If you have been researching which car to buy, you may have come across the term CVT. CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. It’s a type of automatic transmission that doesn’t have gears like a traditional planetary transmission. The CVT is becoming popular because it typically delivers good fuel economy and has fewer moving parts than a standard transmission.
A wide range of modern vehicles use CVT transmissions. From sedans like the Hyundai Elantra to SUVs like the Nissan Murano and minivans like the Toyota Sienna, the continuously variable transmission is becoming more common because of the benefits we are about to explain.
How a CVT Works
A CVT uses a simple pulley system rather than the planetary gears that can be found in a traditional automatic transmission. The CVT has an input pulley, an output pulley, and a belt connecting the two pulleys. These are conical pulleys with variable diameters. The engine powers the input pulley while the output pulley sends power to the wheels through either a driveshaft or CV shafts.
At low speeds, the input pulley uses a large diameter and the output pulley uses a small diameter, creating the same effect as a low gear in a planetary transmission. At highway speeds, a typical CVT will use a large diameter for the input pulley and a small diameter for the output pulley, creating the CVT version of overdrive. In between the maximum and minimum diameters, infinite gear ratios ensure the car is always in the optimal gearing.
Pros of a Continuously Variable Transmission
- Fuel efficiency. The most significant advantage of a continuously variable transmission is fuel efficiency. An engine linked to a CVT typically gets better fuel economy than a standard automatic transmission. That’s because the engine speed doesn’t need to rev very high to make the car accelerate.
- Smooth driving responses. If you don’t like the shock of a transmission shifting, then you’ll appreciate the smoothness of a continuously variable transmission. It never needs to hunt for the right gear, and it responds well to changing speeds and throttle inputs. For example, driving a Mazda CX-5, which has a planetary automatic transmission, will be a little jerkier than a Nissan Rogue, which uses a continuously variable transmission.
- No gears means simple maintenance. Another thing we like about the CVT is relatively simple engineering. You may get different opinions from different engineers on this, but by and large, the simple engineering of a CVT with only a few moving parts translates to much simpler maintenance. A gear going out just isn’t an issue with a continuously variable transmission because it doesn’t have gears.
Cons of a Continuously Variable Transmission
- Droning effect. If you’ve never driven a car with a continuously variable transmission before, it takes a little time to get used to. There’s a droning effect that’s more pronounced in some CVTs than others.
- Doesn’t step through gears. When you hit the accelerator hard, a CVT doesn’t step through gears like a regular automatic transmission would, so the CVT has a bit of a learning curve.
- Potential for greater wear and tear. Although continuously variable transmissions require pretty low maintenance, there’s a possibility for more wear and tear. With a manual or a planetary automatic transmission, only one gear is in use at any given time. However, with a CVT, the belt and the two pulleys that make it work are used whenever you are driving the car.
- Can’t handle as much torque. Another disadvantage of a CVT is that it generally can’t handle as much torque as a planetary automatic transmission. You typically don’t find many performance cars with CVT transmissions because the single belt isn’t suitable for such an application. For example, the Kia Forte uses a continuously variable transmission with its base engine, but the high-performance GT model uses a DCT automatic or manual transmission.
Is a CVT Better Than an Automatic Transmission?
Well, this depends on what the driver of the car prefers. When comparing the two transmissions, the continuously variable transmission does have the advantage when it comes to the feel of the ride. Since the CVT isn’t shifting gears, the ride is smoother, which many may prefer to the somewhat jerky feeling of an automatic transmission.
However, the CVT doesn’t perform better than its counterpart in every scenario. When it comes to torque and power, the automatic transmission will win that race. Since the CVT offers better fuel economy than the automatic, look at this as a trade-off. Do you want to go fast, or do you want to drive longer?
If you prioritize good fuel economy and a smooth drive, then a continuously variable transmission is probably right for you. CVT-equipped cars and SUVs are efficient and easy to drive as long as you can get past the learning curve of driving a vehicle without gears.
However, if you’ve never driven a car with a CVT, you should give one a test drive to find out whether you like how it drives. If you do, then you’ll reap the benefits of an efficient design with fewer moving parts than the average transmission.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published.
I bought a Honda Amaze CVT in 2016, a freshly launched model then. Enjoying driving since then as a senior citizen, with pretty good milage. True that the transmission fluid is spacial (HCF2-13 CVF) and costly too. But boon for aged.
I have heard from Mr Transmission from Canada that Nissan has had many problems with their CVT and they are very costly to repair or replace that certain transmission.
