The State of Manual in 2026
Less than 5% of new cars sold in Australia come with a manual transmission. Many popular models (RAV4, CX-5, Tucson) no longer offer a manual option at all. The shift is permanent — manuals are a dying breed.
Modern Automatics Are Better
Today's CVTs, dual-clutch, and torque-converter automatics shift faster, use less fuel, and last longer than ever before. The old "manuals are more fuel efficient" argument is no longer true.
When Manual Still Makes Sense
Enthusiast sports cars, certain work utes (base model HiLux/Ranger), and budget vehicles where the manual version is significantly cheaper.
Impact on Resale Value
Manual vehicles are harder to sell in Australia. Fewer buyers know how to drive them, and demand drops every year. This actually makes them great value purchases — you can negotiate harder on a manual.
Learning to Drive Manual
If you're considering a manual, many Perth driving schools offer manual-specific lessons. A manual licence (no auto restriction) is still valuable for occasional situations like hiring a car overseas.