CVT transmission

anybody have one?
What's yout take on them?
Can they tow light loads, like 2500lbs.
What I'm seeing is they really help on gas mileage but at what cost?
Thanks Greg

 

Bizarre powerband and they're loud as hell.

 

Wife's corolla has one. Seems a bit underpowered but can get. Up and go. I wouldn't tow anything besides maybe a lawn mower.

 

Like said very loud engine wise.

 

Wife's new Forester has one in it, while it gets us 34mpg hwy tow rating is only 1000lbs or 1500lbs if the trailer has brakes. So I could tow a tiny dump trailer if needed or a couple shopping carts full of stuff but CVTs in cars are only really useful for the mpg.

 

CVT has been around for a long time......

My husband has one in his Infiniti SUV and he's only had it since February.

Too soon to make any judgements on anything - as this is our first Infinity, and our first CVT.

Can't say there's much or any difference that's noticeable. Gas mileage? It's a new 6cylinder SUV. It gets slightly better gas mileage than our previous SUV (2006). It should get better gas mileage for being 9 years newer..... But then again...two completely different manufacturers (Acura Vs Infinity).

 

Thanks zoot, the 1000lb. Tow rating is a deal buster for me. I don't need a tow monster but a 2500/3500 is a realistic want.

 

I think we will continue to see increased use of CVTs as government regs require higher MPG / lower emissions.

I don't own one but, have rented several cars & CUVs with them and hate the way they drive with one exception...the 2015 Honda CRV. It drives pretty normal or at least in a way that isn't such a shock.

It's not a new tech and several car companies have avoided using them in higher torque motors for years due to reliability issues from what I remember reading years ago. I wanna say Audi used to limit them to products with <= 200hp/200lbft because of self distruction. That type of info doesn't lend itself to confidence in towing capability in my mind so I think you've made the right choice.

 

Guy I know has one in his Heep Patriot. Less than 100k and it shit the bed. It had been slipping bad but every time he went to dealer they couldn't replicate it. That's my only experience with CVT so far.

 

They've come a long way for passenger car use. I've had it in 2 Camry Hybrids, an 07 and a '12. The 07 felt somewhat like an old auto with what we used to call "bands slipping." The 2012 is much more responsive and direct. Not noisy at all. Ideally suited to the hybrid drivetrain. Probably not ideal for towing.

 

I had a "Patriot" with a CVT as a rental earlier this year. Flew into SFO and drove it round trip up the coast to SEA. I'm amazed that, after a test drive, Jeep is able to unload those POSs on anyone.

 

Does anyone know if my 2017 Tacoma with a 4-cylinder 6-speed auto have a CVT?

 

Nope. I mean, I know...it doesn’t.

 

Thank G-d, and you!

 

They're fine if your car is an appliance. If you don't really care about cars and just see them as a way to get from Point A to Point B, get the CVT.

If you want a more engaging driving experience, get a decent auto or a manual.