Glendale Nissan Official Blog
The continuously variable transmission has become a standard, but why?
By Product Expert | Posted in FAQs, Features & Technology, Performance & Safety on Monday, February 6th, 2017 at 5:42 pm
Why does Nissan use a CVT in many models?
For generations, there were really two types of transmissions: a manual and an automatic. It wasn’t quite that simple, as the amount of gears have changed and standards are always shifting, but you basically needed a clutch or you didn’t. Some said manuals were more efficient, but that depended on driving style, and there’s no doubt that an automatic has a shorter learning curve and requires less skill. It seems the winds are blowing in a different direction now, as Nissan has changed over to a CVT in many models, but why? We look at the benefits of continuously variable transmissions.
What makes the Xtronic CVT good?
So why is a CVT a good change? The basic answer is that there aren’t fixed gears like there are with automatic transmissions, which both creates a smoother feel as you don’t feel gear changes, and fuel efficiency is improved because your transmission doesn’t have to sit in a gear for longer than necessary before it kicks up or down. From a maintenance standpoint, CVTs use fewer parts so they are cheaper to manufacture and easier to fix, if you go to the right mechanic. It’s true that they are a newer breed of transmission, so you’d likely want to stick with technicians trained for the repairs.
Read More: How does Nissan Xtronic CVT Work?
As you can probably guess, a CVT is essentially a type of automatic transmission, but uses a two-pull system connected by a band. The results are smooth, efficient and durable, but early options earned a bad reputation that automakers like Nissan are still overcoming. As you can see in the image comparing the current generation to the past, there used to be much more friction in old designs. Models earned a reputation for being less perky, and who wants that?
The Xtronic CVT is now in its third generation, having first been released to the lineup all the way back in 2002. D-Step Logic Control is the latest in technology for the Xtronix CVT, and it’s essentially advanced software that takes in driving information to work harder on selecting the best gear ratio. Many journalists claim this technology allows the CVT to feel much more like a standard automatic, but with all the benefits we’ve already listed. If you want to see for yourself, stop by Glendale Nissan to check out the new 2017 Nissan Pathfinder.
Do you still have CVT questions? Leave us a comment here at the Glendale Nissan Blog and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
