Infiniti G37 Automatic vs. Manual: Which Transmission Should You Buy?
You’re browsing used G37 listings, and you keep seeing two choices — the smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic or the increasingly rare 6-speed manual. Both have their fans, but which one is right for your driving style and daily life?
TL;DR
The Infiniti G37 offers two transmission choices: a 7-speed automatic that delivers smooth, responsive performance for daily driving, and a 6-speed manual that provides a more engaging, connected driving experience for enthusiasts. The automatic is recommended by most reviewers for its seamless operation, while the manual is praised for its mechanical feel but criticized for a notchy shifter and touchy clutch . Both share the same powerful 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 engine producing 328-330 horsepower , so your choice comes down to how you prioritize convenience versus driver engagement.
Key Takeaways
- Both transmissions use the same engine — the 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 producing 328-330 hp, so power isn’t a deciding factor
- The 7-speed automatic is widely praised for smooth shifts and responsive performance, making it ideal for daily driving and commuting
- The 6-speed manual offers a raw, connected feel but has a notchy shifter and touchy clutch that some reviewers criticize
- Manual models are harder to find — only offered on Sport trims, making them a rarer, more collectible choice
- Fuel economy slightly favors the automatic — 19/27 mpg vs. 17/25 mpg for the manual
- AWD is available with both transmissions, making the G37 a year-round sports car option
At a Glance: Transmission Comparison
| Feature | 7-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Manual |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | All trims | Sport trim only |
| Driving Experience | Smooth, refined, responsive | Raw, engaging, mechanical |
| Best For | Daily driving, commuting, ease of use | Enthusiasts, backroads, driver engagement |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy) | 19/27 mpg | 17/25 mpg |
| AWD Available? | Yes | Yes |
| Shifter Feel | Paddle shifters with rev-matching | Heavy, notchy, mechanical |
| Engine Power | 328-330 hp | 328-330 hp |
The 7-Speed Automatic: Smooth Operator
What the Critics Say
The seven-speed automatic in the G37 gets a lot of love from reviewers. It was developed by JATCO and features a Downshift Rev Matching system, which blips the throttle on downshifts to make the experience smoother and more exciting .
According to a Taiwanese review, the seven-speed automatic was the “most stunning” improvement in the G37, transforming the driving experience . The more gears and tighter gear ratios allow the engine’s 326 horsepower to be delivered in a way that feels almost “violent” in its linear acceleration .
The automatic is recommended over the manual by many automotive experts. One editor said the seven-speed automatic “does wonders to smooth out the roughness of Infiniti’s 3.7-liter V-6,” making it much easier to drive smoothly than the manual .
Real-World Driving Experience
The automatic adapts to your driving habits using a complex algorithm . In Drive Sport mode, you get quicker acceleration response, and the 7th gear allows for lower-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency .
What owners say:
- “The transmission is equipped with a seven-speed automatic system that can convert to manual on-demand. The shifting through the gears is extremely smooth and the downshift to stop is even more impressive. There is no jerking in either direction.”
- “My only criticism is that when you are on the highway at speed and want to do a sudden passing maneuver, there is an annoying delay in the kick gear! But when it kicks in, it really kicks in!”
Pros of the Automatic
- Smooth daily driving — seamless shifts make commutes effortless
- Better fuel economy — 19/27 mpg vs. 17/25 mpg for the manual
- Available on all trims — much easier to find
- Paddle shifters — gives you manual control when you want it
- Adaptive Shift Control — transmission learns your driving style
- Wide availability with AWD — perfect for year-round driving
Cons of the Automatic
- Slight hesitation on highway kick-downs when passing
- Less driver engagement than the manual
- More complex — potentially more expensive repairs if issues arise
The 6-Speed Manual: For the Purist
What the Critics Say
The manual transmission in the G37 is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers that raw, mechanical connection that enthusiasts crave. On the other hand, reviewers frequently criticize its execution.
According to Autoweek, the manual in the Sport trim “runs the same powertrain as the Nissan Z car, and it shows in the G’s spirited performance” . However, you lose the Z’s cool rev-matching electronics, and you gain about 400 pounds of curb weight compared to the Z .
CarGurus notes the manual has been criticized for being “notchy with a clutch that seems to be either engaged or disengaged — no middle ground” . MotorTrend agreed, calling the clutch “lacking fluidity” with a “springy shifter” .
“The clutch and shifter, so heavy and annoying in everyday stop-and-go, become more agreeable when you quit trying to be delicate and chuck it from gear to gear.” — MotorTrend
Real-World Driving Experience
Once you get used to its quirks, the manual can be a joy. The shifter has a short throw and feels thick and heavy in the hand, snapping into each gear with a click . The clutch effort is just hard enough to give the pedal some feel .
What owners say:
- “The six-speed in the G is one of my favorites. It has a short throw, feels thick and heavy in the hand and snaps into each gear with a click.”
