34 Popular SUVs without CVT Transmission (Updated 2023)
While continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps fuel efficiency, weight-saving, and lower production costs, it dulls the ride somewhat, making non-CVT cars more exciting to drive.
(In any case, the CVT automatic gearbox is most prevalent in smaller cars and SUVs.)
This post lists the subcompact, compact, and midsize SUVs without CVT-equipped drivetrains in both mainstream and luxury segments – the later section lists the SUV models that do have CVT (for those who are interested).
Best SUVs without CVT Transmission
CVTs do not feel the same as upshifting with conventional auto gearboxes, and the lack of connection between the accelerator and the engine can be frustrating for drivers used to traditional automatics.
These mainstream non-CVT SUV models mostly adopt the shiftable automatic transmission.
Subcompact SUVs without CVT
#1 Hyundai Kona N
While the regular Kona is already a strong contender in an increasingly competitive subcompact class, the Korean automaker produced the N variant with performance enhancement to broader its market reach.
Among the Kona N’s pluses are:
- Peppy acceleration from the turbocharged engine.
- Respectable mid-20s mpg with 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- Nimble handling.
- Feature-rich for the money.
Unlike the higher-performance N variant that comes with a 7 or 8-speed automated manual, the regular Kona comes with CVT (FWD or AWD available).
#2 Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 is one of two subcompact SUVs within Mazda’s lineup – the CX-30 is the other, newer one, which comes equipped with a shiftable automatic transmission.
This little Mazda SUV has several strong points:
- Comfortable interior.
- Reasonably strong fuel economy with the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- Firm but compliant ride.
- Responsive steering.
2021 is the final model year for the CX-3.
#3 Volkswagen Taos
Relatively new in the extra-small class, the VW Taos is a compelling SUV from the German automaker.
Taos’ strong suits include:
- Impressive handling.
- Accurate steering.
- Good fuel economy with the 8-speed shiftable automatic.
- Ample storage space for a little SUV.
- Easy to enter and exit the cabin.
- Firm yet comfortable ride.
The newer Taos model years come with either a shiftable automatic or automated manual transmission.
#4 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 took over the mantle as Mazda’s sole extra-small SUV from 2022 onwards.
Like its similar-sized predecessor, the Mazda CX-30’s notable pluses are as follows:
- Excellent handling for enhanced driving engagement.
- Segment-average fuel economy with 6-speed shiftable automatic.
- Upscale interior.
- Comfortable ride despite its sporty demeanor.
#5 Ford EcoSport
The EcoSport is Ford’s sole entrant in the subcompact SUV class.
Compared to the competition, the EcoSport struggles for recognition:
- Below-average fuel economy from the four-cylinder engine mated with a 6-speed shiftable automatic.
- Poor visibility with massive blind spots.
- Bumpy ride.
2022 marked the end of the road for this underwhelming subcompact.
#6 Chevrolet Trax
The American car maker has two extra-small SUVs in its stable; the Trax is one of them.
Although it is easy to maneuver due to the compact size, the older Chevy Trax has more negatives than positives, although the second-gen model exhibited improvements:
- Good amount of interior room for its size.
- Reasonably comfortable ride quality – the second gen is the better cruiser.
- Subpar fuel economy with the 6-speed shiftable auto.
- Below-average cargo room in the first gen, but significantly roomier in the second gen.
The Trax skipped 2023 and returned in 2024 to kickstart its second generation.
#7 Buick Encore
Buick has rebranded itself in recent years with several SUVs in its product line.
The subcompact Buick Encore is decidedly average, however:
- Comfortable cabin at most speeds.
- Below-average fuel economy with 6-speed shiftable automatic.
- Limited standard features compared to the competition.
- Short on cargo room.
Note that only the all-wheel-drive trims get a shiftable automatic gearbox while the front-wheel-drive ones ride on the CVT.
2022 marked the end of the road for the Buick Encore, unfortunately.
#8 Jeep Renegade
Jeep is a specialist off-road manufacturer with many 4wd vehicles that the family can take on outdoor adventures.
