Paddle shifters are becoming highly popular. So, if you are in the market for a new ride, you will come across cars with paddle shifters. Most cars come with automatic transmissions. But if you want an authentic driving experience, explore many vehicles with paddle shifters 2023.
The cars with paddle shifters 2023 offer a more engaging driving experience by giving the driver greater control over the vehicle’s acceleration and speed.
Paddle shifters are the mechanisms built into the back of the steering wheel of the car that operate the vehicle’s gears. They allow the person driving the car to control its gearing through each paddle based on its transmission.
With the help of paddle shifters, you can easily climb on big hills and even pick up faster speed. Originally, sports cars had this advanced feature. But we were still able to find the most affordable cars with paddle shifters you can buy in 2023.
So, explore this list of vehicles with paddle shifters and find the most suitable per your budget.
7 Most Affordable Cars With Paddle Shifters 2023 For A Real Driving Experience
Paddle shifters are the latest innovation that is hard to find in affordable cars. It is next to impossible if you are thinking of finding the best cars with paddle shifters under 10k from model year 2023.
Only the used ones that are older than ten years can cost this low. Paddle shifters are a useful high-end feature built for the new modern-day automatic vehicles. With the help of paddle shifters, you can take manual control over the gear shifts of your car that originally had an automatic transmission.
To help you get first-hand experience of driving with paddle shifters, here we have cars with paddle shifters list you can buy in 2023. Explore each with our detailed review, and find the one with a price acceptable to you.
1. 2014 Acura TSX
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $15,380
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.5 L V6
- Horsepower: 241 hp
- MPG: Up to 22 city / 31 highway
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Top Speed: 137 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.6 to 8.4 seconds
The 2014 Acura TSX is the first choice on our list of cheap cars with paddle shifters. Acura is well known for its line-up of comfortable & powerful engines along with adequate fuel economy.
You can own this good ride for as low as $15,380. It boasts a well-designed interior, comfortable & supportive front seats, and athletic performance. The 2014 TSX is powered by two powertrains. One is a .4 L 4-cylinder, and the other is a robust 3.5 L V6, each paired with front-wheel drive producing 201 to 280 hp.
The paddle shifters allow you to enjoy the top speed of 137 mph and a good acceleration of 6.6 to 8.4 seconds, which is great for such an old model.
Overall, the best paddle shifters car has good reliability and safety. However, its cluttered dashboard and limited legroom in the rear row are a little discomforting.
2. 2020 Honda Fit
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $16,990
- Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 128 to 130 hp
- MPG: Up to 33 city / 40 highway
- Transmission: CVT, 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Top Speed: 115 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.9 to 9.1 seconds
The 2020 Honda Fit is another great option with paddle shifters that you can buy at an affordable price. This compact car is powered by a 1.5 L 4-cylinder engine paired with front-wheel drive and CVT or 6-speed manual transmission, producing 128 to 130 hp.
The manual transmission of Fit gives greater control, allowing you to draw more power from the engine. It all happens due to the paddle shifters. They give you better control over your car’s performance in a very sporty yet direct manner.
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2020 Honda Fit is available in four trims: LX, Sport, EX, & EX-L, ranging from $16,190 to $20,620. The used variants of these models will cost much less. The exceptional fuel economy gives you 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to the interior, this reliable Japanese car comes with a clean yet well-built space comprising only quality materials.
There is ample space for five people, especially in the rear row. You can easily install infant car seats and dog car seats for small dogs. Also, 2020 Fit has a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.
3. 2021 Hyundai Veloster
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $18,900
- Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 147 to 201 hp
- MPG: Up to 28 city / 34 highway
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.4 to 9.1 seconds
The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is one of the most affordable sports cars launched by the popular South Korean automaker. This iconic car perfectly balances style, affordability, and power. This vehicle with paddle shifters is powered by two powertrains.
The base powertrain comprises a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The second powertrain is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Only this variant car comes with paddle shifters.
With the help of paddle shifters, you can manually shift gears, enjoy driving this sporty ride, and get maximum performance.
This three-door sports car can comfortably seat four people. The interior quality is mixed but is filled with user-friendly technology.
The 2021 Veloster was named Top Safety Pick by IIHS. It comes with a generous range of standard and optional driver-assistance features.
The Hyundai Veloster is one of the best small cars with paddle shifters you can buy for a starting price of $18,900.
4. 2020 Toyota Yaris
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $15,650
- Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 106 hp
- MPG: 32 City / 40 Highway
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Top Speed: 143 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.4 seconds
Another best car with paddle shifters that you can buy for as low as $15,650 is the 2020 Toyota Yaris. This compact car is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, channeling 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.
It is one of the best rides for everyday commutes. This gets even better with the paddle shifters that allow you to switch between automatic and manual gearboxes.
This way, you get maximum performance with minimum effort and excellent fuel economy. It does not matter whether you are a grown-up, a teenage driver, or an elderly; this Japanese car is for everyone.
However, if you are exclusively looking for Japanese car brands, we suggest you explore recent Japanese car imports in the USA.
The interior of the 2020 Yaris has a chic design filled with good-quality materials. The front row is comfortable, but the rear is cramped for taller people. Also, the cargo capacity is disappointing. But the Yaris makes up for this with its impressive range of standard and available tech features.
Lastly, this car holds a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a GOOD rating from IIHS.
5. 2019 Ford Taurus SHO
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $23,013
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- Horsepower: 288 to 365 hp
- MPG: Up to 18 City / 26 Highway
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive
- Top Speed: 134 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.7 to 6.7 seconds
The 2019 Ford Taurus SHO is an impressive mid-size sedan bundled car with paddle shifters to the boot that give it an impressive kick.
