Does Toyota Prius use a CVT transmission?
Yes. The Toyota Prius uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, commonly called an e-CVT, as part of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. It is not a traditional belt-driven CVT or a conventional automatic transmission.
In more detail, the e-CVT in the Prius combines a planetary gear set with two electric motors and the gasoline engine to continuously vary the effective drive ratio. The system manages power flow between the engine, battery, and wheels, delivering smooth acceleration and high efficiency across a wide range of speeds. This configuration is a hallmark of Prius hybrids and has been used across multiple generations into the current model year.
How the Prius e-CVT works
The following components and flow illustrate how the e-CVT operates in normal driving.
- Power Split Device (planetary gear set) that blends engine power and electric motor power to the wheels, creating a variable drive ratio without a traditional geared transmission.
- MG2 (electric motor) that provides torque to the wheels and can operate as a motor or a generator depending on driving conditions.
- MG1 (generator) that can recharge the hybrid battery and assist with engine starting, regulating energy flow within the system.
- Electronic control system and clutching that coordinate engine operation, motor torque, and battery state to optimize efficiency and transitions between electric-only and hybrid modes.
In practice, the e-CVT adjusts the drive ratio by modulating torque from the gasoline engine and the two electric motors through the planetary gear set, rather than by shifting through discrete gears. The result is a smooth, seamless driving experience with strong efficiency benefits in city driving and steady highway performance.
Is the Prius’ transmission a true CVT?
How it differs from a traditional belt-driven CVT
Although described as a CVT, the Prius’s system is technically an e-CVT that uses a fixed-gear planetary gearset and electric motors to achieve variable ratios. There is no belt-and-pulley arrangement found in many conventional CVTs; instead, power is managed through the power split device and motor control to vary effective gearing.
Why this design matters for fuel economy and reliability
The design lets the gasoline engine run at efficient speeds while electric motors provide assist or propulsion as needed, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The power-split arrangement has demonstrated long-term reliability in Prius models, contributing to the hybrid system’s overall durability.
Summary
The Toyota Prius uses an e-CVT as part of its Hybrid Synergy Drive, not a conventional belt-driven CVT. By employing a planetary gear set (Power Split Device) and two electric motors to continuously vary the drive ratio, the Prius delivers silky operation and strong efficiency across various driving conditions. This setup remains a core feature of Prius hybrids through the current generation.
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
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.
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 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 |
