What is a CVT gearbox? Reliability, pros and cons

CVT gearboxes are a type of automatic gearbox used in modern cars. They’re not as common as traditional ‘torque converter’ or ‘dual-clutch’ automatic gearboxes, but they’re still found in several cars from a variety of manufacturers. There are a few reasons why you might want a car with a CVT gearbox, but there are also some potential drawbacks that are worth being aware of.

Manual or automatic gearbox – which is best?

In the guide, we’ll cover how a CVT gearbox works, the pros and cons and how reliable they are, to help you make an informed decision on the gearbox in your next car. For a good starting point for your car-buying journey, you can read our list of the best automatic cars on sale today.

What is a CVT gearbox and how does it work?

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic gearbox, and it operates in much the same way to a traditional automatic gearbox from behind the wheel. You turn on your car, select ‘Drive’ and away you go, with no clutch pedal or gear changes to worry about. That means a CVT-equipped car can be driven on an automatic driving licence.

However, a CVT works quite differently to a normal automatic gearbox under the skin. In fact, calling a CVT a ‘gearbox’ is slightly misleading as it doesn’t have any physical gears at all. Instead of using a fixed number of gear ratios – like a five-speed or six-speed gearbox – a CVT uses a pair of cone-shaped pulleys connected by a chain or belt, which can be continually adjusted to create an infinite number of ‘ratios’.

If that sounds a bit confusing, the thing to remember is that a CVT gearbox doesn’t have to jump between gears like a regular automatic would from second to third gear, or fifth to fourth, for example. Instead, the pulleys in a CVT will continually adjust from the moment you set off, all the way up to motorway speeds. You can hear this when you’re driving; instead of the engine producing an audible drop in revs between up-changes, a CVT gearbox has a tendency to produce a continuous drone as the car speeds up.

What are the pros of a CVT gearbox?

By having an infinite number of gear ‘ratios’ to vary between, unlike a regular automatic that might have just six or seven, a CVT gearbox can keep the engine in its optimum rev range more of the time. This can result in fuel economy gains versus a traditional automatic.

CVTs are some of the smoothest gearboxes, too. With no physical gears to swap between, there’s no jolt or pause as it changes up through the gears like some traditional automatics. Acceleration is continuous and linear, and can make the driving experience more comfortable.

Both of these benefits are why CVT gearboxes are commonly used in hybrid vehicles. The smoothness of a CVT pairs well with the smoothness of an electric motor, while the two combine for excellent fuel economy. 

CVT gearboxes are fairly simple in their design and construction and have been in production for decades, so they’re relatively reliable as a result. As long as you stick to a regular service schedule, a CVT should be no more problematic than a traditional automatic gearbox.

What are the cons of a CVT gearbox?

One of the main drawbacks of a CVT gearbox is a byproduct of having no physical gear ratios to swap between. Many drivers are accustomed to the sound of a traditional automatic or manual gearbox, with step changes in the engine revs as you accelerate. CVT gearboxes can create a droning noise that holds steady, instead of increasing or decreasing with engine speed. This can be a bit disconcerting for some drivers, and takes some getting used to.

The droning noise can be particularly noticeable under hard acceleration, which has a tendency to send engine revs soaring. While this is perfectly normal, some drivers find the noise a bit harsh. As a result, CVT gearboxes are generally best suited to relaxed, economical driving, and not high-performance applications. Plus, the chain or belt in a CVT gearbox is under a lot of strain, so it would be at higher risk of wearing out if connected to a high horsepower engine. 

Are CVT gearboxes reliable?

The CVT has a good reputation for reliability thanks to its simple design. What’s more, they usually lead relatively unstressed lives because they’re mated to low-power engines, such as the ones in superminis and hybrids. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule and ensuring CVT transmission fluid is changed on time should see them work perfectly for at least as long as any other type of gearbox.

Which cars come with a CVT gearbox?

Today, most CVT gearboxes are found in hybrid cars from Japanese manufacturers. Toyota has used CVTs for over two decades, along with its premium sister-brand Lexus. Honda, Subaru and Nissan also use CVT gearboxes for some of their automatic models. Outside of Japan, the hybrid versions of the latest Ford Kuga use a CVT gearbox.

Some manufacturers have developed CVTs with ‘step’ technology to mimic the gears of a traditional automatic gearbox. Audi offered this system throughout the early 2000s, and a similar technology can be found in modern Subaru models. Some manufacturers have fitted paddle-shifters to cars with CVT gearboxes to give drivers the sense of controlling gear changes, even if in reality they aren’t.

Should I buy a car with a CVT gearbox?

Most drivers will be more than happy with a car with a CVT gearbox – they’re smooth and can return great fuel economy. The latest CVTs are also very reliable, so shouldn’t pose any more issues than a regular automatic. 

You’ll be able to tell from test-driving a car with a CVT whether the way the gearbox works suits your driving style and the way you’ll use the car. If performance isn’t your top priority, you mostly use your car around town and you simply don’t want a manual, then a CVT automatic may make the most sense. Driving enthusiasts and those after the ultimate in refinement are likely to prefer a different type of automatic gearbox.

What’s the history of the CVT gearbox?

The CVT gearbox was first patented in 1886 with the arrival of the motorcar. The CVT became more mainstream thanks to DAF’s ‘Variomatic’ gearbox in the 1950s. Today’s CVT gearboxes use the basic idea of the Variomatic and manufacturers such as Honda, Nissan and Toyota fit them to their cars.

Thinking about buying an electric car? Read our guide to electric car gearboxes…