Does Subaru only use CVT transmission?

Subaru does not rely solely on CVT transmissions. While many models use a CVT known as Lineartronic, the company also offers traditional manual gearboxes on select models.

Across the lineup, Subaru has leaned on CVTs for efficiency and smooth driving, particularly in its SUVs and wagons, but enthusiasts will find real manual and automatic alternatives in a couple of performance-focused models. Here is a breakdown of where CVTs are used and where you can opt for a non-CVT setup.

What is Lineartronic and why Subaru uses CVTs

Subaru's CVT, branded as Lineartronic, is designed to provide seamless, automatic-like acceleration with improved fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive integration. Instead of fixed gears, the CVT uses a belt-and-pulley system to continuously adjust gear ratio for optimal efficiency. Subaru has used this transmission across most of its mainstream models for years, aligning with the brand's emphasis on practicality, comfort, and AWD capability.

Pros and trade-offs

The CVT delivers smooth progress and good fuel economy, but some drivers prefer the sportier feel of a traditional automatic or a manual. Subaru has attempted to address this with manual shifts in a few models and with paddle-operated modes on some CVTs to simulate stepped gear changes.

Models that rely primarily on CVT

The following Subaru models use CVT transmissions as their default or sole option, aligning with the brand's focus on efficiency and AWD performance.

• Impreza (sedan/hatchback)


• Crosstrek (XV)


• Forester


• Outback


• Legacy


• Ascent

The CVT approach is widely used across Subaru's mainstream SUV and sedan lineup, enabling smooth, linear acceleration and better fuel economy in a variety of driving scenarios, especially with their AWD system.

Models with non-CVT options

A smaller number of Subaru models offer transmissions other than CVT, appealing to enthusiasts and drivers who prefer a manual or conventional automatic experience.

• WRX — traditionally offered with a manual; a CVT is not part of the current WRX lineup in recent generations.


• BRZ — available with a traditional manual transmission or a conventional automatic (non-CVT) option.

Having a non-CVT option on these models provides a different driving experience, especially for enthusiasts who value engagement and direct control over gear selection.

Why Subaru uses CVTs widely

Subaru's decision to standardize CVTs across many models reflects a blend of efficiency, AWD integration, and predictable performance. The CVT's ability to continuously vary gear ratios helps optimize fuel economy while the brand's symmetrical AWD architecture is well-suited to the belt-driven system. Subaru also offers paddle-shift modes on many CVTs to give drivers a pseudo-gear-step feel when desired, bridging the gap between convenience and performance.

Bottom line

In short, Subaru does not rely exclusively on CVTs. The majority of its mainstream models use Lineartronic CVTs, but the brand maintains a couple of non-CVT options for drivers who want a more traditional manual or automatic experience. This approach allows Subaru to balance everyday practicality with sportier, hands-on driving in its WRX and BRZ products.

Summary

Summary: Subaru's transmission strategy centers on CVTs for efficiency and AWD integration across most models, with notable exceptions for enthusiasts in the WRX and BRZ who opt for traditional manual or automatic gearboxes. Always check the specific model year and trim to confirm the available transmissions.

Are there any subarus without CVT?

The main Subaru model without a CVT is the BRZ, which offers either a manual or a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru also produced some older models with traditional automatic transmissions, such as the 6-cylinder models of the Outback and Legacy up to the 2014 model year, and some WRX and Impreza trims are available with a manual transmission. 
Models available with manual or non-CVT automatic transmissions 

• Subaru BRZ: This is the primary model currently offered with a traditional automatic or manual transmission instead of a CVT. 
• WRX: This performance model is available with a manual transmission. 
• Impreza: Some models, particularly those with manual transmissions, may not use a CVT. 

Older models with non-CVT transmissions

• Outback/Legacy (3.6R models): From the 2010-2014 model years, these models had a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission before switching to a CVT for 2015. 
• Older models: Older Subaru models, like the Justy, were available with a CVT in the late 80s and 90s, but other transmissions were also available. 

Why Subaru primarily uses CVTs

• Fuel efficiency: CVTs help Subaru meet its fuel economy and emissions goals. 
• Cost-effectiveness: The CVT is a feasible option for Subaru to produce and develop cost-effectively. 
• Simplicity: CVTs have a simpler design with fewer large moving parts. 

This video explains the issues with Subaru CVT transmissions and which models might have problems: 48sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Jul 24, 2025

What was the last non CVT Outback?

But in the context of this group, 2010 on 2.5i model Legacy and Outback for at least the US/Canadian markets. The 6cyl 3.6r models remained traditional 5spd auto transmission through 2014 when they too went CVT in '15. That was the last traditional non-CVT transmission Subaru made/offered at least in North America.

What year does Subaru have a bad CVT?

Subaru had significant CVT transmission problems primarily in models from the 2010 to 2015 range, particularly the first-generation Lineartronic CVT. Specific issues included torque converter clutch failures and other problems like chain slip, affecting models like the Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza, and Crosstrek during these years. Subaru extended the warranty for many 2010-2015 vehicles to address these early reliability issues. 
Years and models with significant CVT problems

• Outback & Legacy: 2010–2015
• Impreza: 2012–2015
• Crosstrek: 2013–2015
• Forester: 2014–2015 (with 2.5L engine); some 2014–2018 models with FB25 engine
• WRX: 2015 (2.0L engine) 

This video explains common problems with Subaru CVTs, including torque converter and valve body issues: 47sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Jul 24, 2025
Common problems

• Torque converter clutch failure: This was a major issue in early models (around 2010–2013), causing the car to stall when stopping. The torque converter was redesigned to fix this. 
• Chain slip: This occurred in some early models, often during highway cruising. 
• Valve body and solenoid issues: These problems have been reported in various model years. 
• Oil pump chain leaks: This became an issue in later models. 

What to know

• Extended warranty: Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles for many 2010–2015 vehicles due to these early problems. 
• Redesigned transmissions: Newer models (especially after 2015) generally feature improved CVTs, but some issues can still arise. 
• Maintenance is key: Proper and timely maintenance, including fluid changes, is crucial to help prevent issues. 

Do any subarus have a regular transmission?

Manual Transmission
Manual transmissions are the default for most sports cars and racecars. Our performance sports cars, the Subaru BRZ and the Subaru WRX are the only two vehicles with manual transmission options available.