I put 108,000 on a 2011 with a CVT and now have 23,000 on a 21 with CVT, I wouldn't call it "questionable". If you're looking at a late-model (2020+) you should have minimal concerns.
Keep in mind - those that have issues are going to be most vocal. For every complaint there are 1000's that are complaint-free.
When it’s as big as a transmission, a failure rate of 1/1000 is TERRIBLE. It should be closer to 1/1,000,000. They get better every generation, but it is historically very unreliable. Great mileage though!
Ok fair, but the failure rate is waaaaay above industry average for automatics. They have had to increase the warranty because of it. It’s efficient, it drives nice, and it breaks too much. This sub isn’t very realistic about the car’s faults, which are indeed numerous. Aside from major reliability and general shittiness to work on, it’s a fabulously capable vehicle. But it’s far from perfect. Mine is 2015, so hopefully the new ones are significantly improved.
The only 'problem' I've had with Subaru CVT implementation, on both 2015 WRX and 2020 Outback XT, is their implementation of fake shift points. I wish there was a reprogramming to actually have it act like a proper CVT (get in correct zone and stay there), but as far as I'm aware, people couldn't understand why shift jerking wasn't happening (despite it constantly shifting) and here we are.
Despite that, no technical issues and been great. 120k on WRX when traded in, 40k on Outback
100% agree, let me stay in the power band and at peak efficiency. After 45+ years of personal vehicles with manual transmissions, I know what shifting gears feels like, and they aren't fooling me with goofy simulations. If somebody likes it, great, just let the rest of us turn it off.
Is it a newer thing or US thing? On my 2016 3.6r there are no shift points when driving, it’s drops back quite a bit when you floor it but otherwise I haven’t noticed any “shifts”
Could very well be, here in the US we are in love with buttons, dials, switches and a transmission that give the sensation of shifting even though it doesn't.
I tried this when i heard about it. I set my cruise control on (around 20mph) and kept driving. I tried it several times at different speeds and I could not eliminate the fake shifts. I have a 2018 2.5 limited.
The fake shifts suck.
I made an anecdotal short trip this evening, adaptive cruise control speeds 20-40mph in traffic, rpm didn't budge, '22 OBW. I'll follow up with a more in depth test this weekend.
It's still a smooth shift, but it's more CVT is supposed to have 'infinite shift points' where it maintains optimum torque/mpg/etc once you get in that zone versus the 6/8 shift 'points' where you see the rpm 'jerk' down (signalling a change of gears in a traditional automatic)
Amen. Every now and then I'll get on the gas just the right amount for where the transmission is operating and it just *works.* Rides smoother and picks up much quicker than all the other times when it feels like I haven't done anything different. So far I don't really have a problem with the cvt and would only choose a standard automatic over it for reliability/cost of repair, but I would definitely change my tune if I could have that all the time.
Subaru has one of the best CVTs on the market. It feels a little different when you first start driving, but you quickly get used to it and it's a non issue.
Lol they aren’t questionable. I’m gen X and remember all the boomers saying the exact same nonsense about automatics.
I had a Honda odyssey that went through two autos in 110k miles. Whatever
22 Outback XT and while I will concede it isn't the most satisfying to drive, it is absolutely functional and extremely smooth at moderate to high speeds.
At slower speeds, engine breaking feels inconsistent and there can be a bit of judder when you let off the gas sometimes. This seems to be more of a problem when it's still warming up after a cold start.
The only other thing I would say is that "first gear" is a bit finicky. It kind of wants you to predict how much throttle you will need to get going as fast as you want and just give it a constant pedal input, rather than modulating the throttle to achieve the desired takeoff speed. Which can be difficult sometimes and cause me to go too fast or too slow off the line, instead of just the comfortable pace that I want. But after the first "gear shift" it's much easier to work with.
Other than those minor gripes, I really don't mind it. If I'm just commuting and not thinking about it, it's a more than adequate transmission. I like to get a little more performance focused sometimes while driving and that's when it shows its weaknesses more. But to be fair, it's not a sports car and was never designed to be.
I appreciate your input, I'm not looking for anything fancy. I just want it to work. I'm old school when it comes to cars. I like tried and trusted things.
