Are There Any Good CVT's? | Different CVT Transmissions Explained

Are There Any Good CVT's? | Different CVT Transmissions Explained
[CVT, D-CVT, Direct-shift CVT, e-CVT, and Toroidal CVT]

"Continuously variable transmission" stands as one of the most divisive terms in the world of automobiles. Often abbreviated as "CVT," it's synonymous with a lack of driving excitement, drawing disdain from both die-hard manual enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

CVTs were initially associated with low-cost, low-power compact cars due to their focus on fuel efficiency rather than performance. However, in recent years, advancements in CVT technology have enabled their integration into a broader range of vehicles, including high-performance full-size sedans and SUVs.

Most CVTs only have three basic components: A high-power metal or rubber belt, A variable-input "driving" pulley, and An output "driven" pulley.
CVTs also have various microprocessors and sensors, but the three components are the key elements that enable the technology to work.

Variable-diameter pulleys are the key components of a CVT. Each pulley consists of two cones facing each other. A belt rides in the groove between the two cones of each pulley. This belt serves to transmit power between the input and output shafts of the transmission. The input pulley turns the belt, and the belt turns the output pulley.

In this video, we are taking a look at, these different types of CVT transmission used in automotive industries. (CVT, Direct-shift, E-CVT, Toroidal)

---- Time Stamp ---
00:00 - Introduction
01:38 - CVT Transmission
04:22 - Working of CVT
07:01 - History of CVT
10:13 - D-CVT
11:27 - Direct-shift CVT
13:19 - e-CVT
14:18 - Toroidal CVT
16:04 - Outro

#transmission #cvt

Check out more videos:

Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not in the auto repair business nor publish automotive service manuals. This video is not reviewed or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer. This video is intended only as general guidance. Every system is slightly different, so refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle for any specific information about your model. Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure your car's safe and reliable operation.

Copyright Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Follow us on Instagram:

[waynemansfield]

In my 50 years of driving both automatic and manual cars, replacing them with new cars on average every 5 years, I never had a transmission fail, until I purchased a cvt.

[jacquesw]

eCVT is soooo much different compared to the other CVTs out there that it's mind-boggling Toyota even calls it an eCVT due to stigma of a CVT! It doesn't have a belt or a clutch, so essentially nothing can break - brilliant engineering and should be more widespread.

[kiefershanks]

eCVTs are fantastic. And this is coming from someone who drives a manual. Not a fan of other types of CVTs but eCVTs are actually good for their intended purpose. Robust, simple and very efficient. Not to mention they feel direct and responsive thanks to the electric motor torque and not having a torque converter. They may be a bit of a driving "appliance" but they are damn good at doing just that.

[jimbeaver]

I have a Sears riding lawnmower that has a CVT with a rubber belt. After 45 years of use it still works. (Sorry, couldn't help myself. )

[greeneyesms]

I had to call my local Nissan dealer’s parts dept on a business issue and learned they had 6 CVTs in stock, waiting to be put in. That says it all…

[hebijirik]

I only have experience with the e-cvt in a Toyota Yaris. I like it. Obviously it will not make happy someone who drives because they like driving. But if your car is purely a tool of transportation this system is pretty good. Your accelerator pedal has nothing to do directly with the engine. You use it to tell the car how much power you want. The car then decides how much rpm is best to give you what you asked for and until the engine reaches that output the car will do its best to use the electric motor/generators to supplement it. Some people don't like it when the engine is keeping constant rpm while the car is accelerating. But as an engineer I like it. It just makes sense to have the engine rpm proportional to the power output and not tied to wheel speed. When I hear the engine in that car I am hearing how much power I am asking it to make and it is proportional to all the things like slope of the hill, speed, current acceleration etc. It just makes sense to me that the engine sound changes the way it does rather than linearly with just speed.

[asophxs]

I have a CVT and i don't like CVTs, but I absolutely enjoy driving my Corolla with the direct shift CVT. The move to include a direct drive gear for launch and getting up to speed is ingenious and really protects the belt from wear and tear. I get great gas milage and still be able to get up to a decent speed when I need to. I wouldn't buy a regular CVT, but if it's a toyota and its direct shit or eCVT I'd have no complaints

[corradobertorelli]

Fiat and Ford were the early adopters of metal belt CVT. Also, Metal belt driven CVT works in compression. The DAF variomatic works in tension.

[vincentkosik]

Just change fluid regularly, clean the pan and filters and don't drive like a racer...you'll be fine
The CVT fluid not only lubes but cools and cleans its important

[age]

I have a 2020 toyota with e-cvt, amazing technology and great to live with.

[autofixation]

I had a 2014 Outback that I drove very very aggressively to 158k miles and never changed the fluid. Only got rid of it due to rust. Sure it was slow, but I would regularly run it at redline to climb mountains here in the northeast, even fully loaded with luggage and a cargo topper, it never gave me trouble.

[MrWombatty]

Before buying a newer 2013 Subaru Forester to replace my 2009 model, I did a fair bit of research.
While I already knew Subaru had made considerable changes to improve the reliability & performance of their engines, I was pleasantly surprised to rread a number of revues praising the design of their CVT as being among the best and most reliable in the industry!
Even though my preference is for a manual gearbox, I absolutely love driving my CVT Forester, especially on longer trips where the cruise-control and flappy-paddles make driving very stress-free (as long as you steer clear of the idiot-drivers on the road)!

[MrSamPhoenix]

We have a CVT in our 2014 Honda Accord with the 2.4L engine. It’s been super smooth and reliable since the day we bought the car. One thing I enjoy is how it keeps the engine quiet 99% of the time.

[AmandaPandaPowell]

eCVT is really reliable. A electric motor controls the speed instead of a belt. That is the only cvt I would buy. Normal cvt are not nearly as durable as a manual or automatic transmission. They are also not serviceable. Any issues and you have to replace it.

[zhkctwn]

I got my first CVT in my new car last year and I love it BUT I did research the various CVTs as I noticed that some version fail with very low milage and made sure to get the E CVT with the additional of the superb Toyota Hybrid system. The only thing to get used to is the engine rpm which often is higher compared to my previous Manual car.

[rowerwet]

I drive a hybrid maverick with the eCVT, it's awesome! Super smooth, good acceleration, incredible MPG. I really like that it's the proven design from the Prius that Toyota perfected

[andremontmartin]

It’s a shame that the operation of eCVTs is not detailed. It is quite complex and deserves a detailed explanatory video on its own.

[michaelmartin]

Excellent explanation of CVT's. Thank you.

[andrewoh]

As a teenager I once drive a DAF variomatic. It was very easy to drive and the belts lasted as long as the tyres and could changed at the same time. The engine was actually a BMW motorcycle engine made under licence - a flat twin 600cc.

[gregsims]

The problem is the belt or chain. They will wear out and fail causing major failure, long before a maintained automatic transmission would fail and there will only be the replacement of the transmission at a high price!