This model is powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, driving either front or all wheels while producing 365 hp. You can buy it for the market average price of $23,013 and get interior space comfortable enough for four adults for long trips.
The trunk is big enough to hold several big suitcases at once. The entertainment and tech features are great, but it lack interior quality and space in the rear.
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But despite all this, the 2019 Taurus SHO, a great car with paddle shifters, can give you great control over gear change and power you can not get enough of.
With paddle shifters, you will see this car’s new side and have an exhilarating experience.
6. 2022 Ford EcoSport
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $20,880
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 166 hp
- MPG: 23 City / 29 Highway
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Top Speed: 117 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.8 seconds
The next vehicle you will not regret buying when looking for brand-new or used cars with paddle shifters is the 2022 Ford EcoSport. This family car is available in four trims, and you can get the base one for an average market price of $20,880.
The 2022 EcoSport is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated with 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, producing 166 hp.
This ride might not be the most powerful car out there, but with the paddle shifters, you can taste a whole new driving level. The new shifters make the long drives even more enjoyable.
The interior of this economical ride is functional and spacious. Its cargo hold is big, making it ideal for short & long road trips.
The 2022 EcoSport has a 4.2″ display, automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, and a moonroof. Lastly, this one of the top AWD cars with paddle shifters does not come with advanced driver assists such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
And despite this, it still managed to get a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
7. 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $30,530
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 241 hp
- MPG: Up to 24 city / 34 highway
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.6 to 6.2 seconds
The only 2023 model that made it to our list of cars with paddle shifters is the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI. This European sports car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission producing 241 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque, and channeling it to front wheels.
This ride is fuel efficient. But out of the four offered trims, the ones with automatic transmission are the most efficient ones. The interior of this car is modern with the dashboard covered by two large displays. One is a 10″ infotainment touchscreen and the other is a 10.3″ gauge cluster.
The paddle shifters let you enjoy fast acceleration, a top speed of 155 mph, and power that you will never get bored of.
The 2023 Golf GTI is the costliest car with paddle shifters on this affordable list with a base price of $30,530.
Top FAQs About Cars With Paddle Shifters Under 10k
What cars have paddle shifters?
Whether a vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission, you need a clutch pedal to switch gears. It might be a small task, but it is a big work for some drivers.
To have a more smooth transition in the gears, paddle shifters assist well. They allow drivers to manually shift gears without a clutch pedal.
This gives the drivers more precise control of their vehicle’s speed and acceleration.
Are there any 2023 models with paddle shifters?
YES. The love for thrilling driving dynamics will never be. So, whether someone owns the best electric car or a gasoline one, paddle shifters will be in demand.
But buying a car with a paddle shifter in 2023 will cost more than buying a model of yesteryear.
Several top brands, namely Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, and Cadillac, offer paddle shifters for excitement seekers.
Cadillac V Series, Subaru Impreza, Subaru BRZ, Lexus RX 350, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Crown Platinum are a few examples.
What are the different types of transmissions that use paddle shifters?
There are three kinds of transmissions that use paddle shifters.
- Automatic Transmission
- Manual Transmission
- Automated-Manual
Paddle shifters work to make the driving experience more real, thrilling, and lifelike for the driver.
So, if you are bored with your current ride, you can look for the one with the shifters in brand new, old, and used car markets.
If I buy a car with paddle shifters, can I drive it completely automatically?
Yes. Using paddle shifters is a matter of choice. If you do not wish to use it, you can still drive your car with its actual transmission.
This can be useful when you want more control over the car’s acceleration and speed, such as when driving on winding roads or when overtaking other vehicles on the highway.
Why do people use paddle shifters?
The main benefit of paddle shifters is to give you better vehicle control. You don’t have to reach for the shifter every time you want to shift because you can do it with a swipe of your finger.
This makes the entire ride smooth, intense, and much more driver-oriented. Also, it’s smoother and takes much less time to change gears.
What is the function of a paddle shift in a car?
Paddle shifters in a car serve a pivotal role in providing drivers with greater control over their vehicle’s transmission, particularly in automatic and semi-automatic transmissions. These paddle shifters are typically situated conveniently behind the steering wheel, offering an intuitive means of manually changing gears. Let’s delve into their functions:
1. Manual Gear Control: Paddle shifters enable drivers to take command of the gear-shifting process without the need for a traditional clutch pedal. This feature empowers them to choose the optimal gear for various driving scenarios.
2. Improved Acceleration: By using paddle shifters, drivers can downshift to lower gears when they need rapid acceleration, such as when overtaking or merging onto highways. This quick access to lower gears can enhance the car’s responsiveness.
3. Engine Braking: Paddle shifters also facilitate downshifting to higher gears, which can act as a form of engine braking when descending steep slopes, contributing to better control and safety.
4. Sports and Performance Driving: Paddle shifters are commonly found in sports cars and performance-oriented vehicles, enhancing the driving experience by allowing enthusiasts to simulate the feel of a manual transmission while retaining the convenience of an automatic.
In summary, paddle shifters offer drivers the best of both worlds—control and convenience. They enable precise gear selection, optimizing performance and driving engagement, making them a desirable feature in many modern vehicles, particularly those designed for a spirited driving experience.
Conclusion
Owning cars with paddle shifters will allow you smoother gear transitions and better ride control.
Paddle shifters are readily available in older model years, typically among the more affordable options. In contrast, for 2023 models, they are present but tend to come with a higher price tag.
Going for the 2023 model with paddle shifters will be a great choice if you can spend lavishly. Otherwise, old ones are already rocking the American automotive market.
I own a 2008 Infiniti G 35 x S with paddle shifters in Vermont. It performs great in the snow especially !