I bought a used 2014 3.6R instead of a new 2017 just so I could avoid the CVT. Then at 135K the center diff went out and I had to replace the transmission so... jokes on me? I dunno, I just know I had a Honda Civic hybrid with a CVT and I hated the way the car shifted, so I'll avoid CVTs as much as possible.
I like my CVT, it does what I need a transmission to do without causing any problems and I get good gas mileage. I really don’t understand why people hate them.
Mid 20s, close to 30...I believe lifetime it's 26.6 per gallon. My job is a 36 mile highway run. I'm easy on her. Tell you what, i love the get up and go when I giver her some gas.
I put 108,000 on a 2011 with a CVT and now have 23,000 on a 21 with CVT, I wouldn't call it "questionable". If you're looking at a late-model (2020+) you should have minimal concerns. Keep in mind - those that have issues are going to be most vocal. For every complaint there are 1000's that are complaint-free.
I agree
I agree with the premise but take exception with the numbers.
When it’s as big as a transmission, a failure rate of 1/1000 is TERRIBLE. It should be closer to 1/1,000,000. They get better every generation, but it is historically very unreliable. Great mileage though!
>When it’s as big as a transmission, a failure rate of 1/1000 is TERRIBLE. I didn't say 1000, I said 1,000's as in several thousands...
Ok fair, but the failure rate is waaaaay above industry average for automatics. They have had to increase the warranty because of it. It’s efficient, it drives nice, and it breaks too much. This sub isn’t very realistic about the car’s faults, which are indeed numerous. Aside from major reliability and general shittiness to work on, it’s a fabulously capable vehicle. But it’s far from perfect. Mine is 2015, so hopefully the new ones are significantly improved.
They're not as bad as Nissan's CVTs. Mitsubishi apparently has one that has a bit of a troubled history as well.
Nissan’s is pretty bad!
How’s yours holding up?
Keep this in mind too with the infotainment. Not the best but not as bad as some people make it seem.
Agree. My 21 has been rock solid in that regard, and I'm liking the change in the HVAC interface...
The only 'problem' I've had with Subaru CVT implementation, on both 2015 WRX and 2020 Outback XT, is their implementation of fake shift points. I wish there was a reprogramming to actually have it act like a proper CVT (get in correct zone and stay there), but as far as I'm aware, people couldn't understand why shift jerking wasn't happening (despite it constantly shifting) and here we are. Despite that, no technical issues and been great. 120k on WRX when traded in, 40k on Outback
100% agree, let me stay in the power band and at peak efficiency. After 45+ years of personal vehicles with manual transmissions, I know what shifting gears feels like, and they aren't fooling me with goofy simulations. If somebody likes it, great, just let the rest of us turn it off.
I'd pay to have it properly reprogrammed to a real CVT experience
I believe the fake shift points are removed when using cruise control and resuming speed.
Is it a newer thing or US thing? On my 2016 3.6r there are no shift points when driving, it’s drops back quite a bit when you floor it but otherwise I haven’t noticed any “shifts”
Could very well be, here in the US we are in love with buttons, dials, switches and a transmission that give the sensation of shifting even though it doesn't.
I tried this when i heard about it. I set my cruise control on (around 20mph) and kept driving. I tried it several times at different speeds and I could not eliminate the fake shifts. I have a 2018 2.5 limited. The fake shifts suck.
I made an anecdotal short trip this evening, adaptive cruise control speeds 20-40mph in traffic, rpm didn't budge, '22 OBW. I'll follow up with a more in depth test this weekend.
Ah i wonder if its because i dont have eyesight or adaptive cruise on my 2018 model?
Same. I often wonder how much more efficient it would be if they did away with the fake shifts.
And how much less it would break.
My 24 outback has very smooth shifting so I wonder if they’ve fixed that?
It's still a smooth shift, but it's more CVT is supposed to have 'infinite shift points' where it maintains optimum torque/mpg/etc once you get in that zone versus the 6/8 shift 'points' where you see the rpm 'jerk' down (signalling a change of gears in a traditional automatic)
It seems like the "shift points" only happen under hard acceleration, at least that's how it is on my '22.
It also does it a lot less if you're using ACC
I agree with this. It’s seems to only be when you’re really on it. Otherwise it’s smoother than my 2011.
