Do all Ford freestyles have CVT transmission?
No. Ford Freestyle models did not use CVT transmissions; they relied on conventional automatic transmissions, typically a 6-speed automatic paired with the 3.0-liter Duratec V6. There was no CVT option offered in the Freestyle lineup.
Overview of the Freestyle’s drivetrain
The Ford Freestyle was produced in North America from 2005 to 2009 as a seven‑seat crossover. In its US market, the lineup was centered around a 3.0L Duratec V6 engine paired with a traditional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable transmission (CVT). No CVT variant was offered for this model during its production run.
Transmission options across model years
The following summarizes the transmissions used in Freestyle models over their production run.
- CVT: Not offered on any Freestyle model sold in the United States (and most markets).
- Automatic transmission: A conventional automatic, typically a 6-speed unit, was paired with the 3.0L V6 engine.
- Manual transmission: Not offered on the Freestyle.
In short, the Freestyle relied on a traditional automatic transmission, not a CVT, and there was no manual option in the U.S. market.
Practical implications for buyers
For buyers or owners, this means standard CVT-specific concerns (such as belt wear or variable gear ratios) do not apply to the Freestyle. Instead, focus on the health and maintenance of the automatic transmission: routine fluid changes, listening for hard or delayed shifts, and watching for slipping or clunking noises. Given the model’s age, it’s also wise to check cooling system integrity, as transmission cooling can affect long-term reliability of older automatics.
Summary
Bottom line: Not all Ford Freestyles have CVT transmissions. The Freestyle lineup used conventional automatic transmissions—in particular, a 6-speed automatic with the 3.0L Duratec V6—and did not offer a CVT or manual option in the U.S. market.
What type of transmission does a Ford Freestyle have?
The Freestyle, along with the Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and the Ford Escape Hybrid, were the first American Ford vehicles to use a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
What Ford models have a CVT transmission?
Ford uses Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) primarily in its hybrid models, including the current Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, as well as the Ford Maverick hybrid. These transmissions are also found in the non-hybrid Ford Territory Trend in some markets. Older hybrid models like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford C-Max also used this technology.
This video explains the pros and cons of the Ford Maverick's eCVT transmission: 46sAOCreatrixYouTube · Aug 7, 2021
- Ford Escape Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid: These models use a CVT to optimize fuel efficiency.
- Ford Maverick: The hybrid version comes with a CVT paired with a 2.5L hybrid engine.
- Ford Territory Trend: In some markets, this model features a CVT, though it may have an older-style shifter.
- Older Models: Ford previously used CVTs in hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and in the Ford C-Max.
What are the disadvantages of the Ford Freestyle?
Pros & Cons of Ford Freestyle
Figo-related issues - limited cabin space, sub-par material quality, non-adjustable rear headrests, lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel and driver's armrest.
Does a 2005 Ford Freestyle have a CVT transmission?
The CVT in the 2005 Ford Freestyle is an engineering marvel, yet it is susceptible to wear and tear. Over time, mechanical components can degrade, leading to the transmission issues reported by Freestyle owners. The pulley system within the CVT is one component that can wear significantly.
