A dual-range manual transmission is a type of manual gearbox that provides two distinct sets of gear ratios: a "high range" for normal road driving and a "low range" for off-road or heavy-duty situations, typically activated by a separate lever or switch. These systems, once common in certain vehicles like Subaru models in the U.S. and heavy-duty trucks, have been largely discontinued in modern automotive production due to various factors.

Description: In a dual-range system, the driver can effectively double the number of available gear ratios. The low range provides significantly shorter gearing, which increases torque for challenging conditions such as climbing steep hills, engine braking on descents, or navigating rough terrain at very low speeds. This functionality is similar to the transfer cases found in four-wheel-drive trucks and SUVs, which also offer a low-range option.

Discontinuation and Causes: The discontinuation of dual-range and traditional manual transmissions in general is attributed to a combination of market and technological shifts:

Low Consumer Demand: The primary reason is a significant decline in demand, particularly in the North American market, where most buyers prefer the convenience of automatic transmissions.

Technological Advancements: Modern automatic transmissions, including Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) and sophisticated dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs), offer comparable or even superior fuel efficiency and performance to manuals.

Cost and Complexity: Engineering, certifying, and marketing manual transmissions for low-volume sales is often no longer cost-effective for manufacturers, especially when considering tariffs and production line consolidation.

Electrification: The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) means traditional multi-gear transmissions are becoming obsolete, as EVs typically use single-speed gear reductions.

Increased Engine Power: In older vehicles like Subarus, the dual-range option disappeared with larger engines, possibly due to concerns about managing increased torque and potential driveline stress in the low range.