Toyota Cars with & without CVT (12 Models: New + Used)
Toyota is a well-established global car manufacturer renowned for excellent product reliability and energy-efficient passenger vehicles.
As a leader in the gas-electric hybrid space, Toyota has been utilizing the CVT technology to great effect.
These are Toyota models with and without CVT, including the model years when that transmission is available.
Toyota Models with CVT Transmission
Toyota has the most extensive list of models with CVT-equipped powertrains among car manufacturers with CVT.
#1 Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla is one of the longest-running small sedans that has remained a best-seller, with enduring qualities like fuel economy, solid reliability, and comfortable ride.
It is available as a sedan, hatchback, and crossover (later in this post).
Eleventh-generation Toyota Corollas made between 2014 and 2019 had fuel-efficient CVT transmissions.
The CVT remained and improved in the twelfth generation Toyota Corolla as standard for all 2020, 2021, and 2022 automatic-transmission-equipped models.
2023 saw CVT-mated Toyota Corolla as the sole offering, as the automaker dropped the manual-gearbox variant.
2013 and older Corolla sedans did not have CVT.
Besides the Corolla, car buyers after small, efficient small sedans should consider the equivalent from one of these rival manufacturers:
#2 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
With the popularity of the regular Corolla, it was only a matter of time before Toyota produced a hybridized version to capitalize on the market’s need for greater energy efficiency.
Since its 2020 debut, the Corolla Hybrid has had a CVT transmission as standard.
#3 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius nameplate is synonymous with the automotive industry’s eco-friendly movement.
It continues to perform strongly in vehicle sales and energy-efficient hybrid powertrains.
Although handling and driving engagement aren’t strong suits, Toyota Prius is reasonably comfortable and easy to drive. Its hybrid engine mated with a CVT transmission will save you plenty of fuel.
Coupled with Toyota’s renowned durability, the Prius hatchback will go the distance cheaply and reliably.
A CVT transmission has been standard since the Toyota Prius’ 2001 debut on American shores.
#4 Toyota Prius Prime
A plug-in version of the highly successful Prius, named Prius Prime, made its appearance in 2017.
Following its 2017 introduction, the CVT-shod Prius Prime has had outstanding fuel economy and an impressive all-electric driving range, making it a compelling option to do away with gasoline entirely for short daily commutes.
#5 Toyota Mirai
While most road-going cars are either gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Mirai stands unique as a hydrogen fuel cell, rear-wheel-drive sedan.
However, it isn’t for every eco-conscious driver due to the scarcity of hydrogen fuel stations.
Still, every Toyota Mirai has a CVT transmission with seamless gear changes.
#6 Toyota C-HR
Toyota introduced the diminutive C-HR in 2018, offering car buyers an opportunity to own an extra-small SUV on a modest budget – although the next SUV on this list, the Corolla Cross, is cheaper still.
Its sporty handling and futuristic styling are highlights of an otherwise underwhelming powertrain.
The CVT transmission is standard for this front-wheel-drive little Toyota C-HR crossover.
#7 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross is new for 2022, adapting the beloved sedan into a small crossover with enhanced utility.
This compact SUV will not get your heart racing, but the Corolla’s endearing ride comfort and impeccable reliability carry over to make the Corolla Cross an attractive segment option.
The continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission is standard across all Corolla Cross trim levels, with above-average fuel economy in mixed driving.
#8 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
While the regular RAV4 is a leading choice among gas-powered, compact SUV drivers, Toyota introduced a hybrid variant of the vehicle in 2016 to offer brand loyalists an eco-friendlier option.
The RAV4 Hybrid offers the same qualities as the regular model: excellent fuel economy, comfortable ride, and a roomy cargo area.
Unlike the gas-only variant, CVT is standard across every hybridized Toyota RAV4.
#9 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Mimicking the Prius hatchback playbook, Toyota created the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in-hybrid variant of the regular RAV4.
While other traits are similar among the various versions, the RAV4 Prime stands out with impressive all-electric propulsion, managing over 40 miles on a single charge.
It’s relatively new, but all RAV4 Prime SUVs have CVT.
The presence of the RAV4 Prime means lovers of Toyota’s popular compact can now choose how energy efficient they want their favorite SUV to be – RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, or RAV4 Prime.
#10 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Unlike the gas-powered, regular Highlander, the Highlander Hybrid utilizes CVT transmission to propel its midsize, three-row SUV body.
It’s one of the most fuel-efficient three-row SUVs on the market, and the Highlander Hybrid’s ride comfort is typical Toyota standard.
When paired with a hybrid system and CVT transmission, the four-cylinder engine returns over a 30-mpg average, impressive for its size.
The CVT transmission has been standard equipment for Toyota Highlander Hybrids since the models’ inception in 2006.
#11 Toyota Venza
Based on the RAV4 but larger, the midsize Venza is a top pick for interior quality and high fuel economy.
However, this SUV has a history of two halves: 2021 and newer models are hybrids, while 2015 and older ones are gas-only.
The six-year hiatus was worthwhile as the latest Venza (2021 to the current model) can return over 40 mpg combined, a commendable achievement for an SUV its size, even among hybrids, thanks to the CVT transmission.
#12 Toyota Sienna
This minivan has been in production for decades, but it remains a compelling pick for a large family hauler, especially the 2021 Sienna or newer, with its hybrid powertrain.
Sienna’s strong traits include excellent fuel economy (close to 40 mpg average), spacious interior, and available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and safety in slippery conditions.
The fuel-thrifty CVT has been standard across the Toyota Sienna range since the fourth generation debuted in 2021.
The minivan is also one of the easiest to drive, with excellent driving position and a ride height that makes getting in and out easy.
Toyota Models without CVT Transmission
The various Toyota cars, SUVs, and trucks that do not have CVT include:
- Toyota Yaris – extra-small sedan.
- Toyota Matrix – hatchback.
- Toyota Camry – midsize sedan.
- Toyota Camry Hybrid – midsize sedan.
- Toyota Avalon – large sedan.
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid – large sedan.
- Toyota GR Supra – sports coupe.
- Toyota GR86 – sports coupe.
- Toyota RAV4 – small SUV.
- Toyota 4Runner – midsize SUV.
- Toyota Highlander – midsize SUV.
- Toyota Land Cruiser – large SUV.
- Toyota Sequoia – large SUV.
- Toyota Tacoma – midsize truck.
- Toyota Tundra – full-size light-duty truck.
This Japanese giant is one of the few automakers with V6 engines and those with V8s that equip their larger vehicles with five, six, eight, nine, or ten-speed, traditional automatic or shiftable automatic gearboxes.
But as far as fuel-saving goes, Toyota, plus some rival manufacturers with top mpg models, are the best place to shop for your new or used car.
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