Opinions on trend toward CVT cars

Many people dislike continuos variable transmission (CVT) in cars. Many complain that they feel like they are driving a snowmobile. Others complain that CVT is inherently more prone to failure, and either can cause expensive repair bills, or terminate the life of the vehicle earlier than one with traditional gears. CVT is much more common in four cylinder automatic vehicles.

Only 1.1% of vehicles have manual transmission as of 2020, so that is basically a different question.

Toyota has added a "launch gear" to their CVT which helps the car get going from a dead stop.

The EPA Automotive Trends Report summarizes information about new light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers' performance in meeting the agency’s GHG emissions standards. Below is the history of CVT percentages of cars sold
27.4% 2020
23.9% 2019
21.8% 2018
23.2% 2017
22.6% 2016
23.5% 2015
18.6% 2014
14.3% 2013
11.6% 2012
9.9% 2011
11.0% 2010
9.4% 2009
7.9% 2008
7.2% 2007
2.8% 2006
2.3% 2005
1.2% 2004
1.1% 2003
The 2021 EPA Automotive Trends Report ; Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Fuel Economy, and Technology since 1975: (November 2021, EPA-420-R-21-023)

Quote: LEMON LAW action : MAY 21, 2018

Another Nissan CVT Class Action filed (Jatco CVT8HT)
According to the lawsuit, the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) jerk, hesitate and lack power, making driving a dangerous chore.

Plaintiff Terry Miller says he purchased a new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder in Missouri, but since that time Miller has allegedly had nothing but trouble from the JATCO CVT8HT transmission. Miller alleges that the the transmission hesitates, shudders, jerks, bucks and has no power.

Plaintiff Michael Rose purchased a new 2013 Infiniti JX35 and has had the same transmission problems. The dealer claims they can't verify the problem.

According to the lawsuit, the JATCO transmissions have "belt slip conditions" caused by transmission chain drive failures to transfer power through the transmissions when accelerating.

I have never driven one but my understanding is it is one of those tech that is a good idea but they can never get to work just right even since the 1980s. With 8+ speed autos are they really needed?

Both had 2013 vehicles? I'd assume they were high mileage and out of warranty. Also no telling how each were driven. Like a granny or Steve McQueen.

I currently have a Honda CRV that has a CVT. I can honestly say that I have never noticed any difference between it and the numerous cars that I have had with automatic transmissions in the last 10 years.

On reason we bought a new Mazda CX-5 is because it had an automatic transmission with actual gears and not a CVT.

Quote: missedhervee

On reason we bought a new Mazda CX-5 is because it had an automatic transmission with actual gears and not a CVT.

For 2020 over 50% of cars have CVT. A sizeable percentage of SUV's are also CVT. No pickup has CVT.

Some brands like Subaru and Mitsubushi have switched entirely to CVT excepting manual transmission. Actually Subaru uses an automatic for their low volume two seat BRZ sports car that they build with Toyota, but the majority of BRZs are purchased with manual anyway.

Toyota favors CVT paired with a single gear for launching the vehicle from a dead stop.

The only Asian brands that are completely CVT free at the moment are Mazda, Acura and Genesis. Mazda seems to be making it a brand identification design and promoting their SKYACTIV-DRIVE.

2021 brands that are not equipped with the continuous variable transmission on any model except as noted for Ford.

1. Mazda
2. Acura
3. Genesis
   .
4. Audi
5. BMW
6. Mercedes-Benz
7. Jaguar
8. Lamborghini
9. Land Rover
10. Maserati
11. Mini
12. Porsche
13. Volkswagen
    .
14. Chrysler
15. Dodge
16. RAM
17. Jeep
18. Fiat
19. Alfa Romeo
    .
20. Cadillac
21. GMC
    .
22. Ford with the exception the Escape hybrids.
    .
23. Tesla

Why Mazda Avoids CVT Transmissions - Aug 5, 2019

CVT is known as shit amongst my mechanic friends. That said, Nissan paid for my first tranny and half off my second tranny. Could be worse but glad they helped out. They’re known for not lasting.

Quote: Pacomartin

For 2020 over 50% of cars have CVT. A sizeable percentage of SUV's are also CVT. No pickup has CVT.

Where are you getting this? 50%?? Or do you mean "available" which also seems high.

With 8 and 9 speeds there is little reason for a CVT.

Quote: AZDuffman

Where are you getting this? 50%?? Or do you mean "available" which also seems high.

With 8 and 9 speeds there is little reason for a CVT.

Automotive trends report is a yearly report from the EPA that keeps statistical track of all trends in automotive design that affect fuel economy in Light Duty vehicles (GVWR < 8,500 lb)

For all vehicles the trend for manual transmissions and CVT is as follows.

Manual	Year	CVT
1.1%	2020	27.4%
1.4%	2019	23.9%
1.6%	2018	21.8%
2.1%	2017	23.2%
2.2%	2016	22.6%
2.6%	2015	23.5%
2.7%	2014	18.6%
3.5%	2013	14.3%
3.6%	2012	11.6%
3.2%	2011	9.9%
3.8%	2010	11.0%
4.8%	2009	9.4%
5.2%	2008	7.9%
5.6%	2007	7.2%
6.5%	2006	2.8%
6.2%	2005	2.3%
6.8%	2004	1.2%
8.0%	2003	1.1%

That said, there are no CVTs in pickup trucks, and no CVTs in General Motors or Stellantis vehicles. Ford uses a CVT in only one vehicle, the ESCAPE HEV. So we look at segments.

But the EPA divides vehicles into 5 basic groups. Sales in 2020
3.2% Minivan/Van
15.7% Pickup
33.7% Cars
14.2% SUV (car regulation)
42.1% SUV (truck regulation)

If we look at transmissions in the year 2020 for the car group for number sold.
2.302 million out of 4.244 million or 54.2% used CVT (up 12% from the previous year)

For cars the 8 speed automatic transmission is the most popular
0.2% 5 speed
11.4% 6
3.4% 7
20.5% 8
2.3% 9
3.1% 10


Pickups don't use CVT, but 8 and 10 speed transmissions are now the most poular
23.7% 6 speed
37.1% 8 speed
3.6% 9 speed
35.5% 10 speed

To the best of knowledge no one uses a 13 speed transmission in light vehicles. A 13 speed is basically a 9 speed. A 9 speed becomes a 13 speed when the overdrive is added to the tailshaft housing to enable it to be able to split all the upper range gears, hence 13 speed.

Quote: Pacomartin

Pickups don't use CVT, but 8 and 10 speed transmissions are now the most poular
23.7% 6 speed
37.1% 8 speed
3.6% 9 speed
35.5% 10 speed
.

The transmission game is to try to get as much mileage out of a gallon of gas. So many speeds so as to not waste a drop. Maybe sacrificing longevity for better gas mileage
I have an F150 with a 6 speed and its been pretty solid. I'm at 90k. All the new Ford gas pickups have 10 speed and I'm not sure those will last as long as the 6 speeds.
Time will tell.
Maybe by the time I replace, electric will be common