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Does the Toyota Tacoma have CVT transmission?

The short answer: no — the Tacoma does not use a CVT. It relies on traditional gearing, offered as a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic depending on the engine and trim.

In this article, we examine whether the Tacoma ever offered a CVT, summarize the current transmission options, and explain how transmission choices have evolved across generations and what that means for buyers today.

Current transmission options

Here is what you can get in the current generation Tacoma (model years 2016 to present):

6-speed manual transmission, available with the 3.5L V6 engine in certain trims

6-speed automatic transmission, available with both the 3.5L V6 and the 2.7L 4-cylinder in most configurations

No CVT option is offered in any current Tacoma configuration

In short, if you’re seeking CVT-style smoothness or efficiency, the Tacoma’s lineup does not include a CVT; it sticks with conventional gears for reliability and towing performance.

Historical context by generation

Across its three generations, the Tacoma has consistently used conventional automatic transmissions and manuals, with no CVT offered in any generation. A quick overview:

Gen I (1995–2004): Conventional automatic and manual transmissions; no CVT

Gen II (2005–2015): Conventional automatics and manuals; no CVT

Gen III (2016–present): Conventional 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic; no CVT

Toyota has prioritized durability, torque delivery, and off-road capability in the Tacoma, which has helped sustain confidence in traditional gear-based transmissions over CVTs in this segment.

Why a CVT has not been adopted

Several factors influence Toyota’s stance: the Tacoma’s turbocharged and high-torque needs, towing and payload requirements, and the long-term reliability expectations for a midsize pickup used in rugged conditions. CVTs can struggle under heavy load or extreme temperatures, and their service paths can be more complex and costly in remote or demanding environments. For the Tacoma, traditional automatics and manuals have offered a proven balance of performance and durability.

What this means for buyers

For buyers, the absence of a CVT means choosing between a manual experience (where offered) and a traditional automatic with fixed gears. If you value off-road capability, towing reliability, and straightforward maintenance, a Tacoma with a six-speed manual (in eligible trims) or a six-speed automatic is typically the preferred option. If CVT-driven fuel-economy gains are essential, you may need to consider other Toyota models or adjust expectations about how a pickup like the Tacoma performs in real-world conditions.

Summary

The Toyota Tacoma does not offer a CVT. Its transmission lineup centers on a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, depending on engine and trim, with no CVT option in current or recent models. Over its history, Toyota has favored conventional gearing to emphasize durability and off-road capability, making it distinct from many other Toyota models that use CVTs.

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.

Does a Toyota Tacoma have a CVT transmission?

No, the Toyota Tacoma does not have a CVT transmission; it uses a traditional automatic transmission, such as the 8-speed automatic. While some other Toyota models use CVTs, the Tacoma is not one of them.

Transmission type: The Tacoma is equipped with a conventional automatic transmission.
Common issues: Some owners of newer Tacomas have reported issues with this automatic transmission, particularly rough shifting, according to this YouTube video.
Other Toyota models: Many other Toyota vehicles, such as the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Prius, do use CVTs, but the Tacoma is not among them, notes Paul Miller Toyota.

Which Toyotas do not have CVT transmissions?

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) in many of its models, including the Corolla, Camry (on select trims/engines), RAV4, Prius, and Sienna. These are also found in many hybrid models, where they are often referred to as e-CVTs (or electronic Continuously Variable Transmissions).

Models with CVT
Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry (select models/engines), RAV4, Prius, Sienna, Venza, C-HR, Crown, Yaris Cross, Harrier (Xu80), Sienta, and GR Corolla.
You can watch this video to learn how a Toyota e-CVT works: 53sspeedkar99YouTube · Nov 25, 2024
e-CVT (Hybrid models)
Prius Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and Corolla Cross Hybrid.
What to know

A CVT is an automatic transmission that uses a belt and pulley system to provide a seamless range of gear ratios, unlike a traditional automatic with fixed gears.
Toyota's e-CVT system, found in hybrids, is a specialized version that uses electric motors and a planetary gearset instead of a belt and pulleys.
CVTs are designed to optimize fuel efficiency and provide a smooth driving experience.

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.