Home FAQ

Do Toyota Highlanders have CVT transmissions?

Gasoline Highlanders use an 8-speed automatic transmission, while Highlander Hybrids use Toyota's e-CVT hybrid transmission. So there is no traditional CVT in the gas models, but the hybrid version uses an electronic CVT-style setup.

Transmission options by powertrain

Here's how the transmission setups break down by how the Highlander is powered in current models.

Gasoline Highlander: 8-speed automatic transmission.

Hybrid Highlander: e-CVT (an electronic continuously variable transmission used with the two-motor hybrid system).

In practice, gas models deliver conventional, fixed-gear shifts, while the Hybrid's e-CVT prioritizes efficiency and seamless power delivery through electrical motors.

How the transmission choices affect performance

Understanding the practical differences helps buyers anticipate driving feel and efficiency.

Gasoline Highlander performance

With the gasoline powertrain, the Highlander uses an 8-speed automatic that provides stepped but smooth shifts, responsive acceleration, and straightforward maintenance expectations. The setup is typical for midsize SUVs in this class, offering strong highway and city performance with predictable feel.

Hybrid Highlander e-CVT operation

The Hybrid pairs a gas engine with electric motors through an e-CVT. Instead of fixed gears, the transmission smoothly adjusts ratios to optimize efficiency and low-end torque, often delivering steady acceleration and high MPG in real-world driving. Some drivers notice the CVT-like feel during quick accelerations, but it’s designed to maximize hybrid efficiency rather than sportiness.

FAQ

Is there a plug-in Highlander?

As of 2024–2025, Toyota does not offer a plug-in (PHEV) Highlander in the U.S. lineup. The current availability is gasoline-only models and Hybrid variants with the e-CVT. Some markets may feature different configurations, but the U.S. market relies on 8-speed automatics for gas models and e-CVT for hybrids.

Summary

In short, Toyota Highlanders come with two distinct transmission approaches depending on powertrain: gas models use an 8-speed automatic transmission, while Hybrid models use Toyota’s e-CVT hybrid system. This means there is no traditional CVT in the all-gas lineup, but the hybrid version does employ a CVT-style setup designed to optimize efficiency. Buyers should consider their priorities—fuel efficiency vs. driving feel—when choosing between gas and hybrid Highlanders.

Which Toyotas do not have CVT transmission?

Toyota models that do not have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) include the 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Supra. The 86 also does not have a CVT, and the Corolla is only available with a manual transmission in its high-performance GR model, while other models may have a CVT or a manual option depending on the year and configuration.

Models without a CVT

4Runner: This SUV is equipped with a traditional automatic transmission.
Land Cruiser: A rugged SUV that does not use a CVT.
Tacoma: This truck uses a traditional automatic or manual transmission.
Tundra: A full-size truck that also uses traditional automatic or manual transmissions.
Supra: This sports car does not use a CVT.
86: Toyota's sports car counterpart to the Subaru BRZ, it features a traditional automatic or manual gearbox.
Corolla: While many gas-powered models have a CVT, the GR Corolla is an exception and offers a manual transmission.

Other Toyota vehicles

Some models, like the Avalon and Camry, may offer a CVT in certain configurations or hybrid versions, while non-hybrid versions might have a traditional automatic transmission.
The Highlander also offers a traditional automatic transmission, but some hybrid models have an electric CVT (eCVT) which is different from a belt-and-pulley CVT.
The Yaris is a hybrid model that comes with a CVT automatic transmission.

Which Toyotas use CVT transmissions?

Toyota uses CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and e-CVT (electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) in many of its models, including the Corolla, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Camry, Sienna, Prius, and Venza. The specific type of CVT depends on the model and powertrain, with many hybrid models using the e-CVT system.
This video explains how Toyota's e-CVT works in hybrid vehicles: 1mThe Engineers PostYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
Models with CVT / e-CVT

Corolla: Available with a CVT or e-CVT (in hybrid models).
Corolla Cross: Uses a CVT.
RAV4: Available with a CVT or e-CVT (in hybrid models).
Camry: Uses a CVT or e-CVT (in hybrid models).
Sienna: Uses a CVT.
Prius: Uses an e-CVT.
Venza: Uses a CVT.
Corolla Cross Hybrid: Uses an e-CVT.
Highlander Hybrid: Uses an e-CVT.
Crown: Uses a CVT.
Yaris: Available with a CVT in certain regions.
GR Corolla: Uses a CVT.

Key differences

CVT: A traditional continuously variable transmission that uses a belt and pulley system to create an infinite number of gear ratios.
e-CVT: An electronic CVT, commonly found in Toyota hybrids, that uses a planetary gearset to manage power from the gasoline engine and electric motor for optimal efficiency and performance.

This video explains the differences between various transmission types, including CVT and e-CVT: 47sCar Help CornerYouTube · Oct 19, 2025

What kind of transmission does the Toyota Highlander have?

The Toyota Highlander uses different transmission types depending on whether the model is hybrid or non-hybrid. Non-hybrid models typically use an 8-speed automatic transmission, while hybrid models use a Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).
Non-hybrid

Transmission Type: Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission (or 8-speed automatic).
How it works: This is a conventional automatic transmission that uses a torque converter and gears to shift through speeds.
When it's used: This is the standard transmission on newer, non-hybrid gas-powered Highlander models.

This video explains the maintenance procedure for a Toyota Highlander transmission: 56sThat Dad MikeYouTube · Jan 29, 2025
Hybrid

Transmission Type: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).
How it works: This is not a traditional CVT with belts and pulleys. Instead, it's a more reliable planetary gear system that uses two motor/generators to control power distribution and optimize for fuel efficiency.
When it's used: This is the transmission found in all Highlander hybrid models.

Which Highlander has CVT transmission?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, is available with five trim options. All are powered by the same four-cylinder, 2.5-liter hybrid engine. This system includes a continuously variable transmission and delivers 243 horsepower.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.