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Why Subaru Is So Heavily Invested In The CVT, Despite Many Customers Asking For A More Exciting Option

Subaru's controversial decision to stick with the CVT may limit the brand's flexibility in a competitive market, but there are a few logical reasons behind it.
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The transmission is one of the key elements that determines a car's driving characteristics. I recently investigated a case involving a Subaru owner having transmission issues with his Legacy at a relatively low mileage. Being a more recent model of the brand, it had the CVT. This got me thinking, why is Subaru so invested in this type of automatic transmission?  

I think Subaru is often misunderstood when it comes to the choice of automatic transmission it uses in its mainstream models. Here's why the winds of change are more likely to pass Subaru rather than cause a radical shift in the company's choice of drivetrain. 

Subaru's history with the CVT 

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Subaru started using continuous variable transmissions (CVT) in its models in 1989, starting with sub-compact models like the Justy. The Japanese carmaker's larger models came with traditional, torque-converter automatics, with four and five gear ratios. This changed in 2015, when the company's Lineartronic CVT was introduced. By 2020, all but one Subaru model came with a continuous variable transmission. 

Only the Subaru BRZ continues to use a traditional, six-speed automatic. The unit is manufactured by Aisin and is also featured in the BRZ's twin, the Toyota GR86, which is about to be completely redesigned

Advantages 

  • Compact design – the specific design of the continuous variable transmission involves fewer parts, making it the most compact transmission type, in terms of packaging. 

  • Cheaper to make – because CVTs consist of fewer parts, they also cost less to manufacture. 

  • Smooth and uninterrupted acceleration – a CVT transmission does not have physical gears, so there is no shifting. This results in constant and smooth acceleration. 

  • Holds optimal RPMs – because CVTs don't have a physical set of gears, they have practically unlimited gear ratios to work with. This allows the transmission to keep the engine in optimal RPMs, relative to the power requirements in any given situation. 

  • Better gas mileage – because continuous variable transmissions keep the engine in optimal RPMs, under normal driving conditions, this results in better fuel economy, compared to a manual car or even one equipped with a traditional automatic. 

Disadvantages 

A CVT sounds great on paper, but in reality, there are some disadvantages. 

  • Uninspiring driving experience – because there are no gear shifts, a CVT transmission feels unrewarding to driving enthusiasts. It also gives the sensation of a slipping clutch, which isn't fun at all. Some CVTs have a manual mode, but if you want to “row through gears” yourself, why get a CVT in the first place? 

  • Can be noisy and dronie – because the CVT aims to keep the engine in the optimal RPMs, it keeps the engine speed near redline under acceleration, until you reach the desired speed. This creates a sensation that the engine is working too hard. Some CVTs are less refined than others and come with a variety of mechanical noises. These include whining and clanking, which gives the impression that something is wrong. 

  • Higher repair costs – automatics in general are more complex than manual transmissions, which means potential repairs will be more costly. This includes CVTs, despite them being simpler than traditional automatics. 

  • Inability to handle big torque – CVTs are developed with efficiency in mind. Because of this, you rarely see larger, more powerful engines coupled to a continuous variable transmission. Due to their design, CVTs are not built to handle the torque of a more powerful engine. Some manufacturers are developing heavy-duty CVTs, but we have yet to see them working in high-power applications. 

Why Subaru hasn't developed a traditional automatic 

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Subaru's use of the CVT is a divisive topic. Some Subaru owners embrace it because of this transmission's advantages, while others are puzzled as to why the company doesn't use a more traditional drivetrain. There are a couple of good reasons for that. 

  • The unique design of Subaru's AWD system - Subaru's Lineartronic CVT is integrated into the all-wheel-drive system. Continuous variable transmissions are more compact, so this makes sense from a packaging perspective.  

  • Subaru is a small company with limited resources at its disposal - pairing the company's Symmetrical AWD system with a different transmission would require significant modifications to the system, which isn't cost-effective. CVTs are more cost-effective. 

  • A cheat code to comply with the ever-stringent emissions regulations – since CVTs are “geared” for fuel economy, Subaru decided to ride out the storm of ever-tightening emission requirements by opting for the dreariest type of automatic transmission (potentially, rivaled by some automated manuals).  

Subaru went even further by discontinuing the manual option for most of its models, likely to cut developmental costs even more. Currently, the brand offers only two models with the option of a manual transmission – the not-so-rally-bred Subaru WRX and the lightweight Subaru BRZ, with an uncertain future

While the Japanese carmaker may seem to be stuck in its ways, perhaps the recently announced expanded partnership between Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru will bring the winds of change. 

I am curious to hear your thoughts on Subaru's decision to stick with the CVT. I will be especially interested if you have experience with the Subaru cars and this type of transmission. Feel free to share your opinion in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on XLinked-inInstagram, and Facebook.

Image sources: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness press kit, Subaru Lineartronic CVT, Subaru Ascent Forum

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Comments

Steve Akker (not verified)    June 29, 2025 - 11:31AM

Still driving my 2015 Outback with CVT with 240k miles and have NEVER changed the fluid. As a 4 season commuter car it has been Flawless ! While somewhat unexciting most trips , where it truly shines is in snow . We are on our 3rd Subaru and love the mileage , durability, and bad weather driveability.

John knapp (not verified)    June 29, 2025 - 4:51PM

You obviously have never seen a cvt in a subaru, the trans is not compact in any way shape or form. Its big and heavy.


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