- “One reviewer even found themselves grinding the manual transmission at times because you can’t even feel the car revving.”
- “The G37’s six-speed manual is not a very smooth gearbox, but it’s pleasant to work once you’ve gotten accustomed to it.”
Pros of the Manual
- Ultimate driver engagement — you’re fully in control
- Mechanical feel — heavier, more connected experience
- Rarity — only available on Sport trims, making it more collectible
- Sweet exhaust note — complete control makes your right foot the volume controller
- Thrill factor — turn traction control off and you can light up the rear tires
- More affordable used — manuals can sometimes be found at lower prices due to lower demand
Cons of the Manual
- Notchy shifter — doesn’t have the slickness of a Honda or Porsche
- Touchy clutch — engagement can be abrupt
- Lower fuel economy — 17/25 mpg vs. 19/27 mpg for the automatic
- Heavy in traffic — stop-and-go driving gets tiring
- No rev-matching — you have to heel-toe yourself, unlike the Nissan 370Z
- Limited availability — only on Sport trims
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Automatic If:
- You drive in heavy traffic regularly — the manual’s heavy clutch will get old fast
- You value refinement — the automatic smooths out the VQ engine’s coarseness
- You want easier daily driving — the G37 is a luxury car, and the auto fits that character
- You need AWD — makes the G37 a true year-round sports car
- Fuel economy matters — the automatic gets slightly better MPG
- You want the widest selection — automatics are far more common on the used market
Choose the Manual If:
- You’re an enthusiast who values the connection between driver and machine
- You enjoy backroads driving — the G37’s 54/46 weight distribution makes it a blast to sling into corners
- You don’t mind a bit of rawness — the manual is loud, heavy, and mechanical
- You want a rare, collectible G37 — manuals are increasingly hard to find
- You’re willing to “learn” the transmission — it rewards aggressive driving, not finesse
Expert Verdict
MotorTrend — “The G37 has always been a raw, brawler of a sport sedan. The clutch and shifter, so heavy and annoying in everyday stop-and-go, become more agreeable when you quit trying to be delicate and chuck it from gear to gear.”
Autoweek — “If your brain wants a Nissan 370Z, but your lifestyle requires a sedan, this G37 is your machine. The close-ratio shifter with the short-shift linkage makes it a mechanical dream to drive hard.”
CarGurus — “The manual transmission has been criticized for being notchy with a clutch that seems to be either engaged or disengaged — no middle ground.”
US News — “The alert and responsive 7-speed automatic is what we would recommend, particularly on models with the Sport Package’s paddle shifters.”
The Bottom Line
The G37’s 7-speed automatic is the smarter, easier choice for most buyers. It’s smooth, responsive, and better suited to the luxury character of the car . You don’t lose much — the paddle shifters give you manual control, and the transmission adapts to your driving style.
The 6-speed manual is for those who prioritize feel over convenience. Yes, it’s notchy and the clutch isn’t the best. But if you’re willing to work with it, the manual transforms the G37 into something more visceral — a raw, mechanical machine that rewards aggressive driving . It’s a dying breed, and owning one is a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Infiniti G37 offered with a manual transmission?
Yes, the G37 offered a 6-speed manual transmission on Sport trims for the sedan, coupe, and convertible . Base models came standard with the 7-speed automatic.
Which transmission is better for daily driving?
The 7-speed automatic is significantly better for daily driving. It shifts smoothly, handles stop-and-go traffic effortlessly, and gets slightly better fuel economy at 19/27 mpg .
Is the G37 manual transmission good?
It’s a mixed bag. Enthusiasts love its heavy, mechanical feel and short throws, but reviewers frequently criticize the notchy shifter and touchy clutch . It’s rewarding once you learn it, but it’s not a Honda or Porsche-level slick shifter.
Which G37 transmission is more reliable?
Both transmissions are generally reliable. The 7-speed automatic (JATCO RE7R01A) is well-regarded, and the manual is a tough Nissan unit. As with any used car, maintenance history matters more than the transmission type.
Does the G37 manual have rev-matching?
No, the G37 manual does not have automatic rev-matching, unlike the Nissan 370Z . You’ll need to heel-toe downshift manually.
Can you get AWD with the manual G37?
Yes, the G37x (AWD) was available with the 6-speed manual on certain trims, making it a rare and highly sought-after combination for year-round driving enthusiasts .
References
Sources and Further Reading:
- INFINITI USA – G37 Specifications
- MotorTrend – 2012 Infiniti G37 Sedan Sport 6MT Review
- U.S. News – 2013 Infiniti G37 Performance Review
- Autoweek – 2012 Infiniti G37 Sport Review
- CarGurus – 2013 Infiniti G37 Research
If you’ve driven both the automatic and manual G37, which one did you prefer? Share your experience in the comments below — your insight could help a buyer make the right choice.
