If you’re looking to buy a manual transmission, it’s slim pickings all around—but Kia still offers two options in the 2022 lineup plus an older model. The 5-door Kia Rio and the Kia Forte both come available with a stick shift. If you’re looking for used, you can check out the Kia Soul.

Manual cars can be a lot of fun on the road and they’re great for putting some savings back into your pocket. But while some car fanatics are die-hard manual fans, the lack of consumer interest in manual transmissions means car manufacturers are phasing them out. A CNBC report showed that 37% of cars in 2011 had manual transmissions, but since then, that number has dropped to a mere 13% in 2022.

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Does Kia still make a manual?

Yes. The 2022 line-up of Kia cars currently offers two models with a manual transmission—the Kia Forte and the Kia Rio 5-door.

Cars with manual transmissions are few and far between, but Kia has maintained their commitment to the clutch through its signature Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) that can be bolted into a 6-speed automatic if chosen. Kia also offers the option of a classic 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

If you’re opting for a used car, 2021 and older models of the Kia Soul are also available with a manual transmission.

MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars

2022 Rio 5-door

Starting price: $17,190

If you’re looking for cheap, simple transportation at its finest, you’ve found it with the

Kia Rio

5-door. It’s fuel-efficient and inexpensive but still drives with a surprising amount of sophistication and a list of standard and optional features for a reasonable price. And bonus—it comes in manual!

It comes equipped with a 1.6L four-cylinder engine specifically designed for efficiency. Certain models are also paired with Kia’s own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) to help drivers achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

Here are your picks for manual options with the Kia Rio 5-door:

The

and MT come with a 6-speed manual

The LX+, LX Premium, and EX Premium come standard with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

If you’re in the mood to save money while riding in style, the Kia Rio is for you.

2022 Forte

Starting price: $19,090

The

Kia Forte

is a compact sedan that competes with some of the more popular cars like the

Mazda 3

and

Honda Civic

Bringing a sleek and stylish exterior, plenty of features, and admirable fuel efficiency to the table, the 2022 Kia Forte offers drivers some major brownie points. It comes standard with a 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine with 147hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, or an optional upgrade to a turbocharged 1.6L inline-four-cylinder engine with 201hp and 195 lb-ft.

That said, not all models of the Forte come with an option for manual. Here’s what you have to pick from:

The

, LXS, and

Line come standard with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine

If you’re a die-hard manual fan, you’ll have to upgrade to the Forte GT for the 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 gas and pick of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission

Compact or not, the 2022 Kia Forte brings major energy and fun for manual transmission lovers out there.

MORE:

Sedan vs coupe insurance: which is cheaper?

2021 and older Kia Soul

Starting price: $17,590

If you’re looking for a tried and true 6-speed manual in a reliable, quirky, and fun-to-drive crossover-esque vehicle, you’ve found it in the

Kia Soul

. Modest in disposition and rather petite, the 2021 Kia Soul turns heads with its contemporary and eccentric design.

The Soul is a compact 5-door car that has peppy drive dynamics and a surprisingly large cabin. Competing with the

Honda HR-V

and

Hyundai Kona

, the Soul is front-wheel drive with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine offering 147hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. If you want more, you can find the upgraded model with a 1.6L turbo-4 motor with 201hp and 195 lb-ft.

The Kia Soul base model

comes in either 6-speed automatic or IVT, while the S, X-Line,

GT-Line

, and

all come IVT only. The top-of-the-line Turbo—which you’d probably expect to be manual—comes standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Most models dating before 2021 offer a 6-speed manual in the base model only.

Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

When you’re a manual driver, stepping into an automatic car just doesn't quite do it. But for people that have never driven a manual, there’s a steep learning curve that can be a major deterrent.

Whether you buy a manual transmission car comes down to personal preference—but if you’re not sure which side to fall on, check out some of the perks and pitfalls of owning a manual vehicle:

Pro: Cars with a manual transmission typically cost less than those with an automatic transmission

Con: There are few manufacturers that still make cars with a manual transmission

Pro: Driving a manual is more engaging on the road

Con: The learning curve associated with a driving stick can be steep and challenging

Pro: Repair costs are lower on a manual transmission

Con: Mechanic costs may be cheaper but fuel efficiency is comparable to that of an automatic (you won’t be saving much on gas)

Pro: Has better control due to faster shift response

Con: Three-pedal driving can be a hassle in bumper-to-bumper traffic

There’s a small percentage of drivers who willingly choose to buy a manual car—but for those people, finding the right car in a manual will likely prove difficult. The steep drop in manual interest means that many car manufacturers are foregoing the manual in lieu of high-performance automatic transmissions.

Key Takeaway If you want to save money on the upfront cost and maintenance of a car, the manual is the way to go. But learning how to drive manual and managing traffic can steer drivers away from a manual transmission.

MORE:

Which car should you buy: automatic vs manual transmission?

How to find affordable Kia insurance

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FAQs

Is a manual or an automatic better?

There’s no definitive answer, as driving manual or automatic usually comes down to personal preference. Some people love the challenge and thrill of driving the clutch, while others would prefer an easy cruise.

If you want to keep costs low and have good reliability, a manual is probably your best option.

Is a manual transmission Kia more reliable?

Improvements in technology mean that automatic cars are pretty much on par with manual ones. However, you’ll generally see lower repair costs and greater reliability with a manual Kia, as the simple mechanics of a gearbox means less risk of malfunction.

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