Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. While some drivers may find their lack of traditional gear shifts a bit unusual, CVTs are a great option for those seeking a comfortable and economical driving experience. Here are some of the best cars with CVT transmissions in 2018⁚
1. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a perennial favorite in the compact SUV segment, and its CVT transmission is a major part of its appeal. The CVT provides smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy, making the CR-V a great choice for both city driving and highway commutes.
2. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a reliable and comfortable mid-size sedan, and its CVT transmission contributes to its smooth and refined driving experience. The CVT offers a wide range of gear ratios, allowing the Camry to accelerate efficiently and maintain a smooth ride even at highway speeds.
3. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is another popular mid-size sedan that offers a CVT transmission. The Altima’s CVT is known for its smooth acceleration and responsive performance, making it a fun and engaging car to drive.
4. Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact hatchback that offers a unique blend of practicality and performance. The CVT transmission in the Impreza provides smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who value both efficiency and performance.
5. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and sporty compact SUV that offers a CVT transmission as an option. The CVT in the CX-5 provides smooth acceleration and a comfortable driving experience, while still offering a sporty feel when desired.
Why Choose a CVT?
CVTs offer several advantages over traditional automatic transmissions, including⁚
- Smooth acceleration⁚ CVTs provide a seamless acceleration experience without the jolts and shifts of a traditional automatic transmission.
- Improved fuel efficiency⁚ CVTs can help improve fuel economy by keeping the engine operating at its most efficient RPM.
- Quieter operation⁚ CVTs tend to be quieter than traditional automatic transmissions, resulting in a more refined driving experience.
While CVTs have many advantages, they also have some drawbacks. Some drivers may find the lack of traditional gear shifts to be a bit unusual, and some CVTs can exhibit a “rubber band” effect when accelerating, which can be perceived as sluggish or unresponsive. However, these drawbacks are becoming less common as CVT technology continues to improve.
If you’re looking for a car that offers a smooth and efficient driving experience, a CVT transmission is definitely worth considering. The cars on this list are all excellent choices for those who value comfort, fuel economy, and a smooth ride.