The last year Dodge offered a new manual transmission was 2023, with the Challenger serving as the final Dodge model to offer a 6-speed manual before the brand shifted to automatic-only transmissions in 2024.
In the modern Dodge lineup, the manual gearbox era effectively ended after the 2023 model year. This article explains what changed, which model stood as the last holdout, and what that means for enthusiasts and collectors looking for a manual Dodge today.
Context: how the shift away from manuals unfolded
Over the past decade, automatics—and especially performance automatics—became dominant in Dodge’s lineup. The Challenger remained the last Dodge model to offer a manual transmission, but that option was limited to the 2023 model year. Beginning with 2024 model-year vehicles, Dodge moved to automatic transmissions exclusively for new purchases in order to align with corporate goals around efficiency, emissions, and electrification.
To frame the key fact: the Challenger was the final Dodge model to offer a manual transmission in the modern era, and 2023 marks the last year a dealer could sell a new Dodge with a factory 6-speed manual gearbox. Since 2024, the brand’s lineup has been auto-only for new vehicles, with future plans centered on electrified models.
What exactly ended for Dodge customers
The essential takeaway is simple: if you wanted a brand-new Dodge with a manual gearbox, your window closed after the 2023 model year. The last holdout, the Challenger, offered a 6-speed manual on select configurations through 2023, after which Dodge eliminated manual options from its new-car lineup.
Below is a concise snapshot of the changeover and its implications for buyers and collectors.
Before the following list, note that this section highlights the final state of Dodge’s manual offerings and why the shift occurred.
- The Challenger remained the final Dodge model to offer a manual transmission in the modern era, with a 6-speed manual available through the 2023 model year.
- For new vehicles, Dodge’s lineup shifted to automatic transmissions starting with the 2024 model year, ending the production and sale of factory-fitted manuals on new cars.
In summary, the transition marks a turning point for Dodge enthusiasts: if you want a manual transmission today, you’ll be looking at the used-car market or a Challenger from the 2023 model year or earlier.
Impact on enthusiasts and the collector market
Car enthusiasts who prize a manual gearbox should consider shopping for a 2023 Challenger or earlier if they want a factory-furnished manual. As the supply of new manuals dwindles, values for well-preserved manual Challenger variants have drawn interest from collectors who want to preserve a piece of Dodge’s last manual-era history.
Experts note that the manual Challenger, while still coveted by some buyers, faces the long-term challenge of parts availability and the broader industry shift toward electrification and automatics. The decision to end manuals among new Dodges reflects broader market trends rather than a single model’s popularity.
Summary
The final Dodge model year to offer a new manual transmission was 2023, with the Challenger serving as the last holdout. From 2024 onward, Dodge’s new-vehicle lineup has been automatic-only as the brand continues its pivot toward electrification and updated powertrains. For fans seeking a manual Dodge, the best option today is a well-maintained 2023 Challenger or an earlier model on the used market.
Is the G56 transmission any good?
One of the main reasons the G56 manual transmission is highly sought after is the level of control it provides the driver. Unlike automatic transmissions, which shift gears on their own, the G56 manual allows the driver to control each gear change. For performance-driven truck owners, this control is invaluable.
What was the last year Dodge put a manual transmission in a truck?
2018
The horsepower and torque sacrifices of G56-equipped trucks became apparent over the years. The shift towards automatic transmissions in the truck segment became more evident, eventually leading to the retirement of the manual transmission option from the Ram HD lineup after the 2018 model year.
When did Dodge discontinue the manual transmission?
With the arrival of the 2019 Ram Heavy-Duty came the death of the manual transmission option in North American diesel pickups.
Why are manual trucks becoming rare?
Consumer demand has overwhelmingly shifted towards automatics. As fewer drivers learn to operate manual transmissions, the market for stick-shift trucks has dwindled. This reduced demand makes it economically unfeasible for manufacturers to continue offering manual options.