Does the Toyota Prius use a CVT transmission?
The Prius uses an e-CVT, Toyota’s term for an electric, hybrid-specific power-split device built around a planetary gearset rather than a traditional belt-driven CVT.
How the Prius' e-CVT works
In practical terms, the system blends power from the gasoline engine and one or more electric motors, using a fixed gear train and electronic controls to vary the ratio. This arrangement enables seamless transitions between power sources without the stepped feel of conventional gears.
Core components
These are the main parts that enable the Prius’ e-CVT to function as a hybrid transmission.
- Internal combustion engine (gas engine)
- MG1 (generator motor)
- MG2 (traction motor)
- Planetary gear set acting as the power-split device
- Power electronics and high-voltage battery pack
These components work together to split and blend torque between the engine and electric motors, adjusting the effective gear ratio without a traditional belt-driven CVT.
Differences from a conventional CVT
Unlike a belt-and-pulley CVT, the Prius’ e-CVT uses a fixed gear train and electronic controls to vary power distribution rather than continuously changing pulley ratios. The result is smooth operation with seamless transitions between purely electric, purely gasoline, or blended propulsion.
Driving experience and efficiency
During acceleration, MG2 provides traction while the engine and MG1 regulate the system to optimize battery charging and engine efficiency. The feel is typically very smooth, as the system avoids noticeable gear changes. The hybrid system favors efficient operation by keeping the gasoline engine in its optimal RPM range and leveraging electric torque where appropriate.
Is the e-CVT the same across all Prius models?
Yes. All current Prius variants—standard hybrids and plug-in versions like the Prius Prime—use Toyota’s e-CVT hybrid system based on the same power-split architecture. AWD versions add a rear electric motor to provide all-wheel drive without changing the fundamental e-CVT operation.
Summary
In short, the Toyota Prius does use a CVT-like transmission, but it is not a traditional belt-driven CVT. The e-CVT is a hybrid power-split device built around a planetary gear set that continuously balances power between the internal combustion engine and electric motors for smooth, efficient operation across driving conditions.
Does the Toyota Prius have a CVT transmission?
Yes, the Toyota Prius uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but it's a specialized hybrid version called an e-CVT (electronic-CVT) or "Power Split Device". This system uses a planetary gear set, electric motors, and a gasoline engine to provide seamless acceleration without the need for traditional gears, which is different from a conventional belt-and-pulley CVT.
- How it works: The e-CVT is a key part of Toyota's hybrid system, linking the gasoline engine and two electric motor/generators. A planetary gear set is used to continuously and smoothly vary the power distribution between the engine and the electric motors, allowing the engine to operate at its most efficient speed regardless of the vehicle's speed.
- Difference from traditional CVTs: Unlike a conventional CVT that relies on belts and pulleys, the Prius's e-CVT uses its electric motors to control the power and create a variable gear ratio electronically. This is why many people find the engine's sound different, as it doesn't "shift gears" in the traditional sense but rather adjusts its RPM to match power demand.
- Reliability: The e-CVT is known for its durability and reliability because it has fewer complex moving parts than a traditional automatic transmission.
What transmission is in a Toyota Prius?
eCVT
Fifth generation (XW60; 2022)
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
| Transmission | eCVT |
| Hybrid drivetrain | Power-split |
| Battery | 4.08 Ah lithium-ion |
| Dimensions |
Which Toyotas do not have 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 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
