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I realize that there are other threads available for the opinions of many on this topic already, so these are just our thoughts and comparisons after driving a CVT XV Loaner for a few days.
Our most initial reaction to the CVT is the MPG Dial Gauge (5 to 7 o'clock position) within the Bottom Right Gauge Cluster. On the CVT the Gauge tends to stay in the 6 to 7 (-mpg) not overly efficient position as versus the 5MT driving which we seem to keep on the 6 to 5 (+mpg) side of the gauge. The CVT shows a greater consumption of fuel until you get to 50mph, utilizing that dial only as a judge, than our 5MT. I don't watch the digital mpg gauge on the dash, it is just too distracting. Where the CVT truly excels is above 50mph. When we run at 58mph with our 5MT we stay around 2500 rpm and the CVT cruises at 1800rpm. I can only imagine that the true mpg highway driving of the CVT will be amazing.
From the stoplight, the CVT has a definitive edge over the 5MT. The initial giddy-up from the line on the CVT is significantly better than our 5MT. Once you get to 30mph both transmissions are equal. I truly feel that the 5MT excels between 30mph through 50mph where the CVT seems to be confused as to how it should operate. Again, we were only driving the CVT in the Automatic Mode, so those biased to the Sport Auto Paddle Shifter Mode can eliminate the shifting inconsistencies at this speed range. The CVT would overthink a shift to maintain a higher rpm at times and within the same drive it would shift to a lower rpm as I thought it should. I seemed to share the same confusion that the CVT would randomly display, again only between the 30mph through 50mph range.
We can now see why the CVT may not be as fuel efficient as the 5MT presents for around town driving. The CVT would be much easier during Stop and Go traffic because the 5MT does not always agree with the slower speed driving. There is a slow speed crusing difference between 1st and 2nd Gear on the 5MT that takes some getting used to for optimal trolling speeds.
We can say this, there is no substitute for the Driving Feel of the Manual Transmission no matter how good you get at Sport Paddle Shifting. From the ease of cruising mindset, the CVT is truly effortless and does not require any attention to the cluster, it simply allows you to keep your eyes on the road ahead.
We waited for our XV, so we are clearly biased to the Clutch, but I truly do not understand why so many "Critics" have such a distaste for the Subaru CVT. From a CVT comparative view the Subaru Transmission far exceeds any other CVT that we have driven and experienced, this includes rental cars, within the $20k to $40k price bracket.
Our XV and the Loaner XV were the Base Premium Cloth Models, so it was an apples to apples comparable driving experience. The only difference was our 5MT vs. the Loaner CVT.
If you have read through this and still haven't felt the satisfaction as to why we had an XV Loaner for three days then here is your answer. Our XV arrived with a huge Scuff/Rub mark on the superior side of the Rear Spoiler. It was buffed, but the damage went through the clear coat. The dealer got Subaru of America to authorize the Spoiler to be removed, wet sanded, and Clear painted again. The results and look of the Spoiler now match the rest of the paint on our XV.
Our most initial reaction to the CVT is the MPG Dial Gauge (5 to 7 o'clock position) within the Bottom Right Gauge Cluster. On the CVT the Gauge tends to stay in the 6 to 7 (-mpg) not overly efficient position as versus the 5MT driving which we seem to keep on the 6 to 5 (+mpg) side of the gauge. The CVT shows a greater consumption of fuel until you get to 50mph, utilizing that dial only as a judge, than our 5MT. I don't watch the digital mpg gauge on the dash, it is just too distracting. Where the CVT truly excels is above 50mph. When we run at 58mph with our 5MT we stay around 2500 rpm and the CVT cruises at 1800rpm. I can only imagine that the true mpg highway driving of the CVT will be amazing.
From the stoplight, the CVT has a definitive edge over the 5MT. The initial giddy-up from the line on the CVT is significantly better than our 5MT. Once you get to 30mph both transmissions are equal. I truly feel that the 5MT excels between 30mph through 50mph where the CVT seems to be confused as to how it should operate. Again, we were only driving the CVT in the Automatic Mode, so those biased to the Sport Auto Paddle Shifter Mode can eliminate the shifting inconsistencies at this speed range. The CVT would overthink a shift to maintain a higher rpm at times and within the same drive it would shift to a lower rpm as I thought it should. I seemed to share the same confusion that the CVT would randomly display, again only between the 30mph through 50mph range.
We can now see why the CVT may not be as fuel efficient as the 5MT presents for around town driving. The CVT would be much easier during Stop and Go traffic because the 5MT does not always agree with the slower speed driving. There is a slow speed crusing difference between 1st and 2nd Gear on the 5MT that takes some getting used to for optimal trolling speeds.
We can say this, there is no substitute for the Driving Feel of the Manual Transmission no matter how good you get at Sport Paddle Shifting. From the ease of cruising mindset, the CVT is truly effortless and does not require any attention to the cluster, it simply allows you to keep your eyes on the road ahead.
We waited for our XV, so we are clearly biased to the Clutch, but I truly do not understand why so many "Critics" have such a distaste for the Subaru CVT. From a CVT comparative view the Subaru Transmission far exceeds any other CVT that we have driven and experienced, this includes rental cars, within the $20k to $40k price bracket.
Our XV and the Loaner XV were the Base Premium Cloth Models, so it was an apples to apples comparable driving experience. The only difference was our 5MT vs. the Loaner CVT.
If you have read through this and still haven't felt the satisfaction as to why we had an XV Loaner for three days then here is your answer. Our XV arrived with a huge Scuff/Rub mark on the superior side of the Rear Spoiler. It was buffed, but the damage went through the clear coat. The dealer got Subaru of America to authorize the Spoiler to be removed, wet sanded, and Clear painted again. The results and look of the Spoiler now match the rest of the paint on our XV.
I also felt that the MT was sluggish off the line, it was also louder inside the car as well as feeling like it was always going to be between gears going uphill.