Although the ride quality and fuel economy aren’t strong suits, the little Jeep Renegade has plenty of character that appeals:
- Tight handling.
- Excellent off-road capability.
- Roomy interior with an optional sunroof.
- Easy to get in and out of the cabin.
Jeep Renegade utilizes a traditional automatic gearbox.
#9 Jeep Compass
The Compass is slightly larger than the Renegade but still a subcompact SUV.
The Compass’ positives are:
- Strong off-roader with the Trailhawk variant.
- Below-average fuel economy with the 6-speed shiftable auto gearbox.
- Roomy cabin for its size.
All automatic-shod Compass SUVs from 2018 ride on shiftable auto gearboxes, although the manual transmission did survive until the 2020 model.
Compact SUVs without CVT
#10 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best small SUVs that do not use a CVT transmission, with many qualities that shoppers in this class will appreciate:
- Comfortable ride with a quiet interior.
- Strong fuel economy with the 8-speed shiftable automatic.
- Ample passenger and cargo room.
- Solid Toyota reliability.
Toyota is one of several car makers for good mpg vehicles.
#11 Hyundai Tucson & Tucson Hybrid
Available in gasoline-only and hybrid versions, Hyundai Tucson is a compelling choice for a compact SUV without CVT – shiftable automatic in the FWD or AWD versions.
Compact SUVs buyers will find plenty to like about the Tucson:
- Smooth ride quality with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- Aggressive styling.
- Roomy interior.
- Loads of technology and safety features for the money.
- Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty coverage.
#12 Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage is less stellar when standing next to its same-size sibling, Kia Niro.
Still, the Sportage is a good small shiftable-automatic SUV with a few pluses:
- Spacious seating for its compact body.
- Relatively smooth ride and a comfortable interior.
- Has many standard features, a hallmark of Kia vehicles.
#13 Kia Niro
Kia Niro is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric versions.
The Niro hybrid is a strong pick with its 6-speed automated manual gearbox:
- Nimble handling for enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Good ride comfort in a roomy interior.
- Feature-packed for the money.
#14 Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 is one of the best non-CVT compact SUVs for drivers who want to prioritize driving engagement.
Like all vehicles from this Japanese automaker, the CX-5 is a joy to drive:
- Sharp and communicative handling.
- Quiet interior even at elevated speeds.
- Smooth-shifting with a 6-speed shiftable automatic gearbox.
- Premium interior design.
#15 Mazda CX-50
Although it’s relatively new in the small SUV segment, the non-CVT Mazda CX-50 has quickly proven to be an exceptional pick in a crowded field.
Outstanding CX-50 qualities include:
- Responsive steering and sharp handling with minimal body roll.
- Comfortable, upscale interior.
- Decent storage space but pretty roomy in both passenger rows.
The shiftable automatic transmission is standard.
#16 Volkswagen Tiguan
VW Tiguan is a sharp-looking small SUV that utilizes a shiftable automatic gearbox.
In typical German-like fashion, the Tiguan offers a smooth and quiet ride in a sleek and roomy interior.
#17 Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid, & Escape Plug-In-Hybrid
Ford offers the non-CVT Escape SUV in gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid variants.
The traditional automatic transmission is less refined than what the competition offers.
The hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models sport an electrically variable-speed automatic.
#18 Ford Bronco Sport
If you don’t mind compromising on on-road ride comfort, the non-CVT Ford Bronco Sport small SUV will appeal with its off-road capability and distinctive styling.
But if a smooth ride is crucial, a model from one of the quietest and most comfortable car brands will make a better choice.
#19 Chevrolet Equinox
In a class dominated by ultra-popular models like Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Chevy Equinox is underwhelming, with few notable attributes worth pointing out.
Still, the Equinox has a shiftable automatic transmission and stylish design to help it stand out visually.
#20 Jeep Wrangler
While the Japanese and Korean automakers focus on fuel efficiency, on-road ride quality, and overall value for money, Jeep offers its drivers unmatched off-roading capability.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic, rocky terrain all-star with an abundance of personality to charm adventure-driven individuals.
