Hyundai Cars with & without CVT (4 Models: New+Used)
Hyundai does not have as many CVT models as its Japanese competitors, offering continuously variable transmissions only in the smallest vehicles.
But for the models that do, Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty coverage makes them compelling choices in their respective segments.
These Hyundai cars form a limited number with CVT, while most others have the conventional or shiftable automatic.
Hyundai Models with CVT Transmission
#1 Hyundai Accent
Although Hyundai started its automotive life by building cheap, entry-level cars, it has successfully transitioned into producing higher-end vehicles.
Still, this Korean automaker hasn’t abandoned budget-oriented buyers by making the fun-to-drive yet thoroughly economical subcompact Accent.
While 2019 and earlier models didn’t have CVT, that automatic transmission became standard in 2020 and newer Hyundai Accent sedans.
Though the interior design is expectedly simple, the Accent, with agile handling, long warranties, and superior fuel economy from its CVT-equipped four-cylinder engine, is a compelling purchase at under $17k brand-new.
#2 Hyundai Elantra
The small sedan class is competitive with several heavy hitters like the Corolla (one of the many Toyota CVT cars) and the Civic (from the long list of Honda CVT models).
Still, Hyundai Elantra emerges as one of the leading models with high fuel economy and an impressive list of technology and safety features for the money.
The CVT transmission has been available in Hyundai Elantra models from 2020 onwards; CVT was absent in the 2019 and older Elantras.
The CVT-mated four-cylinder engine can achieve a thrifty high-30s mpg overall, rivaling and, depending on the trim level, beating the more-established foes.
If you desire even better efficiency from the powertrain, the Elantra Hybrid, capable of returning over 50 mpg combined, will help you stretch your full tank of fuel as far as any hybrid of its size can.
The Elantra Hybrid, however, does not have a CVT transmission.
#3 Hyundai Venue
Relatively new among stablemates, the Hyundai Venue is the marque’s smallest SUV.
Besides the diminutive dimensions that make maneuvering in tight spaces easy, the Venue has many attributes that appeal to budget shoppers:
- Broad utility with the hatchback body.
- Easy to enter and exit the cabin despite its size.
- Abundant tech and safety features for the money.
- Pleasant ride comfort.
- Good fuel economy from the four-cylinder engine with CVT.
- Stylish design.
CVT is the standard transmission in all Hyundai Venue subcompacts.
Taller drivers may balk at the Venue’s subcompact-SUV status, but the interior provides plenty of head and legroom in both rows.
If the little Venue is an attractive option, the similarly pint-sized Soul, one of Kia’s CVT SUVs, will appeal in equal measure.
#4 Hyundai Kona
In an increasingly competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Hyundai Kona is a strong pick with many qualities in a small frame.
Among the Hyundai Kona’s likable attributes are:
- Sporty handling and snappy acceleration that make the little SUV a joy to drive.
- Feature-rich offering with many standard tech and safety features.
- Powerful CVT-equipped engine with commendable fuel economy in the optional AWD.
- Respectable headroom in both rows.
- Sleek exterior.
CVT has been available in the Hyundai Kona since 2022, while 2021 and older models didn’t have that auto transmission.
The Kona is available with the standard four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged one (Limited and N Line trims), the latter without a CVT transmission.
Hyundai Models without CVT Transmission
Most Hyundai cars, SUVs, and trucks do not have CVT, and they include the following:
- Hyundai Veloster – hatchback.
- Hyundai Veloster N – high-performance hatchback.
- Hyundai Elantra GT – hatchback.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid – compact sedan.
- Hyundai Sonata – midsize sedan.
- Hyundai Sonata N Line – midsize sedan.
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – midsize sedan.
- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid – hatchback.
- Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In-Hybrid – hatchback.
- Hyundai Kona N – extra-small SUV.
- Hyundai Tucson – small SUV.
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – small SUV.
- Hyundai Tucson Plug-In-Hybrid – small SUV.
- Hyundai Santa Fe – midsize SUV.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – midsize SUV.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In-Hybrid – midsize SUV.
- Hyundai Palisade – large SUV.
- Hyundai Kona Electric – extra-small electric SUV.
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 – small electric SUV.
- Hyundai Santa Cruz – small pickup truck.
The Korean marque is one of the few automakers with V6 engines that equip their larger vehicles with the newer shiftable automatic gearbox.
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