Understanding Continuously Variable Transmission in the Nissan Altima

Nowadays, vehicles with automatic transmissions are smooth and easy to drive, but that wasn’t always the case. They used to be more imprecise and less fuel-efficient than their manual counterparts. As comfort and fuel economy became increasingly important to drivers, automakers had to develop new ways to provide the convenience of automatic shifting while reducing these downsides. 

The introduction of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was an automotive milestone that had a huge influence on the evolution of automatic transmissions. It provided a whole new concept as an alternative to gear shifting. Nissan started using CVT technology back in 1992 and has been improving it ever since. The company now includes its third-generation CVT as standard in one of its most popular models, the Altima.

What Is CVT?

A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that uses pulleys and either chains or belts instead of traditional gears. This provides a virtually infinite range of gear ratios, unlike traditional automatic transmission technology, which uses fixed gears. Regardless of the vehicle’s speed, CVT will operate at its most efficient and effective rpm to maximize power and minimize fuel consumption. It also makes the whole driving experience smoother as you don’t have to shift between a limited number of gears.

Some of the main advantages of CVTs are:

• They provide excellent fuel efficiency: Arguably the best argument in favor of CVTs is that they provide excellent fuel economy. A CVT’s constantly adjusting gear ratio keeps engine rpm as low as possible, preventing the inevitable over-revving that occurs with traditional transmissions.
• They accelerate more smoothly: The constant gear changes needed when accelerating a vehicle with a traditional transmission system can be annoying. Vehicles with CVT have a smooth and continuous acceleration process, which can significantly improve comfort for the driver and their passengers.
• They’re lighter than regular transmissions: CVTs are usually smaller and lighter than traditional automatic transmissions. This helps improve fuel efficiency and results in better acceleration and overall performance, especially for compact and midsize vehicles.

Some potential downsides of CVTs include:

• They may be more costly to repair: The specialized parts of a CVT may be more expensive to replace than standard automatic transmissions and may require specialized technicians. However, they have fewer moving parts than regular transmissions.
• They may take a while to get used to: Driving a car with a CVT may take some getting used to after years with regular transmission systems. The continuous engine sound is different from the usual sounds that accompany gear shifts.

What Nissan Altima Years Have CVT Transmission?

As mentioned earlier, Nissan’s history with CVT started in 1992, though CVT didn’t become an integral part of the company’s transmission technology until the 2000s. The first Nissan Altima to offer CVT was the fourth-generation 2007 model. It was configured with a six-speed manual transmission, but CVT was available as an optional upgrade and standard on the hybrid version. 

CVT became the standard transmission for the Altima in 2010. This continued with the fifth-generation Altima, which debuted in 2013, and the current generation of Altimas, which spans from 2019 until now, features the most advanced CVT to date.

Updates and Improvements in CVT Over the Years

Although the Nissan Altima has been using CVT technology for almost two decades, the current system is far more advanced than the first iteration. Nissan completely redesigned its original CVT to reduce friction and widen the gear spread, and the company debuted the updated XTRONIC CVT in its fifth-generation Altima in 2013. This improved the Nissan Altima’s reliability and performance.

The sixth and current Altima generation features the latest, most up-to-date CVT system from Nissan — the third-generation XTRONIC transmission with D-Step Logic Control. This computer-controlled system analyzes factors like current speed and the accelerator pedal’s position to mimic the feel of a traditional gear-based transmission. This gives drivers the familiar feel of a traditional transmission system while also providing the perks of a CVT, including smoothness and fuel efficiency.

The 2025 Altima solely uses XTRONIC CVT and pairs it with a capable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 model has a highway fuel economy of 39 mpg thanks to the CVT system, which is exceptional for a vehicle without a hybrid system. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nissan Altima CVT

Read on to learn the answers to some common questions regarding the Altima’s CVT system.

Does the Altima’s CVT Use Traditional Transmission Fluid?

No, Altimas with CVT don’t use regular transmission fluid. They use Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3, which includes high-quality friction modifiers and special additives to provide smoother shifting. If your CVT fluid needs to be checked or replaced, it’s best to let professionals like our Easterns Nissan of White Marsh technicians do it.

Does the Nissan Altima’s CVT Come With a Warranty?

Yes, the Altima’s CVT system comes with a warranty. You’re covered for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Come Try Out the New Nissan Altima at Nissan of White Marsh

The smoothness of CVT technology needs to be experienced firsthand in order to be fully understood. You can do that by visiting us at Easterns Nissan of White Marsh and taking a Nissan Altima for a spin. We’ll be here to answer all your questions regarding the CVT and the vehicle, helping you make a fully informed decision regarding your next car purchase. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.