Transmission is depend.. Manual used better than automatic before 90's or so because automatic had 3-4 gear speeds and manual is 5-6 gear speeds that times. That's why manual got good MPG than automatic. Right now automatic transmission have 5-6 gears speed and MPG become almost same as manual transmission.
Just don't buy any automatic cars 4 gears or less. Manual transmission still better for control on snow unlike automatic, no matter 4x4 or AWD or not.
Manual transmission need replace new clutch plates each 20-80k milesage decent how you drive. Racer always short. You have to take transmission or engine off depends on cars for replace new clutch plates.
Automatic transmission cost around $1-$3k more than manual transmission for any cars.
You should learn how to use manual transmission since out of USA dont have automatic transmission so much like Mexico, Europe, Japan, etc. if you plan to take vacation for out of USA. Oh yeah. I always take vacation for out of USA for many years.