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CVT (continuously variable transmission)

An automatic with no fixed gears, tuned for smoothness and fuel economy.

A CVT replaces fixed gears with a belt or chain running between variable pulleys, giving an infinite spread of ratios. The engine can always sit at its most efficient speed, which is why CVTs dominate fuel-economy leaders.

The driving feel is seamless but different: under hard acceleration the engine holds a steady high note instead of stepping through gears. EPA listings label CVTs as 'variable gear ratios'.

From the data: Of the 19,491 trims in the Trimslate dataset, 1,716 use a CVT.