Ford’s Use of CVT Transmissions
Ford has considered using continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) to improve fuel economy, especially for low-torque engines in smaller applications like the Focus and Fiesta. This reconsideration is due to the transmission’s increased popularity in the U.S.. Additionally, Ford has tested a more robust CVT design in a Ford Expedition SUV with a standard 215 hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine, marking the first time this technology has been applied to a full-size truck. Furthermore, Ford has developed a new HF35 hybrid transmission for its upcoming hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as the C-Max hybrid and plug-in hybrid cross/utility vehicles, as well as the Fusion PHEV and hybrid, and the Lincoln MKZ hybrid.
While Ford has considered and tested CVTs, it’s important to note that not all Ford vehicles use CVTs. However, many newer Ford vehicles have a CVT option available to provide improved acceleration and enhanced fuel economy.
Contents
- What is the life expectancy of a CVT transmission?
- What Ford vehicles use a CVT transmission?
- What is the biggest problem with CVT transmission?
- What car has the best CVT transmission?
- Why avoid CVT transmission?
- Who makes Ford CVT transmissions?
- Who still uses CVT transmission?
- What is the average lifespan of a CVT transmission?
- What manufacturers do not use CVT transmissions?
- Is CVT more reliable than automatic?
What is the life expectancy of a CVT transmission?
about 100,000 miles
CVT Transmission Life Expectancy
In today’s marketplace, new cars with CVTs can be expected to provide reliable operation up to about 100,000 miles. For most cars, overall reliability will be poorer than that expected with a conventional automatic or manual transmission.
What Ford vehicles use a CVT transmission?
Which Cars Have CVT?
- Buick: Encore GX.
- Chevrolet: Malibu, Trailblazer, Spark.
- Chrysler: Pacifica Hybrid (plug-in hybrid)
- Ford: Escape Hybrid, Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Maverick (hybrid)
- Honda: Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic, CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, HR-V, Insight.
- Hyundai: Accent, Elantra, Kona, Venue.
- Infiniti: QX50, QX55.
What is the biggest problem with CVT transmission?
Some of the common problems that owners run into include overheating, slipping, and sudden loss of acceleration. Shuddering is also a common problem. Since CVTs depend on the belts to operate, if these suffer from excessive stretching or too much wear, the transmission can completely fail.
What car has the best CVT transmission?
Best CVT Cars
- 2024 Toyota Crown. Compare Model. Positives. Comfortable ride.
- 2024 Toyota Prius. Compare Model. Positives. Class-leading fuel efficiency.
- 2024 Toyota Prius Prime. Compare Model. Positives.
- 2024 Honda Accord. Compare Model. Positives.
- 2024 Subaru Impreza. Compare Model. Positives.
Why avoid CVT transmission?
CVTs, by design, hold engine speed at near constant revs under acceleration. While this is technically more efficient, it leads to a droning engine sound and removes some of the sensation of speed caused by changing gears. Subjectively, this makes the car less engaging to drive.
Who makes Ford CVT transmissions?
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Partnership. In 1999, Ford partnered with ZF Friedrichshafen AG at the Batavia plant to continue production of the CD4E and to design and assemble new CVT transmissions.
Who still uses CVT transmission?
CVT technology dates to before the turn of the last century, but its first production use by a mainstream automaker in the U.S. was in the Subaru Justy subcompact in the late 1980s. These days, Subaru is all-in on CVTs, while Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi also use them widely across their lineups.
What is the average lifespan of a CVT transmission?
CVT Transmission Life Expectancy
In today’s marketplace, new cars with CVTs can be expected to provide reliable operation up to about 100,000 miles. For most cars, overall reliability will be poorer than that expected with a conventional automatic or manual transmission.
What manufacturers do not use CVT transmissions?
Kia: The Cadenza, Optima, Stinger, K900, Sportage, Niro, Sorento, Telluride, Sedona and Forte (Optional) are not equipped with CVTs. Lamborghini: No modern Lamborghini is equipped with a CVT. Land Rover: No modern Land Rover is equipped with a CVT. Lexus: Every non-hybrid is not equipped with a CVT.
Is CVT more reliable than automatic?
Some early CVTs could be prone to issues, but overall, most today have similar reliability to an automatic transmission – although if something does go wrong, they may be pricier to repair. As with other vehicle components, they should get routine maintenance.