Will we all drive CVTs?

Issue 24

In this issue, we’re talking about CVTs, and when I say “talking,” I literally mean it. We’re launching a new audio version of every newsletter!

Many of you asked for an audio version, so here it is! One note is that Beehiiv limits listening to audios on the web version, and not the email.

We hope you like it!

Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

• CVT Challenges: We explore the downsides of Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), including their potential for noisy operation and costly repairs, particularly highlighted by issues with Nissan's models.

• An Increase In Popularity: Regardless of the challenges, more companies are using CVTs, and we cover which.

• Ford F250 Reliability: We highlight the best and worst years for the Ford F250 to guide you in choosing a reliable work truck.

• Affordable Truck Lifting: Discover the cheapest and safest methods to lift your truck without breaking the bank.

• Virginia's Emissions Standards: Virginia becomes the first state to abandon California's emissions standards, marking a significant shift in environmental policy.

KERN’S CORNER

Are we all going to drive CVTs?

My Toyota RAV4 gives me everything I need and nothing I don't. It's somewhat fuel efficient, has adequate ground clearance, and is comfortable. 

It gets me from point A to point B without any issues. It's, by all means, the perfect daily for a guy like me who wants to spend his time working on the other vehicles—you know, the ones that break down constantly?

But the RAV4 isn't perfect, by any means. Sure, it has never had an issue in 100,000 miles of ownership, but one thing grinds my gears (pun intended): the acceleration. 

It feels entirely artificial. Even with the descent control, there is no compression when going downhill. It's as though something is getting in the way between my foot and the engine. 

And that something is the Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT. 

There are no two ways about it: I hate how CVTs feel. 

Sure, every magazine out there calls this transmission smooth and seamless. It might be. I barely notice when my car changes gear, although putting my foot down never feels confident. 

These transmissions may be smooth, but they're designed for a particular use: the most boring one out there. 

To make matters worse, we'll likely all drive CVTs soon, and that's not a good outlook. 

How many companies use CVTs?

The following chart shows the percentage of vehicles within a company that come with a CVT transmission, either as standard or as an option.

We accounted for all the available models with CVT compared to the total model within the fleet.

CVT is becoming the norm for many automotive manufacturers. In some cases, such as Mitsubishi, practically all the available vehicles have CVT. 

Honda and Toyota are other big names taking full advantage of CVTs, and these numbers are bound to grow. 

When we analyze why, it makes perfect sense. After all, as a concept, the CVT is an engineering marvel. As an end-user product, not so much, and here's why. 

How a CVT works?

If you love videos, this video does an excellent job of explaining how CVTs work.

In short, two sets of conical gears are connected by a belt. They can move in and out, creating endless combinations depending on your need for torque, power, or fuel efficiency. Hence, the name is continuously variable. 

The belt that joins the two sets comprises hundreds of tiny metal components that conform to the ever-changing form. Since the belt can adapt so quickly, it guarantees a smooth operation. 

At the same time, if you happen to see a CVT transmission in real life, you'll notice that, dimensionally, it's not big. In fact, it's pretty small, which makes it ideal for FWD or AWD cars where you need to jam everything in minimal space. 

CVTs can also provide power more efficiently (to a certain point) because of their design. Also, they can give better mpg and have higher efficiency. 

These transmissions constantly calculate the best gear according to driving conditions. Then, they adjust these conditions accordingly, and you barely notice it. 

So why do I hate them?

The downside of CVTs

Granted, CVTs are smooth and help with fuel economy. 

However, they’re loud. CVTs will usually operate at higher revs than traditional automatics, creating a droning noise that wears you out.

While acceleration is smooth, it tops out quickly. Hence, you feel you've run out of transmission capability before you run out of engine power. 

That's when we get into the transmission itself. 

Let's return to the design for a second and to one of its most essential components: the belt. 

Think about it for a second. This belt will endure countless hours of oscillating tension. So, like other belts within your engine, it will eventually need replacing. 

