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We know we’ll get a negative response from this report. Still, the Subaru Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic gearbox is one of the best features on the 2021 Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, and Ascent SUVs. It’s probably the most misunderstood part of the drivetrain and despised by most automotive “experts.” But when used correctly, it’s a feature that ramps up driver engagement.
The CVT automatic transmission is criticized most because they are high revving, noisy, and slow to accelerate once the car is moving. In most cars, this is true. Subaru pairs the Boxer engine with the CVT automatic for its fuel-saving capabilities. The CVT uses a step-less gear ratio that allows the engine to run in its optimal power range, no matter what speed you maintain, for improved fuel economy and performance. But Subaru adds two misunderstood features.
But Subaru adds a manual mode function with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that allow the driver to select seven or eight preset ratios depending on the model. Most automotive journalists don’t take the time to understand, and most importantly, use the system correctly to maximize the Lineartronic CVT’s abilities.
They leave the transmission in automatic mode, eliminating the need to shift and let the Lineartronic CVT adjust to match acceleration. But they let one of the best attributes of the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback go unused.
The 2021 Subaru Forester Sport, Limited, and Touring models use a Lineartronic CVT with Adaptive Control and a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters. All 2021 Subaru Outback trims come with Lineartronic CVT with Adaptive Control and an 8-speed manual mode with paddles.
The 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited get the automaker’s newest Lineartronic CVT with Adaptive Control, Incline Start Assist, and 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters.
In 7-or 8-Speed Manual Mode, paddle shifters are mounted near the top of the steering wheel for easy “fingertip control,” giving the driver the ability to select the gear ratio that suits the driving situation. The result is a sharper and sportier driving experience. But many automotive journalists are either too lazy or fail to learn how to use the paddles correctly.
They let the transmission sort everything out on its own by default and then complain because it doesn’t “shift” like a conventional automatic transmission. But Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT manual mode combined with the steering wheel paddles are a unique feature for drivers who take the time to understand how it works.
The CVT, manual mode, and paddles work in concert and are an excellent option to have in a performance context. The driver can “downshift” with the left paddle and bump the shifter on the center console left to lock it into manual mode. The two features give the informed driver a high level of engagement and control over the transmission’s behavior, as you’ll find in more expensive sports cars.
The Subaru Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox is one of the best features on the 2021 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, and Ascent SUVs when appropriately used.
You Might Also Like: 5 Ways To Best Use The New Subaru Forester and Crosstrek Paddles And One You Should Avoid
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
Why do you start so many
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Why do you start so many sentences with the word "but?"
well, 5 times anyway.
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In reply to Why do you start so many by Mike Skinner (not verified)
well, 5 times anyway.
Mike, "but" can serve as a conjunction, a preposition, an adverb, or a noun in sentences. This word is commonly categorized under conjunctions because it can connect two clauses together and form a single sentence. If you state a trueism denoting a conceived fixed position on a subject you can then commence to put forth an argument against it by using that joining word "but". Incredibly handy.
Good, eh!
before replacing my 2010 3.5l
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before replacing my 2010 3.5l Outback with the last of the 3.6's in 2019 I admit to worrying about what I'd think of the CVT - but I took the plunge anyway because I love that 3.6 Boxer engine.
And you sir are correct. I played with the car and "learned" how to drive it properly. If we remember the car is naturally programmed to run smoothly and economically and that the driver has to employ what else is available to make performance more sparkling then we begin to appreciate the CVT.
I have to remind my wife of this (she drives well is inclined to leave the car to do its thing - and in suburban driving that is fine) when she decided to drive up to her sister's home 455kms away. Part of this drive includes negotiating large hills and entails quite a bit of elevation gain necessitating tight twisty bits of road.
1. flick driving mode to S# 2. slick transmission lever to the right and engage the paddle shifters. Doing this seemingly doubles available power - and I'm quite certain that most reviewers aren't aware of this when they comment that this engine should be more lively. Driven properly this is a mightily responsive and beautiful device. And even the 2.5 is quite decent enough if the same techniques are used.
However it seems probably that the majority of drivers will never experiment to get the best from their CVT equipped car. Perhaps Subaru salespeople should be more proactive in demonstrating how to drive their cars in a lively manner when it's necessary. It'll certainly increase driving pleasure
The CVT is one of the worse
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The CVT is one of the worse transmissions ever! Don't believe me? Just look at the problems and recalls. Reliability is also problematic with statements like " If you don't routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2020 Subaru Crosstrek transmission will slip" from Mike Shaw Subaru. OR from Automoblog "There is a fair chance your Subaru CVT will last well beyond 60,000 miles as long as you stick to the factory-recommended maintenance schedule and take care not to overfill your transmission fluid." I find it disgusting you so called auto reporters shill whatever new technologies manufacturers want to test on the unsuspecting public.
Umm new technology? CVT
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In reply to The CVT is one of the worse by Brant Harrison (not verified)
Umm new technology? CVT transmissions have been around for decades. Subaru first used them in 1989 I think. As the saying goes "a bad tradesman blames his tools". If you service your car regularly and properly oh and also learn how to drive your car properly you will find a CVT especially one made by Subaru will be so much more fun to drive than your normal AT and will last heaps longer too. In future please don't hate on something just because you don't know how to maintain or drive the car you have bought.
My wife likes the Subarus and
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My wife likes the Subarus and I do also, but after reading a bit about these CVT's - I think we'll have to look elsewhere. To be honest, we don't really want to use the paddle shifters all the time to make up for the failings. This article was kind of a weak attempt at making them look better than the apparent junk they are.
your choice! but having
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your choice! but having learned to use CVT properly on my 2019 3.6 Outback I have totally dispelled any misgivings and doubts I had up until purchase. My wife is totally content to leave the car in Drive but will put it S or S# mode on a trip. I will do that too but I also use the paddles when I want best control and response on hilly or tight, curvy terrain. Best of both worlds really and with some of the driver input a manual transmission gives. The acceleration response using the whole process available is a treat.
It seems nobody understands
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It seems nobody understands CVTs, including the author of this article. Vehicles with CVTs "rev high" because the CVT keeps the engine at the highest torque output, which always gives the most power. Acceleration is not less, it is more. People who want to control the CVT with paddles are either 1. control freaks or 2. those who have an occasional geniune use, such as engine braking. "Manually shifting" a CVT will result in slower acceleration, always. But it will make you feel like you are in control, and marketing departments find a huge value in that.
How come I read stories of
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How come I read stories of CVT's going bad around 80k miles or less? Most them involve Subaru or Nissan. I don't want to spend $30k+ on a car and have to spend $4k to replace the CVT that early on. I generally keep my cars a long time. Didn't Subaru and Nissan get sued over reliability of there CVT's? They much better now! Really?