Depending on the trim level, its auto variants have the traditional (up to 2022) or shiftable automatic gearbox.
#21 Jeep Cherokee
Like Jeep’s family of SUVs, the Cherokee is a non-CVT vehicle that has impressive ability on dirt roads and uneven landscapes.
Unlike the Wrangler, the Cherokee’s ride quality is more livable on-road.
Midsize SUVs without CVT
#22 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder stands unique with its spacious and commendably comfortable cabin when cruising at highway speeds, plus a massive tow capacity with the optional towing package that beats the competition.
However, its fuel economy from the shiftable auto-equipped V6 power plant is expectedly mediocre.
#23 Honda Passport
In a hot segment with capable SUVs, the Honda Passport ranks highly with many family-friendly qualities, including a smooth-shifting, non-CVT transmission:
- Strong yet reasonably efficient engine considering its size.
- Sportier-than-average handling.
- Lots of head and legroom in the front and the back.
- Quiet and comfortable cabin.
- Average off-road ability.
Shiftable automatic is standard across the latest Passport SUVs.
#24 Honda Pilot
Should you need your midsize SUV to have three rows of seats and strong reliability, the Honda Pilot makes a compelling pick for the family.
The Honda Pilot SUV has a roomy and versatile interior, clever storage compartments, and strong fuel economy from the shiftable automatic-equipped V6 powertrain.
Honda is one of the remaining automakers with V6 engines, and the two SUVs above are among the best in their respective classes.
#25 Toyota 4Runner
Yes, its transmission is not a CVT, and the body-on-frame construction doesn’t provide a comfortable on-road ride quality, but the 4Runner is one of Toyota’s most off-road capable SUVs.
Further, it has a versatile storage area with an optional slide-out floor, and the SUV has many configurations to suit various buyers.
#26 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has contrasting strengths to the 4Runner, its fellow midsize stablemate, but the former has a third row for additional seating capacity.
The final row is decidedly kids-only, but it’s useful if you want a non-CVT (shiftable automatic) midsize Toyota SUV with more Toyota-like ride quality.
#27 Hyundai Palisade
Although it’s a relative newcomer in the midsize SUV segment, the Hyundai Palisade has quickly established itself as a formidable front-runner with class-leading qualities.
The Palisade is a non-CVT vehicle with three rows of luxuriously comfortable seats that are easy to access, with a serenely quiet ride for the family when covering long distances.
With a generous cargo area, the Palisade makes a compelling case for a road-trip vehicle for larger families.
#28 Kia Telluride
Kia is Hyundai’s corporate sibling, and Telluride is closely related to the Palisade (listed #27).
Unsurprisingly, the midsize three-row Kia Telluride is as impressive as its Hyundai counterpart, sharing similar traits that enable them to top the class.
If you want the best midsize SUV without CVT, has three rows of seats, and offers the most bang for your money, opt for the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade.
#29 Mazda CX-9
In typical Mazda style, the CX-9 is one of the most athletic midsize SUVs, with all-wheel drive, ample engine power, and a smooth-shifting non-CVT automatic gearbox.
However, family car buyers should note the CX-9’s lack of cargo space and room in the final row.
The CX-90 replaces the CX-9 from 2024 onwards, but the shiftable automatic remaines.
#30 Volkswagen Atlas
If you want a German-engineered midsize SUV that doesn’t use a CVT transmission and can seat seven that doesn’t cost a fortune to buy, the three-row Volkswagen Atlas is perfect for you.
Its 8-speed shiftable automatic is smooth and gives the hefty SUV body a composed and stable ride.
But if you don’t need the third row for extra seating capacity, the stylish, midsize two-row VW Atlas Cross Sport is an equally strong contender for one of the best all-rounders in its class.
#31 Ford Edge
With the great number of better choices in the midsize segment, the two-row Ford Edge appears underwhelming, lacking any notable strong points.
Still, if you enjoy a traditional automatic gearbox over CVT, the Ford Edge is an option, albeit a mediocre one – the next Ford on this list is markedly more appealing.
