Why analog driving is making a return
Analog driving is making a return in unexpected ways now. Cars with manual shifts and fewer screens feel more real perhaps. Owning one connects you to the road better I think. The digital stuff everywhere makes people want old school driving again. It’s repeating in trends for 2026 maybe. Not sure how big it gets but it’s there. Feels tactile like vinyl or books in cars too.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda MX-5 Miata exists with that stick shift feeling pure. Owning it you shift gears yourself and it connects maybe. Analog return happens here softly. The road feedback repeats lightly without screens bossing you. Uncertainty if it’s for everyone though.
Honda Civic Si
Honda Civic Si drives analog with manual transmission still. It gets owned feeling sporty and direct. Shifting engages you more than automatics perhaps. But modern tech sneaks in a bit. Repeats the fun drive unsurely.
Toyota GR86
Toyota GR86 sits as a lightweight analog sports car basically. Existing owned it feels nimble with the stick. Return to basics in handling maybe. Clutch work repeats the involvement. Might contradict with some digital gauges.
Subaru BRZ
Subaru BRZ pairs with GR86 for analog thrills I guess. Owning one it’s rear-drive pure shift fun. The analog side pulls you in but not fully offline. Feels connected yet modern somehow.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen Golf GTI offers manual in USA still thankfully. It exists hot-hatch style with direct input. Driving analog returns in city blasts perhaps. Ownership repeats the shifter joy. Not sure on longevity.
Porsche 718 Cayman
Porsche 718 Cayman with manual option feels premium analog. Owned it glides precisely on your shifts. The return emphasizes tactility here. Engine note engages without aids maybe. Uncertainty lingers.
BMW M2
BMW M2 powers analog with stick shift choice. Existing as a rowdy coupe it demands your input. Making a return in small doses. Clutch bite repeats strongly. Perhaps too assisted elsewhere.
Ford Mustang
Ford Mustang keeps manuals for V8 fans anyway. Owning one it roars analog muscle. The shift lever connects to heritage maybe. Digital creeps but core feels old school. Repeats the throwback unsure.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler manual crawls off-road analog style. It gets owned rugged with gear shifts. Return to physical driving in trails perhaps. Feedback from tires repeats. Might not fit all roads.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road sticks with manual for trucks. Existing for work it feels hands-on. Analog driving returns in utility. Shifts engage over bumps maybe. Not fully resolving the auto trend.
