A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission that can change smoothly through an infinite range of gear ratios, rather than shifting through fixed gears like 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

The result is smoother acceleration and, in many everyday vehicles, better fuel economy — because the engine can stay closer to its most efficient RPM for whatever you’re asking the car to do.

However, traditional automatics tend to handle higher torque and heavier loads better, which is why CVTs are rare in heavy-duty trucks or high-performance towing applications. CVTs are most common in small-to-midsized cars and crossovers, where fuel efficiency and emissions targets matter most. New chain-driven CVTs are starting to appear in three-row SUVs, though.

How CVTs work vs. traditional automatics

In most vehicles, a CVT uses variable-diameter pulleys and a belt or chain. It adjusts continuously, without discrete shifts, and keeps the engine RPM where the computer wants it. The cone-shaped halves of each pulley can move closer together or farther apart. As those cones move, the diameter where the belt rides changes, and so does the gear ratio.

When the input pulley grows larger, and the output pulley shrinks, the transmission behaves like a higher gear (more speed, less torque). Reverse that movement, and you get a lower gear (more torque, less speed). Because the pulleys can take on any position within their range, the transmission can select any ratio it needs, not just a handful of fixed ones.

Comparably, traditional automatic transmissions use fixed gearsets (planetary gears) and a torque converter, shifting through a set number of gears — such as six, eight, or even 10. The engine RPM rises and falls with each shift, which many drivers find more familiar.

What a CVT feels like on the road

From the driver’s seat, a CVT usually feels “shiftless.” You may hear the engine rev up to a certain RPM and then hold it there as the car continues to accelerate.

Because a large percentage of drivers prefer the familiar feel of gear changes, some manufacturers program artificial shift points so the CVT mimics a traditional automatic, even though it’s still varying ratios continuously underneath.

The pros and cons of a CVT

CVTs offer some clear advantages. They deliver smooth acceleration with no shift shock and can improve fuel economy by keeping the engine in its most efficient range. They also tend to have fewer conventional geartrain components than multi-speed automatics.

There are trade-offs, too. Some drivers dislike the “rubber band” feel and the steady, higher engine revs under hard acceleration. Certain belt-type CVTs can also be sensitive to heat, heavy loads, and improper fluid. Manufacturers typically require specific service intervals between 30,000 and 60,000 miles to prevent issues like overheating or belt slippage.

Want a more “shiftless” driving experience?

If you’d prefer the smoother ride and greater fuel economy a CVT offers, Credit Acceptance can recommend a dealer where you can trade in your current vehicle. In fact, we have over 15,000 dealers coast-to-coast. Before you visit one of them, you can get pre-qualified for auto financing through our site, so you’ll know the maximum monthly payment you may qualify for.