The last year the Honda Accord offered a manual transmission in the United States and Canada was 2017.
In North America, Honda ended manual options with the Accord starting with the 2018 model year, switching to automatic transmissions across the lineup. The 9th generation (2013–2017) did offer a 6-speed manual on select trims with the 2.4-liter engine, but the 2018+ Accord eliminated the manual entirely in that market. Availability in other regions varied by country.
Timeline of manual availability by generation
Here is a concise timeline of when a manual option existed for the Accord in North America.
- 9th generation (model years 2013–2017): A 6-speed manual was offered on select trims with the 2.4-liter engine; availability varied by year and market.
- 10th generation (model years 2018–present): No manual transmission option was offered in North America; the lineup used a CVT with the 1.5L turbo and a 10-speed automatic with the 2.0L turbo.
Note: The exact trim-level pairing and availability could vary; for most buyers the manual option disappeared after 2017.
Why Honda dropped the manual
Here are the primary factors cited for phasing out the manual transmission in the Accord.
- Market demand: Most Accord buyers preferred automatics, and the manual option accounted for a small share.
- Efficiency and emissions: Modern automatics often deliver equal or better fuel economy and lower emissions in real-world driving, reinforcing the shift.
- Cost and complexity: Eliminating the manual simplified production and reduced costs for Honda.
Despite the decline in manual transmissions broadly, some enthusiasts valued the involvement of a manual, but the market did not justify continuing the option in the Accord lineup.
Markets outside North America
The Accord's transmission options vary by region. While the North American market stopped offering a manual after 2017, other regions have historically maintained different offerings depending on demand and regulatory environments. If you are considering an Accord outside the U.S. or Canada, check local specifications for the model year in question.
Summary
In short, 2017 was the last model year the Honda Accord offered a manual transmission in North America. Since 2018, the Accord has been sold with automatic transmissions only in that market, with the manual option largely phased out due to limited demand and efficiency considerations. Enthusiasts seeking a manual Accord may need to look at pre-2018 models or regional variations if available.