More and more vehicles are featuring a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as a means of maximizing fuel economy and minimizing vehicle drivetrain weight and complexity. Many automakers, such as Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota, have embraced the CVT and put considerable research and engineering into furthering its development. Most of Nissan’s cars and crossovers, for example, now feature a CVT as standard equipment while many Subarus and some small Toyota vehicles also have the CVT as standard or an option. Nearly all hybrid-electric vehicles use a CVT as well.
The CVT’s strengths are in its relatively simple nature of operation, smaller size, and lighter weight over a traditional geared transmission. A CVT also improves fuel economy by allowing the engine to run at its optimal RPM rate.
Read more at Carfax.com.
