Even if you're not a car enthusiast, you're likely at least vaguely familiar with the argument of manual versus automatic transmissions. For most of the automobile's history, manual transmissions offered greater fuel economy and quicker gear change capability. However, thanks to huge advances in automotive technology, automatic transmissions have evolved to be more efficient and can change gears faster than any human ever could. Still, many "purists" prefer manuals because they provide another point of control over the vehicle. Besides simply accelerating, braking, and steering, you're also tasked with the selection and timing of gear changes.
However, while it doesn't get as much attention as the other two, there's a third option quietly gaining ground as many manufacturers' transmission of choice. The CVT, or continuously variable transmission, features some inherent benefits that manuals and regular automatics can't offer. Here's a quick explanation of its most desirable attributes.
How does a CVT Work? What are the Benefits?
You don't have to worry about selecting the right gear if there aren't any gears to select. Instead of traditional toothed gears, CVTs use pulleys with variable diameters connected by a belt. The pulleys feature cone-shaped "sheaves" on either side of the belt that move towards or away from each other, increasing and decreasing the pulley's diameter. One pulley connects to the engine, and the other transmits power to the wheels. The pulleys change in size according to the power demand, providing strong and smooth acceleration.
Benefits of the continuously variable transmission include:
- Better efficiency: A CVT offers a theoretically infinite range of gear ratios, which allows it to operate at peak efficiency no matter the engine speed, resulting in superior fuel economy.
- Smoother operation: No gears means no disruptive gear changes.
- Lighter weight and better economics: CVTs aren't nearly as complex as standard geared transmissions. This makes them lighter (which overall aids fuel economy) and cheaper to manufacture (keeping customer costs down), and gives them fewer possible failure points.
What Mitsubishi Models Have a CVT
- Mirage: A CVT comes standard on LE, SE, and GT models and is available on ES models (standard 5-Speed Manual).
- Mirage G4: A CVT comes standard on LE SE models and is available on ES models (standard 5-Speed Manual).
- Eclipse Cross: Standard CVT
- Outlander Sport: Standard CVT
- Outlander: Standard CVT; (GT models come with a six-speed automatic)
Shop Mitsubishi Models near Washington DC, Hyattsville, Arlington, VA, and Alexandria, VA
For more information about our CVT-equipped Mitsubishi models and available trim levels, options, and financing offers, please contact Ourisman Mitsubishi at your convenience. And if you'd like to try one for yourself, we invite you to visit us in Marlow Heights, MD, for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.