couldn’t be easier: download the app and fill out a short form, and Jerry will get to work searching for rates from 50+ top insurance providers. Once you choose a policy, Jerry will even help you switch from your old one.

If the convenience isn’t enough, you’ll love this: Jerry users save an average of over $800 a year on car insurance.

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FAQs

Is a manual or an automatic better?

There’s no real answer to this question, and that’s because it all comes down to the driver’s preference. If you love shifting gears with a clutch and want to lower upfront and repair costs, a manual might be the better option.

Is a manual transmission GMC more reliable?

It is not out of the ordinary to see lower repair costs with a manual GMC, and you might find that your ride is more reliable. After all, the simpler mechanics of the manual gearbox mean one less thing to break!

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