Which Jeeps Have a Manual Transmission?
Most car manufacturers no long make manual transmissions—but if you’re looking for a Jeep, you can choose from the Wrangler and the Gladiator.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Does Jeep still make a manual?
- Wrangler
- Gladiator
- Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
- How to find affordable Jeep insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
You don’t often see SUVs with a manual transmission, but if you’re in the market for the exhilaration of driving a stick-shift Jeep, you’re in luck! Two Jeep models come with a manual transmission option—the Jeep Wrangler and the Gladiator.
Anyone who’s ever driven a manual can attest to the fun. And while manual transmissions seem to be disappearing, many car purists still prefer the good ol’ gearbox. According to
CNBC
, in 2011, 37% of cars had a manual transmission option, while in 2020 that number dropped to just 13%.If you’re a car enthusiast looking to add a Jeep manual transmission to your collection,
car insurance
comparison app and licensed broker Jerry
can help you! We’re breaking down everything you need to know about owning a manual Jeep from the classic Wrangler to the newest Jeep open-air pickup. We've even included information about how you could reduce your Jeep car insurance costs
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Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
Does Jeep still make a manual?
Yes—Jeep currently makes two models that come with the option of a manual transmission.
SUVs with a manual transmission are virtually gone with the wind, but Jeep is one of the few manufacturers that continues to produce them. While Jeep dropped its manual transmission for the 2021
Jeep Compass
, the 2022 Wrangler and Gladiator remain part of the manual pack. Both vehicles come standard with a manual transmission but have the option to add an 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission for a modest $2,000 to $2,500.
MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars
Wrangler
Starting price: $29,725
Whether you opt for the base model two-door or the souped-up four-door, the
Jeep Wrangler
is for the off-road expedition lover. The 2022 Wrangler Sport four-door base model comes standard with a 285hp 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine with start/stop technology and a 6-speed manual transmission. With most upgraded trims, you also have the option to upgrade to a more powerful engine or even diesel. Or if you want easy cruising, opt for the 8-speed automatic transmission for an additional cost.
And if you want to tow, the Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacity is 4,000-5,000 lbs. So, that boat you bought last summer? No problem.
If you want manual (and optional automatic), here are the trims you can choose from:
If you’re really craving the ultimate off-road experience with the top-of-the-line 2022 4-door
Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
392 or 4-door High Altitude, you’re out of luck for a manual transmission. They both come standard with a high-powered 8-speed 850RE or 8HP75 automatic transmission. Gladiator
Starting price: $35,610
If you’ve always wanted a Jeep but opted for the ultra-convenient pickup truck, now is your chance to cash in on the opportunity to own both. Although relatively new, the Gladiator is ready to take on anything. You can experience all the adventure you’ve dreamed of with the only open-air pickup truck in the industry.
The
Jeep Gladiator
comes standard with a 3.6L V6 24V VVT engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Its rugged and premium design allows you to upgrade to all the bells and whistles, including an 8-speed automatic transmission. The trims that come standard with a manual transmission (and optional automatic) are:
If you’re looking to ride in style no matter the occasion, this beast is ready to rumble. It's supreme power and capability combined with the utility and fun that comes along with owning a truck.
Like the Wrangler, not all models of the Gladiator come with the option of manual—so pick your battles with this one.
Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
For most car enthusiasts, going manual is a no-brainer. While some people stand defined on the manual side, others sway between automatic and manual.
If you’re undecided about which to buy, here are some points to consider before buying a Jeep manual transmission:
- Pro: Manual transmissions are generally cheaper than automatic
- Con: Expect to add $2,000-$3,000 to your bill if you want an automatic transmission
- Con: Learning how to drive manual (and being confident doing so) can come with a steep learning curve (and maybe a few tears)
- Pro: Repair costs are lower on a manual transmission
- Con: You may save money at the mechanic, but you won’t be saving money at the gas pump anymore (manual transmissions used to have better fuel economy)
- Pro: They’re way more fun to drive
- Con: Three-pedal driving can be a nightmare in traffic
But with the disappearance of manual transmissions due to lack of consumer interest, finding a manual transmission in the car you want can be challenging. As we said before, the number of cars produced with a manual option has dropped 24% in less than 10 years.
Key Takeaway Manual transmissions may save you money on the purchase price and repairs and reduce the possibility of theft, but finding a manual car and learning how to drive it can be difficult.
How to find affordable Jeep insurance
You can save yourself a couple of thousand dollars by opting for a manual transmission over an automatic. You can also save yourself hundreds each year on car insurance using the
trustworthy comparison shopping super app
and licensed broker Jerry
. Rather than spending time and money searching for car insurance, in less than two minutes Jerry scours rates from more than 55 insurance companies and sends you the best deals.
Getting started is simple: download the app, enter your information, and pick the policy (and price!) that works for you. Jerry will finalize your top pick and can even help cancel your old policy.
The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance!
“Jerrywas easy to use, and they saved me a lot of money on my truck. I would definitely recommend them.” —Johannes T.
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FAQs
Is a manual or an automatic better?
There is no right or wrong answer to this. It all boils down to personal preference and ease of driving. Many car enthusiasts find driving manual more enjoyable, whereas others aren’t interested in working the clutch.
If you want to have more fun driving and save money on your purchase and maintenance, opting for a manual may be the best option.
Is a manual transmission Jeep more reliable?
Yes—manual transmissions are generally more reliable than automatics. They have a lower chance of failure and if something does go wrong, they are usually cheaper to repair. In the long run, manual transmissions tend to require less maintenance than automatic transmissions.
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