The problem is that changing that belt is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult overall. In some cases, companies prefer replacing the transmission at a high cost. 

Keeping the CVT in perfect working order requires excellent cooling, and not all transmissions are created equal. 

CVTs can be a lottery. Some companies produce excellent transmissions, while others are mired in ongoing problems. 

If you're lucky, you won't have a problem. But, if you're not, you could end up with total transmission failure. 

The Nissan Case

You know you’ve screwed up when countless YouTube videos talk about your issues. That's Nissan's situation with the CVT, as this video explains. 

When the Murano entered the market, Nissan promoted it as an SUV unlike any other. Granted, its look did break the norm, and it was an SUV when SUVs were only beginning to dominate the market. 

However, the Murano stood out for other reasons, mainly the transmission. 

Check out Car Complaints, and you'll find heaps of transmission issues. 

Symptoms included jerking, overheating, and transmission failure. 

Behind all these problems was a combination of faulty transmission belts and deficient cooling. 

To make matters worse, Nissan knew about the problems but didn't take action. Instead, they created a series of software codes to indicate technicians when to change the transmission.

However, they didn't do so under warranty, so they still charged the customer.

The problem got so bad that Nissan earned a reputation for making the worst CVT ever. 

It's just that it doesn't end there. We've all heard of Nissan's conflicts at the helm, and if you haven't, I recommend this video.

It's safe to say that they turned a blind eye and continued to put the faulty CVT in many vehicles. 

The problem is so severe that Nissan has settled eight class action suits and continues to work on others. 

Here are the affected vehicles, and if you own one, what to do:

• 2014–2018 Nissan Rogue

• 2015–2018 Nissan Pathfinder

• 2015–2018 Infiniti QX60

• 2013–2019 Nissan Sentra

• 2014–2019 Nissan Versa

• 2014–2019 Nissan Versa Note

• 2013–2018 Nissan Altima

• 2013–2017 Nissan Juke

So, are all CVTs bad?

Does this mean that all CVTs are bad? Well, no, but it does send out warning signs.

By their nature, CVTs are challenging to work on. They're also limited in how much physical power they can produce.

If you look at the list of cars with CVTs, none is a full-size option. That’s because these transmissions can’t handle a lot of torque.

They require almost obsessive maintenance, and even so, it’s no guarantee.

Likely, they won't all fail catastrophically, as Nissan's CVT did. Although, not even Nissan cares about this. They have continued producing and using CVTs, and they continue to fail. 

However, fixing a CVT will be expensive, regardless of the brand.

That’s something we need to consider. I don’t want to pay thousands every time my CVT has issues.

My RAV4 hasn't failed, and I hope it doesn't. I'm obsessive with maintenance and consider myself a cautious driver. However, if, at one point, the CVT does fail, I won't be surprised. Bummed out, yes. But not surprised. 

One brand that uses CVTs for most of its models is Subaru. If you want to read more about how many miles these transmissions last, read our article. 

BEST AND WORST

What are the best and worst years for the Ford F250?

If you want a rugged work truck, few, if any, compare to the F250. It’s got room, power, and plenty of space in the bed.

However, some years are highly unreliable, and that's not what you want from a work truck. 

So, in this article, we're covering the best and worst years for the Ford F250.

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

What is the cheapest way to lift a truck?

It's a widespread thought: how can I lift this truck without spending too much money? 

We’ve all considered it, and there’s no denying it looks great.

The reality is that modifying our cars is cool, but it can bang our wallets. So, we've decided to talk about the cheapest (and safest) way to lift your truck.

NEWSBITES

Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• Virginia will abandon emissions standards set by California, making it the first state to do so. 

• Speaking of emission standards, they reach the untouchable F1. 

• GM is crushing its old concept cars, and it makes us wonder if we can buy one

• NYC shelves the country's first congestion pricing experiment with any momentum