For the U.S. 2023 model year, only three new SUV or crossover lines had a documented manual-transmission configuration: the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Crosstrek. Each required a specific body style, engine or trim, so a model name alone did not guarantee a stick shift.
2023 manual-transmission SUVs at a glance
| Model | Manual configuration | Availability | Documented fuel economy or output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Bronco | Seven-speed manual with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder | Two-door Bronco; the 2023 order guide lists automatics for the four-door configurations in the relevant table | Not stated in the cited material |
| Jeep Wrangler | D478 six-speed manual with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 | Specified Sport, Sport S and Rubicon configurations | Not stated in the cited material |
| Subaru Crosstrek | Fully synchronized six-speed manual with Incline Start Assist | Standard on Crosstrek, Premium and Special Edition; Sport and Limited used the CVT | 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined; 152 hp and 145 lb-ft from the 2.0-liter manual model |
The figures and configurations above describe U.S. 2023 model-year vehicles. Production combinations, dealer inventory and late-year availability could vary, so confirm the vehicle identification number and build sheet for any specific vehicle.
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Ford Bronco: seven-speed manual, but only in the two-door configuration
Ford’s 2023 order guide paired the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with a seven-speed manual transmission in the two-door Bronco. The same guide listed automatic transmissions for the four-door configurations shown in its table. Therefore, “2023 Bronco manual” means the two-door, 2.3-liter combination—not every Bronco body style.
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What to verify
- Two-door body style
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
- Seven-speed manual selected on the order or build sheet
The Bronco is an off-road-oriented, body-on-frame-style choice. No directly comparable manual-Bronco fuel-economy figure was published in the cited material here, so it should not be inferred from another engine or body style.
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- EDUCATIONAL VALUE: Detailed 6-speed manual transmission model with differential gear system provides hands-on learning experience in mechanical engineering principles
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- SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Assembly process enhances problem-solving abilities, spatial reasoning, and understanding of automotive mechanics
- INTERACTIVE DESIGN: Moving parts allow users to observe and understand the internal workings of a manual transmission system in action
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Jeep Wrangler: six-speed manual on selected trims
For 2023, Jeep paired the D478 six-speed manual with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 on specified Sport, Sport S and Rubicon configurations. The transmission was not a universal Wrangler option across every trim or engine.
What to verify
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6
- D478 six-speed manual
- Sport, Sport S or Rubicon configuration that lists the manual
Jeep described the combination this way: “The V6 engine with Engine Stop/Start technology is paired with a manual transmission that provides impressive efficiency and reliable power.” Treat that statement as manufacturer positioning rather than a substitute for an EPA figure or an independent test.
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- EDUCATIONAL VALUE: Build a fully functional 4-speed manual transmission model that demonstrates real automotive mechanics and engineering principles
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- TECHNICAL SPECS: Features four distinct gear speeds, rotating components, and precise technical parts that simulate actual transmission operation
- SKILL LEVEL: Ideal for teens and adults interested in mechanical engineering, automotive systems, and DIY model building
Subaru Crosstrek: the broadest manual availability of the three
Subaru’s 2023 brochure specified a fully synchronized six-speed manual with Incline Start Assist. It was standard on the base Crosstrek, Crosstrek Premium and Crosstrek Special Edition. The Sport and Limited trims used Subaru’s CVT instead.
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- 2.0-liter engine
- 152 hp and 145 lb-ft
- 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
The 22/29/25-mpg rating is the Subaru of America figure for the 2023 manual configuration, expressed as city/highway/combined. It should not be applied to the CVT trims or to a different model year.
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- Functional Drivetrain Demonstration: This model accurately represents a 5-speed manual transmission combined with a differential and reverse gear, allowing clear visualization of gear engagement and torque transfer through manual rotation
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- Manual Operation Without Power: Designed for full manual interaction, the system operates without batteries or electrical components, enabling safe and reliable use for repeated demonstrations and mechanical exploration
- Durable Composite Construction: Manufactured using sturdy PLA components reinforced with metal elements in key areas, the structure offers a solid 800 g weight and maintains stability during handling and operation
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How the three choices differ
Transmission and configuration
The Bronco offered seven forward speeds but required the two-door 2.3-liter combination. The Wrangler used a six-speed manual with the V6 on selected trims. The Crosstrek also used a six-speed, with the manual concentrated in its lower and mid-level trims.
Vehicle mission
The Bronco and Wrangler are off-road-focused, body-on-frame-style vehicles. The Crosstrek is a raised compact crossover with standard all-wheel drive. Those categories imply different design priorities, but ride quality, cargo space, safety equipment and pricing depend on the exact trim and should be compared from the individual vehicle specifications rather than assumed from the transmission.
Rank #4
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How to find one now or verify a 2023 listing
- Confirm the model year. A listing described as a “2023” may refer to registration or sale date, not the model year.
- Check the body style. For a Bronco, verify that it is the two-door model.
- Check engine and transmission together. Look for the Bronco 2.3-liter/seven-speed combination or the Wrangler 3.6-liter V6/D478 six-speed combination.
- Check the trim. A manual Crosstrek should be a Crosstrek, Premium or Special Edition; a manual Wrangler should be one of the specified Sport, Sport S or Rubicon configurations.
- Use the VIN or factory build sheet. Inventory descriptions can omit transmission details or contain errors.
- Confirm local stock and production timing. A configuration documented for the model year may not be sitting at every dealer, and late-production availability varied.
Why the Mazda CX-5 is not on the list
Mazda’s 2023 CX-5 announcement described its powertrain as paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. On that evidence, the CX-5 does not qualify as a U.S. 2023 new SUV with a manual transmission.
Bottom line for shoppers
The complete documented U.S. 2023 list is the two-door Ford Bronco with the 2.3-liter and seven-speed manual, the Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed manual on selected Sport, Sport S and Rubicon configurations, and the Subaru Crosstrek manual in Crosstrek, Premium and Special Edition trims. Verify the exact VIN, body style, engine and trim before treating any advertised vehicle as a genuine 2023 manual-transmission example.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
