"The Subaru WRX Proves Everyone Wrong About CVT Transmissions"

[SwampSurvivor]

Thus far we haven't had any issues with CVTs. However, I have had a few vehicles with stepped shift autos that did give me problems, right down to complete failure.

In theory, the CVTs should last longer. No clutch packs that wear out from shifting. I know people complain about the newer 6+ speed automatics shifting a lot, but my God the 4 speed in my Grand Marquis shifts way too much.

 

[Fabulous50s]

In theory, the CVTs should last longer. No clutch packs that wear out from shifting. I know people complain about the newer 6+ speed automatics shifting a lot, but my God the 4 speed in my Grand Marquis shifts way too much.

The main problem with CVT design is it only used hydraulic pressure to hold metal to metal "belt" to the conical pullys.

The lack of clutch material is really the downside. Once something in a CVT slips, it's game over.

 

[Delta]

In theory, the CVTs should last longer. No clutch packs that wear out from shifting. I know people complain about the newer 6+ speed automatics shifting a lot, but my God the 4 speed in my Grand Marquis shifts way too much.

That was my 2021 Tacoma V6. Constantly hunting for the right gear on the back roads. One of the reasons I own the same truck in a manual now.

The Outback has the CVT and while I don't "love" it, I feel it suits the vehicle just fine. Always seems to be in the right spot, even on those back roads.

 

[ESP9935]

All CVT transmissions suck! If the design is that good why don't big equipment machines like loaders, dozers, and excavators use it? I never want one in anything.

You were saying?

 

[A_Harman]

That is a hydro-mechanical design that is MUCH different than what you will find on an on-highway vehicle. Apples/Oranges really...

Name for me ANY automatic transmission that isn't hydro-mechanical. Whatever the infinitely variable mechanism is doesn't really matter. It's the principle of having stepless drive ratio variation that allows perfect matching of engine to vehicle speed with best efficiency that is the goal.

 

[DriveHard]

Name for me ANY automatic transmission that isn't hydro-mechanical. Whatever the infinitely variable mechanism is doesn't really matter. It's the principle of having stepless drive ratio variation that allows perfect matching of engine to vehicle speed with best efficiency that is the goal.

I don't know of ANY automatic transmission in on-highway vehicles that use a hydraulic pump and motor to transmit power like a Fendt transmission does. A Fendt transmission is the combination of a hydrostatic transmission and a fixed gear mechanical transmission. There is nothing like it within on-highway that I know of (please prove me wrong, as I would love to learn).

Yes, on-highway transmissions use hydraulics to shift gears, change ratios, etc., but nothing on highway that I know of ((TODAY) - Sundstrand used to make one in the 70's) uses the hydraulic fluid to transfer power.

 

[nthach]

I remember the Prius, of about 2008, 2009. I took a pool vehicle Prius on a trip, and found the CVT in it performed quite well.

To clear the air, Toyota Hybrid System, and the related Ford system(not the single-motor system in the F-150 PowerBoost and Explorer Hybrid) as well as Honda’s current two-motor system and Allison EP40/50 bus hybrid systems are not true CVTs based on the Van Doorne’s Transmissie(Bosch) pushbelt or LuK pushchain(Schaeffler) elements. Instead, it’s two electric motors linked with a planetary gearset as a power-split device(Toyota/Ford), a mechanical clutch(Honda) or even integrate multiple planetaries(Allison and the new Lexus multi-mode hybrid). The speeds of each motor are controlled by the IGBTs in the inverter switching on or off each of the motor phases. Think of the inverter like a VFD, the motors in the trans serve as a generator or a motor depending on demand.

In effect, it is like a CVT but with electricity, the engine drives a motor which becomes a generator and the varying output controls the other motor - and vice-Versa. The only exceptions are parallel hybrids like Honda IMA and eTorque/e-Assist.

 

[nthach]

Also, the new Tundra/Sequoia iForce Max while a hybrid, is a parallel hybrid with a single motor - think Honda IMA and the Germans, an electric motor replaces the torque converter. Same thing with the F-150 PowerBoost and Explorer Hybrid.

 

[deven]

The e-CVT in my lexus ES300h is fantastic. Maybe I am showing my age but the car just glides on the road. No fake shifts or anything like that. I for one love that there are no shift points.

 

[Elkins45]

I have no problem with the idea of a CVT transmission. My objection is the history of problems with so many of the ones currently in service. Maybe in 10 years it won’t be so much of a risk, but as of today I don’t want to pay $30k for a car and then have to shell out $$$ more in a few years for a transmission rebuild.

 

[Paco Pena]

CVT is great for scooters.

Paco

 

[Cujet]

The problem is not the performance. They can perform quite well. The problem is DURABILITY, lifespan and cost.

This CVT failed at 2400 miles since new, while going up a long interstate hill, with cruise control on. The RPM climbed and climbed until 5200 RPM, then the noises started. I was able to limp it down the hill and into a gas station.