A continuously variable transmission (CVT), also known as a single-speed transmission, stepless transmission, pulley transmission, or, in case of motorcycles, a twist-and-go, is an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios. The flexibility of a CVT with suitable control may allow the input shaft to maintain a constant angular velocity even as the output speed varies.

A belt-driven design offers approximately 88% efficiency, which, while lower than that of a manual transmission, can be offset by lower production cost and by enabling the engine to run at its most efficient speed for a range of output speeds. When power is more important than economy, the ratio of the CVT can be changed to allow the engine to turn at the RPM at which it produces greatest power. This is typically higher than the RPM that achieves peak efficiency. In low-mass low-torque applications (such as motor scooters) a belt-driven CVT also offers ease of use and mechanical simplicity.

A CVT does not strictly require the presence of a clutch. Nevertheless, in some vehicles (e.g. motorcycles), a centrifugal clutch is added to facilitate a "neutral" stance, which is useful when idling or manually reversing into a parking space.

My Opinion About The CVT.

Personally though I don't dislike the technology. I think CVTs make the car feel like you're driving a golf cart. CVT seems to work best with low stress applications, such as hybrids, where part of the drive load is taken by the electric drive. They may not be super durable and they make driving a bit more dull. The gears within the assembly are always in mesh . This unique arrangement of gears responsively, spontaneously, continuously provides the optimum gear ratio throughout acceleration, deceleration and all “points” in between.

The major reason I do not like CVTs is when driving on highways, because they lack acceleration when you need it for overtaking other cars.

The manufacturing cost of a CVT transmission is low. The transmission design is so uncomplicated that it can operate efficiently without a computer, sensors, or a hydraulic pump.


Victor Paredes, a service adviser at Bay Ridge Nissan, New York, is familiar with the peculiarities of a CVT. “The cost of a CVT transmission flush is approximately 15 to 20 percent higher than that of a conventional automatic transmission flush. Also, despite lacking physical gears within the system, the intricate setup of pulleys and belts actually make the transmission have to work in a more synchronised way than a regular automatic transmission would.”

Planet Subaru has this to say.

Subaru developed a CVT called Lineartronic CVT

Power. Engines do not develop constant power at all speeds; they have specific speeds where torque (pulling power) and horsepower (speed power) are at their highest levels. The CVT finds that exact spot and stays right there.

Fuel economy. For example, for the 2014 Forester, Subaru introduced a CVT. With the same engine as the previous generation, the new Forester gets FIVE (!) more mile per gallon. The CVT finds the most fuel efficient point in the engine power band and keeps it there. The fuel economy is so impressive with a CVT that it beats the manual transmission!

Less weight. Without that heavy gearset and all those extra parts, a CVT has less mass, which helps fuel economy, handling, and acceleration.

Acceleration speed. A regular transmission can't continue to apply power while the transmission is shifting because it would damage it. The CVT is designed to send power to the wheels without any interruption.

Smoother acceleration. A regular transmission can feel jerky, especially under full throttle. The CVT builds power in a smooth, linear manner, hence the trademark, "Lineartronic."

Greater reliability. The CVT has fewer parts to break.

Manual mode when you need it. If you're towing, or you just want the thrill of changing gears, Subaru gives you paddle shifters mounted right behind the steering wheel so you can choose from six preset "gears" (which are not really gears but just programmed set points along the continuum)

This technology in my opinion is not the best. I drive a cvt Nissan teana, after the very expensive grear oil change, the gear still whines when you drive for 10-15kilometers. I installed oil cooler, but still no improvement.
My advice to anyone planning to buy a CVT car is to forget it. Buy a car with normal auto transmission.

I have a cvt vehicle and I love it.........

Peppermintflav:
This technology in my opinion is not the best. I drive a cvt Nissan teana, after the very expensive grear oil change, the gear still whines when you drive for 10-15kilometers. I installed oil cooler, but still no improvement.
My advice to anyone planning to buy a CVT car is to forget it. Buy a car with normal auto transmission.

Nissan CVTs (JatCo made) are horrible, other manufacturers make better CVTs

Lexusgs430:
I have a cvt vehicle and I love it.........

I love mine too.
But I won't advise my friend to buy one.

