QOTD: Pick Your Poison- A CVT Or A 4-Speed Automatic

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

For 2013, America’s cheapest car will get another bit of unloved technology to go along with its continuously variable transmission.

The 2013 Nissan Versa sedan, currently available with a CVT or a 5-speed manual, will also get a 4-speed automatic option for the base model S trim. With the CVT adding $2,130 over the 5-speed manual, the 4-speed unit should command a lower premium than the CVT, albeit with an arguably cruder, less pleasant driving experience.

The hate for the CVT and 4-speed auto here at TTAC is about evenly matched, but if I had to pick, I’d come down on the side of the 4AT being more popular. Prove me wrong.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Jimmyy Jimmyy on Jul 20, 2012

    The Japanese have moved beyond the 6 speed that Detroit is still trying to master. CVT is a more advanced product that Detroit engineering is unable to match. So, Detroit does what it does best. A negative campaign against CVT.

    • Mike978 Mike978 on Jul 20, 2012

      I didn`t know Honda and Toyota were widely using CVT's. I thought they were using 4 and 5 speed autos, with 6 being more advanced than 5 (and 5 more advanced than 4). My bad!

  • Mandalorian Mandalorian on Jul 20, 2012

    Well let's see. My Outback has a CVT, and my old 2002 Tahoe had a 4-speed. The Tahoe always shifted smoothly with no/minimal hunting. That 4L60E was a fine transmission indeed. My Outback's CVT works just fine, I have no problems. I would say though, I would probably prefer the 4 Speed. I test drove a Forester with it and it was just fine.

  • Rpn453 Rpn453 on Jul 20, 2012

    I'd take a good three-speed auto over some laggy, slushy six-speeds that are out there. I don't have any experience with CVTs but I imagine they're like any other transmission: some are excellent, some are horrible.

  • Zzack Zzack on Feb 07, 2013

    I would go with the 4 speed automatic. Service wise they are much more reliable and a simpler design than the CVT. I had a Mini Cooper S with the CVT and that transmission was a real clunker, no way to really fix it without spending $6,000+ for a new CVT transmission. All the people who say that CVT's are so great, just wait until service is needed and then see how great they are.

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