Do all Toyota Crowns have CVT transmission?

No. Toyota Crown models have used a variety of transmissions over the decades. Some Crown variants, particularly hybrids, use a CVT-style system (often labeled as e-CVT), while many non-hybrid Crown versions employ conventional automatic transmissions such as 6- or 8-speed gearboxes. The exact transmission depends on the generation, trim, and market.

How transmission types vary across the Crown lineage

The Toyota Crown spans multiple generations dating back to the 1950s. Because each generation aimed at different markets and powertrains, the gearbox options evolved from manual and early automatics to more modern automatics and hybrid-specific setups. The following points summarize how transmission choices have differed over time.

Historical transmissions (early Crown generations)

In the earliest Crown models, buyers typically found manual transmissions or simple automatics with a small number of speeds. CVTs were not common in these early iterations, as the technology was not yet widely adopted in mainstream sedans.

• Manual transmissions (often 4-speed or similar) were prevalent in the initial Crown cars.


• Automatic transmissions with torque converters (2- or 3-speed, later 4-speed) became standard as the model aged.


• CVT options were not a standard feature in most pre-hybrid Crowns.

As with many long-running nameplates, the transmission lineup shifted as technology and market demand changed, leading into the hybrid era.

Hybrid era and CVT labeling

With Toyota’s broader push into hybrids, Crown hybrid variants began using CVT-style gearboxes configured to work with electric motors. In Toyota nomenclature these are often referred to as e-CVT, which behaves like a CVT but is integrated with the hybrid powertrain. For non-hybrid Crowns, traditional automatics remained common.

• Crown hybrids commonly employ an e-CVT system that optimizes the interaction between the internal combustion engine and electric motors.


• Non-hybrid Crown models have historically used conventional automatics (6-speed or similar, and in newer generations sometimes 8-speed automatics).

In short, CVT-style transmissions are associated mainly with hybrid Crowns, while later non-hybrid Crown versions typically rely on traditional automatic gearboxes.

Current generation specifics

In the latest Crown generations (city-focused Japanese offerings and related markets), transmission options are split by drivetrain. The hybrid Crown uses the e-CVT approach to maximize efficiency, while petrol-powered variants typically use a conventional automatic transmission with multiple gears. Depending on the market and trim level, some petrol versions may employ an 8-speed automatic (often referred to as Direct Shift 8AT) rather than a CVT.

• Hybrid Crown: e-CVT (continuous-variable feel tailored to hybrid operation).


• Petrol Crown: conventional automatic transmission, commonly 6- or 8-speed, depending on the exact model year and market.

Because the Crown name covers many generations and regional variants, there isn’t a single transmission rule that applies to every Crown ever built. Always verify the exact specifications for the model year and market you are considering.

What to check when shopping for a Crown

To avoid confusion about transmission type, use these steps to confirm the gearbox on a specific Crown you’re evaluating.

• Check the official brochure or the vehicle’s specification page for the exact model year and trim.


• Ask the dealer to confirm whether the drivetrain is hybrid with e-CVT or a petrol version with a conventional automatic.


• Inspect the transmission designation in the owner’s manual or the instrument cluster readout (some cars label the gearbox type in the spec sheet).


• Test drive to feel the gear-shifting behavior: a CVT/e-CVT typically offers a smooth, continuous rise in RPM, while traditional automatics have distinct gear changes.

Understanding the specific trim and market will help you determine whether a Crown uses CVT/e-CVT or a conventional automatic in a given generation.

Summary

The short answer is that not all Toyota Crowns have CVT transmissions. The Crown lineup includes hybrids with e-CVT and non-hybrid models with conventional automatics, and the exact choice varies by generation, market, and trim. For buyers, the key is to check the specific model year and market documentation to confirm the transmission type before purchase, and to consider how that choice aligns with your driving preferences.

Does the Toyota Crown have CVT transmission?

Toyota Crown XLE Trim
The XLE comes standard with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and a CVT transmission.

Which lasts longer, CVT or automatic?

Both systems require care, but they wear in different ways. CVTs may need more frequent fluid changes and can be more costly to repair when they fail. Automatic transmissions tend to last longer and are often easier to service—though that depends on the make and model.

Which Toyotas have no CVT?

Toyota models that are not equipped with traditional CVTs include the Tacoma (5-speed or 6-speed automatic, or manual), Sequoia (10-speed automatic), 86 and Supra (manual or traditional automatic), 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Tundra. Gas-powered versions of the Corolla, Yaris, and RAV4 are also available with a manual or traditional automatic transmission instead of a CVT. 
You can watch this video to learn more about Toyota RAV4 models without a CVT: 58sGarage IQYouTube · Sep 8, 2025
Toyota models without a traditional CVT

• Tacoma: Offers a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic or a manual gearbox.
• Sequoia: Features a 10-speed automatic transmission.
• Tundra: Does not have a CVT.
• 4Runner: Available with a traditional automatic.
• Land Cruiser: Does not use a CVT.
• 86 and Supra: Available with manual or automatic transmissions.
• Corolla and Yaris: Available with manual transmissions (non-hybrid models).
• RAV4: Gas-powered versions often have a traditional automatic (e.g., 8-speed) instead of a CVT. 

This video explains the difference between hybrid and non-hybrid Toyota RAV4s regarding transmissions: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Jun 27, 2023
Important consideration: eCVT

• Many Toyota hybrids, like the hybrid RAV4 and Camry, use an eCVT (electronic continuously variable transmission), which is a different system from a traditional belt-driven CVT. The eCVT is a part of the hybrid powertrain and is designed for reliability and efficiency. 

This video explains how Toyota's hybrid system works and what an eCVT is: 47sGX460 OFF-ROADYouTube · Feb 23, 2022

Which Toyotas have a CVT transmission?

Many modern Toyotas use a CVT transmission, including the Camry, Corolla, Corolla Cross, and RAV4 (including hybrid models). Other models that feature a CVT are the Prius, C-HR, Sienna, Crown, and Venza. 
Here is a list of Toyota models that commonly use a CVT transmission: 
Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Hybrid, Crown, C-HR, Prius, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna, and Venza.