To CVT or Not to CVT? That is A Question

While some manufacturers, like Nissan and Subaru, have embraced CVT technology, others (Chrysler and Ford) have tried and dropped CVTs from their lineup. Let's take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a CVT

1. Super smooth to drive --- a traditional automatic can hunt for gears and sometimes jerk or hesitate. CVTs are supposed to avoid this issue.
2. No more shift-shock --- the momentary loss of power you get while accelerating with traditional gears.
3. Constant power --- because there's no more more gear hunting or shift-stock, the driver is given consistent power while accelerating. Once again, that's how it's supposed to work.
4. Simpler design, fewer moving parts --- this reduces friction and heat, which are a deadly combo for mechanical parts. Reduced exposure should help the transmission last longer.
5. Better miles per gallon --- A CVT provides better fuel efficiency in two ways. First, it keeps the engine in the sweet spot while accelerating (more efficient) and second it's lighter than a traditional transmission (less weight).

This day and age, the MPG advantage might be why your next car will probably have a CVT. CVTs offer the same fuel-efficiency gains as 8 and 9-speed automatics, but cost much less.

I'll give Nissan the MPG boost, but you'll notice that the most common complaints seem to indicate that Nissan's CVT doesn't offer the traditional advantages. In addition, they come with all of the traditional disadvantages.

Disadvantages of a CVT

1. It's boring --- no doubt, if you grew up driving a manual transmission a CVT is going to put you to sleep. The steady acceleration and lack of revs can be seen as a negative depending on how you look at it.
2. It's noisy --- CVTs can sound weird to owners who often complain about the whirring or humming noise it makes. There's also complaints about how the engine no longer "feels connected" to the sensation of speed.
3. They can feel sluggish --- Once again, depending on how you look at it, a CVT can feel as if its "slipping" when compared against a traditional automatic.
4. It's more expensive to replace --- CVTs offer an up-front cost advantage to automakers which should, in turn, reduce the sticker price of new vehicles. However, they're usually more expensive in upkeep and to replace. CVTs aren't sealed and might require costly fluid changes.

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