CVT Transmission vs. Automatic: What’s the Difference?

CVTs differ from automatic transmissions because they require no driver input and have an infinite number of gear ratios.
Written by John Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) are similar to automatics because they require no driver input. However, the difference is that CVT transmissions offer an infinite number of gear ratios. This difference is beneficial for many reasons, including greater fuel economy and a smoother ride.
If you’re in the market for a new car, you’ve probably noticed the term “CVT” attached to many of the vehicles you’re considering. While automatic transmissions have largely eclipsed manuals in recent decades, the newest type is the continuously variable transmission. These are a kind of automatic transmission that uses a system of pulleys instead of gears.
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CVT transmission vs. automatic transmission

Conventional automatic transmissions have dominated the car scene for the past several decades. However, CVTs are on the rise, and for a good reason. This type of transmission differs from automatics because they use a set of cone-shaped pulleys instead of a number of fixed gears.

What is a continuously variable transmission (CVT)?

Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) are basically automatic transmissions that have an infinite number of gear ratios. This means that CVT cars can accelerate seamlessly and without the interruption of shifting gears. 

Pros of CVT transmissions

If you’re skeptical about CVT vehicles and aren’t sure about the hype, you might be interested in learning why these transmissions are becoming so popular in recent years. 
These are some of the major advantages of continuously variable transmissions:
  • Increased fuel efficiency. CVTs continually change their gear ratio, which allows your car to operate at peak efficiency at all times. Consequently, you can get much better MPG in a CVT car than one that must constantly shift gears. 
  • Smoother ride. Cars with standard automatic transmissions must constantly shift up and down as you drive, especially in the city. This often results in a jarring feeling as the transmission attempts to find the correct gear. Vehicles with CVTs don’t have this problem because the transmission never shifts. 
  • Improved torque ratio. CVTs find the proper torque ratio easier than automatics because they don’t have traditional gears. This means that a CVT car will struggle less when taking off from intersections and climbing steep hills. 

Cons of CVT transmissions

While CVT transmissions offer many benefits, they’re not without their downsides. Here are some of the disadvantages of CVTs:
  • Less enjoyable driving experience. Because CVT cars don’t shift and require no operator input, many drivers feel less connected to their vehicle during acceleration.
  • Noisy. CVTs are known to produce a droning sound during acceleration. This is because the car’s engine must run at higher RPMs to reach its intended speed.
  • More difficult and expensive to maintain. CVT professionals must service CVTs. Additionally, CVT parts are more expensive. This often results in more costly maintenance and repairs when you take your car in for transmission service.

How does a CVT transmission work?

Continuously variable transmissions use a set of pulleys and a flexible belt instead of a gearbox with fixed gears like automatics have. 
One of the pulleys connects to the engine, while the other connects to the wheels. Both pulleys connect to each other with a thick rubber or metal belt. The distance between the two pulleys changes as you adjust your engine speed. 
The changes in distance between the pulleys replace the need to shift gears and allow CVT cars to operate at peak efficiency

What is an automatic transmission?

Automatic transmissions have a set number of high and low gears. Like CVTs, these transmissions require no driver input. However, unlike CVTs, the car must shift between gears to reach peak performance. 
Automatic transmissions use a hydraulic system to transfer engine power to the wheels. 

Pros of automatic transmissions

Automatics have largely eclipsed manual transmissions in the United States and are valued for their ease of use. The major advantages of regular automatic transmissions are:
  • A pleasing driving experience. Automatic transmissions produce a distinct feeling when shifting gears. Drivers often report feeling more connected to their automatic car than a CVT vehicle that never shifts.
  • Less expensive to repair and maintain. Automatic transmissions don’t require the tedious calibration or expensive parts of CVTs. As a result, they are much cheaper to maintain and repair and most qualified service technicians will be able to work on them.
  • More control when shifting. Automatics provide a level of control when shifting that you can’t get with CVTs. Although not the same as manuals, you can influence how an automatic transmission shifts using various methods, including using the gas pedal. 

Cons of automatic transmissions

As the longtime gold standard of vehicle transmissions, automatics offer a lot of benefits. However, not everything about them is good. These are some of the disadvantages of automatic transmissions:
  • Less fuel efficient. CVTs provide better fuel economy than automatics. This is because automatics must shift between gear ratios, and they are not always operating at peak efficiency.
  • More emissions. Automatics produce more emissions because they don’t continually operate at the ideal RPM.
  • Less capable when climbing hills. Automatics often struggle when climbing steep inclines because the transmission must hunt for the proper gear. 

How does an automatic transmission work?

Automatic transmissions use a hydraulic system to shift gears. The system includes a torque converter, which connects the engine to the transmission and uses pressurized fluid to send power to the gears. 
The car’s engine sends power to the torque converter’s pump. The pump, in turn, converts that power into transmission fluid that moves the turbine inside the torque converter. 
This series of events creates a vortex power rotation that sends power down the transmission’s central shaft to its first set of gears. 
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Which is better: automatic vs. CVT?

Both automatic transmissions and CVTs have their pros and cons. And while automatics are still the most popular transmission type in modern vehicles, CVTs are continually growing more popular. 
If you’re wondering which is better, the answer depends on how you plan to use your vehicle and what kind of experience you hope to get. For better gas economy and a smoother ride, CVTs are ideal
However, if you want a sportier ride and a more engaging driving experience while spending less money on maintenance and transmission repair work, an automatic might be best for you.
Additionally, if you enjoy being connected to your vehicle, you might prefer the feeling you get from driving an automatic car over that of a CVT. 
Further, CVTs are not available in all vehicle makes and models
Continuously variable transmissions are popular in SUVs, and you’re less likely to encounter a CVT in a sports car. The automakers that most frequently use CVTs in their vehicles are
Subaru
,
Nissan
, and
Mitsubishi
.
Toyota
and
Honda
are also beginning to build their vehicles with CVTs. 
Key Takeaway CVTs are better for fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a smoother ride. Automatic transmissions offer greater accessibility, lower repair costs, and a more engaging driving experience. 

How to find affordable car insurance

Whether you buy a car with a CVT or automatic transmission, you’ll need a quality insurance plan to keep it protected for the road ahead. 
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FAQs

Newer model CVTs are designed to last more than 100,000 miles, just like automatics. However, some older model CVTs, especially the first generation, will not last as long as conventional automatic transmissions.
On average, CVTs use less fuel and get better gas mileage than automatic transmissions.
CVTs are generally faster than the average automatic transmission. This is because CVTs don’t have to shift gears to reach peak performance.
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