CVT Pros and Cons

[Subadiving]

I have no particular question regarding CVT. I just wanna know more about it.

Any thoughts on the CVTs PROS and CONS?

Do you like it? Yes or No and Why?

I don't know if there's a thread like this here. I tried the search but can't find one. I hope this will become a learning discussion.

vinz

[awd-gg]

Originally Posted by Subadiving

I have no particular question regarding CVT. I just wanna know more about it.

Any thoughts on the CVTs PROS and CONS?

Do you like it? Yes or No and Why?

I don't know if there's a thread like this here. I tried the search but can't find one. I hope this will become a learning discussion.

vinz

better MPG.

[mcbrew]

Love it! Always in the right 'gear'. Lower RPMs when cruising. Smoother driving experience. Great for towing!

[wobage]

Pro- good mpg, smooth operation, paddle shifters work, good for towing, good for difficult manuvering at slow speeds, CVT proven technology
Con - cost more, since more complicated machine there is more potential for mechanical failure, though proven technology this is a new CVT that has no proven history
Summary- though I have driven manuals for over 40 years, I sure like my CVT (so far....)

[pghgreg]

Better performance too. I don't think anyone would buy this car with the old 4EAT --it would be a dog with poor mileage.

Bands instead of gears keeps the engine in the torque band under acceleration and drops rpms for cruising. No sensation of shifting, very smooth. Because the RPMs will stay up under full throttle some report this difference as more engine noise than the vrmm, vrmm noise pulse of a traditional transmission.

There will be less drivetrain drag for engine breaking down hills, but you have some pretty handy paddle shifters for that.

Some here predicted imminent failures with high repair costs of this old but "unproven" technology, but this never manifested with Subaru. Unlike Nissan, they seem to have gotten it right out of the gate. CVT is the future of transmissions.

[Soob]

Pros: no more constant changing of gears while in slow traffic or driving around the neighborhood. The paddle shifters work great for extra control when it's icy (yes, I've actually got to use them!).

Cons: takes a few seconds longer for the tranny to lock up when shifting from reverse to a forward gear...sounds petty, but it bugs me. Also, seems like I need to give it more gas to get it going down the road from a full stop, but once it's rolling down the road the engine hardly turns to keep it going. It may not be the tranny as much as the 2012 is heavier than th '08(?)

[pghgreg]

Soob, it may be that this transmission learns and has not yet picked up on your preference for spirited acceleration yet. I don't experience odd/poor throttle response.

[Soob]

Originally Posted by pghgreg

Soob, it may be that this transmission learns and has not yet picked up on your preference for spirited acceleration yet. I don't experience odd/poor throttle response.

You may be right, we only have 1350 miles on it. Also, it may be that it's picking up on my wife's driving characteristics since she's the primary driver.

Please note I'm not disappointed at all in the CVT, I just notice the differences compared to the '08 Outback we had, that's all...

[Looby]

Pro: fewer distractions when tweeting, and/or flossing, and/or texting

Con: no way to impress your homies with 6000 rpm burn-outs

.

[AWDFTW]

MUCH smoother than the old (nearly bulletproof though) 4EAt in my 2003. I honestly like the 5EAT in the few I have driven.

That being said, I was very impressed with the CVT in the 2012 Outback loaner I had for a weekend, after about half an hour I wasn't even noticing the lack of shifts unless I was specifically paying attention. The paddle shifter, while not extremely comfortable for my hands, did make it more fun to drive.

Only con was it taking a slightly harder foot to go from a complete stop than I am used to.