Who makes CVT transmissions?

CVT transmissions are predominantly produced by a small group of specialist suppliers, led by Japan’s JATCO, with additional input from Aisin Seiki and ZF. Many automakers also develop or assemble their own CVT or hybrid e-CVT systems for select models.

Major CVT suppliers

These firms are the backbone of most belt-type and hybrid CVTs used in today’s passenger cars. The landscape is dominated by a few specialized manufacturers, with automakers often relying on these suppliers for core technology and components.

• JATCO (Japan Automatic Transmission Company) — the world’s leading supplier of CVTs, powering numerous models for Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, and other brands.


• Aisin Seiki (Aisin AW) — a major provider of automated transmissions, including CVTs, and a longtime partner to many OEMs within the Toyota group and beyond.


• ZF Friedrichshafen AG — a German engineering group that develops and licenses CVT technology for various automakers and applications, including some belt-type CVTs.


• In-house/hybrid CVT development by automakers — several automakers design and deploy their own CVT or hybrid e-CVT concepts for specific models, particularly in hybrids (notably Toyota’s e-CVT approach for hybrid systems).

These suppliers reflect the current market where most mainstream CVTs are sourced from a few specialized firms, while automakers may pursue bespoke or hybrid-specific solutions for certain vehicles.

Brands that commonly use CVTs

Many consumer-visible CVTs appear in a core group of brands, with each brand often relying on one or more of the suppliers above, depending on model, market, and era. This list highlights familiar examples where CVTs are a common choice for powertrains.

• Nissan — widely uses JATCO-built CVTs (often marketed as Xtronic) across many passenger-car lineups.


• Subaru — commonly uses JATCO’s Lineartronic CVT in most modern models.


• Honda — offers several models with CVTs; the company also develops and deploys CVT concepts across its lineup, sometimes collaborating with suppliers for specific applications.


• Toyota — employs a hybrid-focused e-CVT architecture for many hybrid models, and uses CVT-like concepts in various non-hybrid applications as part of its broader transmission strategy.

Beyond these, other brands occasionally offer CVTs in particular markets or models, reflecting regional demand and platform-sharing strategies. The specific supplier may vary by model year and regional market.

Summary

In today’s automotive landscape, a small set of specialized firms drive CVT production, with JATCO as the dominant player, supported by Aisin Seiki and ZF, among others. Automakers frequently rely on these suppliers for CVTs, and some also develop in-house e-CVT technology for hybrid systems. Brands like Nissan, Subaru, Honda, and Toyota are the most recognizable users of CVTs, though usage can vary by model and market. As technology evolves, the balance between outsourced CVTs and in-house e-CVT designs continues to shift, especially in the hybrid segment.

Which car manufacturer makes the best CVT transmission?

Toyota CVTs in their hybrids are actually the most reliable out of them all, as they're just a big ol' planetary gear - called an eCVT. Well-known for lasting forever.

Who manufactures CVT transmissions?

JATCO is one of the world's leading automatic transmission and CVT manufacturers with accumulated production of more than 38 million units. Its main customers consist of 7 Japanese automakers, including Nissan, and 12 overseas companies.

Does Toyota make their own CVT transmission?

The Toyota K CVT transmission is a series of continuously variable transmissions (CVT) found in many Toyota and Lexus automobiles. The transmissions are manufactured for the company by Aisin, an automotive parts manufacturer that is part of the Toyota Group of companies.

Which company's CVT is best?

While there is no single "best" CVT, Toyota and Honda are frequently cited as top manufacturers, known for reliable and smooth transmissions, especially their hybrid systems. Other manufacturers like Subaru have also made significant improvements, while some brands like Nissan have had historically poor reliability records. 
This video explains who makes the best CVT transmission in 2025: 52sTransmax TransmissionsYouTube · May 31, 2025
Top manufacturers and their CVTs

• Toyota: Highly praised for its hybrid systems, which use a robust planetary gear set instead of the typical belts and chains, making them extremely durable and reliable. The brand's non-hybrid CVTs, like those in the Corolla, also have a launch gear for better reliability and performance. 
• Honda: Consistently praised for producing reliable, smooth, and efficient CVTs, with improvements made since 1996. Honda's hybrid systems, which use an electronically-controlled CVT (ECVT), are also considered very dependable. 
• Subaru: Develops its own Linearronic CVT specifically engineered for its all-wheel-drive systems, with recent models showing improved reliability and performance. 
• Other manufacturers: Some sources mention the Chery CVT25 as a top-rated transmission for its performance and fuel efficiency based on expert reviews. 

What to consider

• Hybrid vs. non-hybrid: The reliability of CVTs differs significantly between hybrid and conventional systems. Toyota's ECVT in hybrids is generally considered more robust than many conventional, belt-driven CVTs. 
• Model and year: Reliability can vary by model and even year. Nissan CVTs, for example, had issues in the past, though their newer models have improved. It's important to research the specific model and year you are interested in. 

This video discusses the most reliable CVT cars: 57sAutoNuggetsYouTube · Dec 30, 2023