Peppermintflav:

I love mine too.
But I won't advise my friend to buy one.

I would advice my friend to buy one, but be mindful from which manufacturer.........

I own a Dodge caliber with a CVT from Jatco(Nissan). It is the most horrible car I've ever owned. Car is great but the CVT was basically designed to fail. Drive for anything over 2hrs at an average of 70 miles per hr and the transmission will overheat. You will have to park for 10mins so it doesn't enter safe mode. Changed CVT fluid every 10k miles and the problem still doesn't go away. Stupid design. Biggest money pit for me this year.

mjksho:
I own a Dodge caliber with a CVT from Jatco(Nissan). It is the most horrible car I've ever owned. Car is great but the CVT was basically designed to fail. Drive for anything over 2hrs at an average of 70 miles per hr and the transmission will overheat. You will have to park for 10mins so it doesn't enter safe mode. Changed CVT fluid every 10k miles and the problem still doesn't go away. Stupid design. Biggest money pit for me this year.

You should have dodge the caliber

That's how one man removed his Teana engine and gearbox, after the car showed him hell and put Camry engine and gearbox.

Nissan CVTs are not good or reliable.
Honda CVTs are ok, the 4cylinder 2.4L Honda accords from 2013 to 2017 are all CVT, they are butter smooth and are still fun to drive.

I've owned a 2013 Honda accord and now a 2016 Honda accord, just do your CVT fluid change at the specified interval following the manufacturer specified procedure in the manual, if you rely on Kazzim that is the end of your transmission.
Honda tuned the CVT to closely mimic a traditional automatic, those who have driven the car will tell you it doesn't have that much rubberband feel like the Nissan CVT.

CVT is the future, more and more cars will be changing to CVT. Some 2014 to 2017 corolla are CVT.

See below when I changed the CVT fluid on .y 2013 accord. Too bad I had an accident and totaled the car.

When I got the 2016, one of the first things I did was to change the CVT fluid.

https://www.nairaland.com/996664/maintenance-tips-honda-cars/138#64146927

I own a 2014 Corolla. Its about 63k mileage, i just did the first maintenance on Nigerian soil, was looking for the transmission dipstick to check if it may be short or needs drain & refill but didnt find it. After alot of research online, i found out its the dreaded CVT! And no dipstick!

I am finding it difficult to get the original Toyota oil, are there any other brands worth checking? I am so scared of CVTs that i just want to have the oil drained and refilled asap for rest of mind.

From what i read the safest schedule is every 30k miles after the first 60kmiles. I love my rolla, i dread transmission issues.

PAQ:
I own a 2014 Corolla. Its about 63k mileage, i just did the first maintenance on Nigerian soil, was looking for the transmission dipstick to check if it may be short or needs drain & refill but didnt find it. After alot of research online, i found out its the dreaded CVT! And no dipstick!

I am finding it difficult to get the original Toyota oil, are there any other brands worth checking? I am so scared of CVTs that i just want to have the oil drained and refilled asap for rest of mind.

From what i read the safest schedule is every 30k miles after the first 60kmiles. I love my rolla, i dread transmission issues.

cc: Gazzuzz

PAQ:
I own a 2014 Corolla. Its about 63k mileage, i just did the first maintenance on Nigerian soil, was looking for the transmission dipstick to check if it may be short or needs drain & refill but didnt find it. After alot of research online, i found out its the dreaded CVT! And no dipstick!

I am finding it difficult to get the original Toyota oil, are there any other brands worth checking? I am so scared of CVTs that i just want to have the oil drained and refilled asap for rest of mind.

From what i read the safest schedule is every 30k miles after the first 60kmiles. I love my rolla, i dread transmission issues.

You can use Aisin CFEX CVT fluid. Aisin is the maker of the CVT used in 2014 Toyota Corolla.

SHABZ:


You can use Aisin CFEX CVT fluid. Aisin is the maker of the CVT used in 2014 Toyota Corolla.

Thanks. I read about Aisin, didnt know it was available here too. Pls, how much is it?

PAQ:


Thanks. I read about Aisin, didnt know it was available here too. Pls, how much is it?

Got it for 18k at Tradefair