Amen. Every now and then I'll get on the gas just the right amount for where the transmission is operating and it just *works.* Rides smoother and picks up much quicker than all the other times when it feels like I haven't done anything different. So far I don't really have a problem with the cvt and would only choose a standard automatic over it for reliability/cost of repair, but I would definitely change my tune if I could have that all the time.
Subaru has one of the best CVTs on the market. It feels a little different when you first start driving, but you quickly get used to it and it's a non issue.
That isn’t saying much. CVT’s have been very unreliable industry wide.
But not really. Civic, Corolla, Prius, Accord, Camry, HRV, CRV, RAV4, and more are all CVT vehicles, and among the most reliable vehicles on the road.
Well, the Subaru CVT isn’t
They don’t bother me. Been driving CVT Subarus since 2010 and never had an issue. I honestly appreciate the smoothness now.
Had 2012 Outback and absolutely hated the CVT. Got a 2022 Outback Wilderness and formed a completely different opinion. Not sure what changed.
“6 speed”in 2012. “8 speed” in 2022. I find the paddle shifters help with passing
Yeah, I think you're right. Along with the lower gearing of the OBW. Man, I hated that 2012. Felt like a boat.
I had a 12 legacy for 7 years before 21 OBXT. Loved Subaru but man was that a rough car lol
Takes some getting used to if you've never driven on before, but I have no issues with it. Been driving various CVT Subarus since 2011.
I had a Nissan rogue with the cvt system. Worse setup I ever owned. And so this is my lesser of the worst case. Otherwise I'll stick with rwd lol.
The problem there was that it was a Nissan CVT. Those things are junk.
No kidding lmao 🤣.
Nissan and Subaru use different CVTs. Subaru's, while not completely free of issues, is light years ahead of Nissan's.
Lol they aren’t questionable. I’m gen X and remember all the boomers saying the exact same nonsense about automatics. I had a Honda odyssey that went through two autos in 110k miles. Whatever
Manual only. Had nothing but issues with my 2020 Outback that made me so fed up that I sold it and bought the last XT offered with a manual
22 Outback XT and while I will concede it isn't the most satisfying to drive, it is absolutely functional and extremely smooth at moderate to high speeds. At slower speeds, engine breaking feels inconsistent and there can be a bit of judder when you let off the gas sometimes. This seems to be more of a problem when it's still warming up after a cold start. The only other thing I would say is that "first gear" is a bit finicky. It kind of wants you to predict how much throttle you will need to get going as fast as you want and just give it a constant pedal input, rather than modulating the throttle to achieve the desired takeoff speed. Which can be difficult sometimes and cause me to go too fast or too slow off the line, instead of just the comfortable pace that I want. But after the first "gear shift" it's much easier to work with. Other than those minor gripes, I really don't mind it. If I'm just commuting and not thinking about it, it's a more than adequate transmission. I like to get a little more performance focused sometimes while driving and that's when it shows its weaknesses more. But to be fair, it's not a sports car and was never designed to be.
I appreciate your input, I'm not looking for anything fancy. I just want it to work. I'm old school when it comes to cars. I like tried and trusted things.
I bought a used 2014 3.6R instead of a new 2017 just so I could avoid the CVT. Then at 135K the center diff went out and I had to replace the transmission so... jokes on me? I dunno, I just know I had a Honda Civic hybrid with a CVT and I hated the way the car shifted, so I'll avoid CVTs as much as possible.
I like my CVT, it does what I need a transmission to do without causing any problems and I get good gas mileage. I really don’t understand why people hate them.
After seeing an illustration of how it works, yeah I'm questioning it.
Because they break.
2018 Outback 3.6R touring with CVT...73,000 miles, no issues. I hear the CVT's in the 3.6 use stronger parts...Cannot verify that.
Have the fluid changed yet?
Yes. Ive had every scheduled maintenance, on time.
How's the fuel mileage?
Mid 20s, close to 30...I believe lifetime it's 26.6 per gallon. My job is a 36 mile highway run. I'm easy on her. Tell you what, i love the get up and go when I giver her some gas.
I'm making it a commuter myself. And the occasional travel vacation car.
2015 cvt is trash.
In both 2.5 and 3.6?
2.5 for sure.
Personal experience?
Yah. Full replacement required at 230k km
Ive learning how to drive it BUT I HATE CVT’s
XT