I have Ford 2006 with CVT I must stick with CVT transmission oil buy it from the dealership they are not cheap.Love my Ford Freestyle 3.0l
Hi Guys, I have a 2013 mazda 3 axela (hybrid)-BYEFP – chassis numbe and it says CVT however I wanted to know what type of Transmission fluid is used in that car?
Not impressed with the CVT. I DO feel it shift, it bogs around 60kms, tough when you are accelerating on to the highway. The car also lurches forward when I’m stopping for the first 5-10 minutes of driving. It lurches enough to now be a safety issue. Now, it is stalling after starting. I’ve had it in twice, I’ve never had a Nissan issue until now. 2018 Versa Note.
This was EXTREMELY helpful! I just bought an Altima was beginning to hate the car because of the way it drives. (It seemed to drive just fine on the test drive!) Looks like I just didn’t understand it!
This was EXTREMELY helpful! I just bought an Altima was beginning to hate the car because of the way it drives. (It seemed to drive just fine on the test drive!) Looks like I just didn’t understand it!
This was EXTREMELY helpful! I just bought an Altima was beginning to hate the car because of the way it drives. (It seemed to drive just fine on the test drive!) Looks like I just didn’t understand it!
AS I DROVE UP TO 55 60 MPH I WOULD PUT IT ON CRUIZE CONTROL AS CRUIZING MY RPM HAND WOULD JUMP 1000 RPMS HIGHER AS GOING SLIGHTLY UPHILL NOT ONLY THAT MY CAR JERKS AS TAKING OFF IS THAT NORMAL FOR A CVT TO DO THAT?? I HAVE A 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION 112,000 MILES ITS WHEN ITS ON CRUIZE CONTROL WHEN IT GOS SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL THE CAR WOULD GRADUALLY JERK RPM HAND IS ON 3 AS IM DRIVING 70 MPH
These posts remind me once again that the most durable and reliable transmission is still manual. Five-speed, six-speed, it doesn’t matter. Too bad that cars equipped with sticks are a rarity these days and that in the not too distant future, from what I’ve heard, manuals will go the way of the dinosaur. My ’95 Honda Accord (237,000 miles and counting) 5-speed still works with the original clutch. Us stick lovers belong to an increasingly shrinking niche market.
Ain’t that the truth. I started driving in 74. The stick is all I have ever owned. I am sad that they are few and far between
Mark; Agreed. But 237,000 miles with the original clutch! You deserve a medal!
Question folks. I have an 07 Nissan Altima with cvt transmission. When the a little rattle comes off of it what does that mean? Is it dangerous, is it normal? The rattle is not constant, at higher speed/cruising i don’t hear it anymore.
We leased a brand new 2014 Jeep Patriot with this transmission. We cannot take it on road trips due to the transmission overheating. We had to pull over 4x on a trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The engine powers down and you cannot go over 40mph, you have to pull off the highway, put vehicle in neutral and wait for it to cool down.
Ouch. It might be that it’s a Jeep tbh… scoring pretty low on reliability & with my mom’s experiences with Jeep transmission (can’t remember the model name – it was more rectangular than curvy though)… I’ll never get one
I purchased a 2015 CR-V in April of 2015. Brought it back to the dealer several times as the tranny would “automatically” shift into a lower gear and decelerate the car when I was going downhill. Brought the car back to the dealer ( Greenwich <CT> Honda) and was reassured that this was normal. In yesterday’s mail received a notice from Honda “who strongly recommends having the vehicle updated (software)as soon as possible”. The letter goes on to note that if this condition is not addressed the ‘transmission will be damaged”. Thanks Honda for ignoring a problem for a quite a long time. NOTE: this notice also applies to 2016 model year.
can I drive a CVT on just an automatic licence?
I can feel the shift between 3 and 4 on CVT 2015 civic. Sometimes the downshift feels like it drops two (gears) although it has none. Can anyone else feel the shifts?
it is in your head yo
CVT = MONEY $5500 to replace good ole regular automatic transmission repair $1500 to $2500 You do the math for 2 to 3 more MPG Is it worth it NO. Buyer beware NISSAN 2003 to 2010 models had a 120,000 mile warranty on the CVT Transmission. CVT Transmission are in GOLF Carts and last a long time because horsepower is only 9 to 18 horsepower. NISSAN,ford,hyundai,Kia,Chevrolet,Suburu and the others are not doing this for RELIABILITY but because the other 3 MPG to meet EPA gas mileage Regulations. BUYER BEWARE.
