What is better variator or automatic?

Silverado truck engine

All have long heard and know that among automatic transmissions, CVTs are considered almost the most “gentle”, and least of all are adapted for off-road driving, for example. But isn’t it a myth? Agree, if this were 100% true, then many all-terrain crossovers would not be equipped with a CVT. And among them and the Nissan X-trail, Qashqai, Suzuki Vitara and even the Subaru Forester. Maybe not so bad?

In fact, the best off-road gearbox is undoubtedly a “mechanic”. But the market dictates its own conditions. And the majority of crossovers, nevertheless, rarely move out from the asphalt, therefore, in the form of a compromise and a number of other advantages, they are equipped with variators.

The advantages of the variator over traditional hydromechanical machines are obvious.

Here are some of the most important and undeniable advantages of variators compared to conventional machines:

CVT is simpler structurally, which has a positive effect on the cost of repairs. In the case of six to eight-speed modern automatic transmission, the difference is palpable at times. True, a few years ago, the variator was not yet able to repair, and official services still charge the entire unit in case of a breakdown. But now this problem is solved quite easily and not too costly at specialized service stations.

Dimensions and dimensions. Even on the most powerful cars, where the CVT is, this box will be smaller than the traditional automatic, not to mention the newest eight-speed.

Efficiency. This is an indisputable fact. Actually, it was precisely behind this that the designers went when they massively introduced variators into cars.

No power loss during acceleration. Even the most rapid-fire machine can not match the variator in this parameter. And the old four-stage automatic transmission in general seem just pre-revolutionary. After all, traction on the variator is continuous, and the gear ratio changes smoothly, without the feeling of moving up the stairs, unlike the traditional automaton. True, some complain about just this moment, they say it is very unusual.

What kind of gearbox to choose, variable or “normal” machine – there is no solution, and probably never will be. Otherwise, the automakers would have long ago switched to the most successful gearbox. Currently, there are both CVT variators and automatic hydraulic distributors and robots with one or two couplings on the market. Moreover, even within the framework of one brand one can meet all types of automatic transmissions.