#32 Ford Bronco
Few midsize SUVs combine off-road credentials and on-road drivability as well as the Ford Bronco, making the Bronco a good daily driver.
With countless trim levels and configurations, smaller families will have no issue finding one that suits four or five occupants.
The Bronco’s non-CVT, shiftable automatic is quick shifting, and a manual transmission is available for those who like to row their own gears.
#33 Ford Explorer & Explorer Hybrid
Available with a gasoline-only or hybrid powertrain, the Ford Explorer is the American company’s better midsize SUV.
The Explorer has three rows of seats, a non-CVT 10-speed automatic (traditional or shiftable) transmission, and a strong engine to haul plenty of cargo and up to 7 passengers.
However, its high price makes competing SUVs from Asian manufacturers more appealing.
#34 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeeps are typically class leaders in off-road prowess, but they are less suitable for families needing a more comfortable everyday vehicle.
The Grand Cherokee, however, stands out as one of the better all-rounder Jeeps, with a commendably comfortable ride, above-average off-road ability, and strong towing capacity.
Its shiftable automatic is quick-shifting, enabling the Grand Cherokee to pull strongly from low speeds.
Luxury SUVs without CVT
Luxury automakers typically do not adopt the CVT transmission, mostly opting for shiftable automatic gearboxes that give drivers the option to shift manually.
Extra-small luxury SUVs that do not have CVT include:
- BMW X1.
- BMW X2.
- Audi Q3.
- Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
- Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.
- Lexus UX 200.
- Volvo XC40.
- Jaguar E=PACE.
The following small premium SUVs do not have CVT:
- BMW X3.
- Audi Q5.
- Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
- Jaguar F-PACE.
- Porsche Macan.
- Lincoln Corsair.
- Genesis GV70.
- Acura RDX.
- Infiniti QX55.
These midsize luxury SUVs have non-CVT gearboxes:
- BMW X5.
- Audi Q7.
- Audi Q8.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
- Porsche Cayenne.
- Land Rover Defender.
- Land Rover Discovery.
- Lincoln Aviator.
- Lexus RX 350.
- Lexus GX 460.
- Genesis GV80.
- Acura MDX.
- Infiniti QX60.
Best SUVs with CVT Transmission
The CVT’s ability to continuously change its gear ratio regardless of engine speed ensures peak efficiency and fuel economy.
These extra-small, small, and midsize mainstream SUVs have power plants mated with CVT transmission.
Subcompact SUVs with CVT
The continuously variable-speed transmission is ideal for smaller vehicles to optimize fuel efficiency, and these are the popular extra-small SUVs with CVT:
- Nissan Kicks.
- Honda HR-V.
- Toyota CH-R.
- Subaru Crosstrek & Crosstrek Plug-In-Hybrid.
- Hyundai Venue.
- Hyundai Kona.
- Kia Soul.
- Kia Seltos.
- Chevrolet Trailblazer.
- Buick Encore GX.
If you’d like to know which model years and trim levels are CVT-equipped, head to the following posts:
- Nissan CVT models.
- Honda CVT models.
- Toyota CVT models.
- Subaru CVT models.
- Hyundai CVT models.
- Kia CVT models.
Compact SUVs with CVT
Some Asian automakers adopt the CVT transmission, while others are less inclined to use it in their small SUVs.
Several compact SUVs have CVT-equipped powertrains:
- Nissan Rogue Sport.
- Nissan Rogue.
- Honda CR-V & CR-V Hybrid.
- Toyota Corolla Cross.
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid & RAV4 Prime.
- Subaru Forester.
Midsize SUVs with CVT
As SUVs get larger, a CVT transmission is less able to handle the extra torque, and its less performance-oriented characteristics become more apparent:
Only these midsize SUVs still use CVT:
- Nissan Murano.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
- Toyota Venza.
- Subaru Outback.
- Subaru Ascent.
References:
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles
https://www.kia.com/us/en/suvs
https://www.ford.com/new-suvs-crossovers/