Derp. The technology is young and therefore rare and expensive. Not enough supply to fix them on-the-cheap yet.
I’ve spoken to several mechanics that say STAY AWAY from these transmissions! They are junk, and cost so much to rebuild when they do go out, one transmission specialist told me that they won’t even fool with them! Too bad, I was wanting the KIA Sorento, but after being told this, am staying away!
We bought a 2015 Nissan Rogue in January w the 2.5 4 cyl and CVT. I was a skeptic until I test drove it, a mid sized SUV that seats five comfortably, w plenty of room for any cargo as well as 30.3 mpg “average” overall since new. Not bad for a care weighing near 3500 lbs. 75mph at 2k rpms freeway w no annoying downshifts on overpasses etc.
i am looking right now at a 2014 Nissan rogue has low mileage and at a dealership was traded in only 20k on it what do you think?
Thank you for your info on CVT’s. I see that it squeezes out more mileage from the gas than the regular automatic transmissions.
I was at my local Nissan dealership and I took 2014 Maxima for a test drive. They sales guy told me its using CVT and that I’ll be very impressed but the truth is, I think CVT for cars like Maxima are not a good match. Anyway, after the test drive, I wasn’t totally impressed with CVT and the way it accelerates from 0-60 sounded very slow (don’t even feel it maybe because of the new style) but when comparing 2009 Nissan Maxima vs 2014 Nissan Maxima 0-60 acceleration is basically the same http://0-60.reviews/nissan-0-60/ In my opinion, it would be better if Nissan goes back to regular style transmission at least for certain models.
Had a couple cars with CVT. Love the CVT, makes me feel like I’m in the bass boat.
It’s easy! It’s like this….. Think of one of those kids car toys…..
You puuuulllll pull the toy backwards and the engine tightens…..so you pull it back…hold it…and “let it Go!”
I’m SO HAPPY WITH MY VERSA NOTE!
The cvt allows me to merge quickly and get outta my own way. I like it.
Be gentle with it and it will work Great!
I bought a 2012 Nissan Altima Ive taken it back to the dealership because it is going from first gear to second it wines out I have to let off the accelater to make it shift is this normal? It also down shift when I go down a hill, is all this normal ?
Did you read that CVT transmissions do not have gears? there is no gear 1 neither gear 2.
My Sentra does this as well. From what I have been reading it may be the transmission overheating. Now that the temps have fallen 20 degrees or so during the days I do not notice the noise as much. I will be having it checked next week.
Quick question, Does the CVT require shifting like a manual transmission or anything to deal with a clutch? Or is it completely automatic and the only change is mechanical more mecahanical and feel?
I have an 03 Saturn Vue 2.2L AWD. It has a CVT transmission and is an Automatic, so I’m assuming all CVTs are a different kind of automatic transmission. I’m having some pretty bad issues with my CVT in my Vue and have done some research and found there are a lot of issues with the Saturn Vue CVT. I don’t know if it’s just with the Saturn Vues or not, but either way I told myself I would never get another vehicle with a CVT again. Mine is very expensive to repair and obviously to replace and doesn’t even have a way to check the transmission fluid level. I took it to a guy that specializes in transmissions and he told me my Vue has like a thousand little teeth in it that could be out of place. I could pay 100 bucks to a GM certified dealership to have them plug a computer in and MAYBE be able to set them back on track otherwise i’ll have to buy a whole new one and pay a mechanic to install it. Back to your question, it’s just like a regular auto trany but you don’t feel the shifts and is also better on fuel economy.
A CVT is an automatic transmission. Instead of using gears and computers, it uses two metal cones connected with a metal band. This allows it to cycle through the equivalent of an infinite number of gear ratios. They’re much more efficient than either standard auto or manual. They using to sound like the opening music to Bonanza apparently, but now they’re quite. They don’t use transmission fluid as far as I’m aware.
It’s automatic.
I owned a Nissan Murano CVT for a few years and loved it. It did take a little getting used to the different sound it makes, more like a jet engine during take off. Revs high and then acceleration happens. You get used to it. What i really liked was the low RPMs and low engine sound at any cruising speed and the slightly better gas mileage. All great reasons too. I had heard that Nissan originally only put it in the Murano because they we’re sure how durable the CVT engines would be over time, but now the CVT engines have “proven” they struggle less with wear and tear than other standard engines.
I bought a 2012 Nissan Altima Ive taken it back to the dealership because it is going from first gear to second it wines out I have to let off the accelater to make it shift is this normal? It also down shift when I go down a hill or even a slight hill?